In response to the COVID-19 disaster and its protracted impact on local children, youth, and families, the Kids Hope Alliance has compiled a list of resources to help. We will try to keep it updated and accurate, as some of these programs, especially in terms of childcare, are subject to change with new developments.
NEW RESOURCE- Finances
The Financial Navigators program is designed to help residents deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing remote assistance in navigating critical financial issues and making referrals to other social services and resources.
Potential clients can request a financial navigation appointment by calling United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 904-632-0600.
Please note – Financial Navigators do not provide financial assistance. They help residents triage financial issues, identify immediate action steps, and make referrals to public programs and services.
Childcare:
- If you or someone you know is in search of emergency childcare services, call the Early Learning Coalition of Duval County at (904) 208-2040 to find a provider who is still open and has available space. Or you can visit their website here.
- The Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Child Care (OCC) supports low-income working families by improving access to early care and afterschool programs and administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)—a block grant to state, territory, and tribal governments that provides assistance for children and their families with paying for child care that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school. Please visit the Office of Child Care COVID-19 Resources page for all resources
Food:
- Duval County Public Schools have a free and reduced meals options for qualifying students. These are also available to students schooling virtually through Duval HomeRoom. Students enrolled in Duval HomeRoom can pick up school meals at their school of enrollment. The student or parent/guardian will need to bring their ID. The school will determine the time and pick-up location. Note, that this must be at the student’s assigned school. This is different than the summer meals program and how meals were provided toward the end of spring. In both those instances, federal restrictions were lifted. Click here for more details.
- Feeding Northeast Florida is providing agencies with “Family Meal Kits” that contain shelf-stable food items, produce, and meat when available. Click here to see the full list of participating agencies.
- FoodFinder is a national website that shows low-income families when and where to get free food from their closest pantry. There is also a mobile app, search for “Food Finder- Fighting Hunger.”
Internet:
- For students who may need internet access, Comcast is offering short-term free internet access for families that qualify. Find more details here.
- Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
- ATT is offering families 2 months of free service and $10 a month for eligible families. For more details call 866-861-6075 or visit att.com
Health Insurance:
If you are laid off due to business decisions related to the COVID 19, current ACA rules provide a sixty-day eligibility window for you and your family, called a Special Enrollment Period, to sign up for healthcare coverage available in your county. The Health Planning Council Navigators can help consumers review the basics of health insurance, assist with the online application and explain how federal subsidies for premiums and cost sharing work. HPC Federally certified Navigators provide telephonic or virtual assistance and have no financial stake in the plans consumers choose.
To schedule an appointment with a Navigator call 877-813-9115 or go online to www.coveringFlorida.org
Eviction Information:
The eviction moratorium signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that temporarily suspending evictions for nonpayment related to COVID-19 expires on September 1, 2020. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid has important information in regards to evictions and tenants’ rights. Click here to visit their website.
Mental Health:
- Florida Blue and New Directions Behavioral Health have teamed up to offer a hotline to help Floridians deal with their anxiety over the COVID-19 crisis. Specially trained behavioral health counselors will answer the phone 24-hours a day and offer assistance in both English and Spanish. To receive assistance, please call 833-848-1762.
- Full Service Schools will continue to provide mental health therapists to DCPS students. The therapists are available via telehealth. To access services either email the school social worker directly or email mentalhealthpsa@duvalschools.org.
- Get support regarding your anxiety or stress by speaking to a trained counselor at SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or by texting TalkWithUS 66746.
- The Centers for Disease Control provides helpful information regarding mental health and coping during a disaster, including tips to reduce stress. Click here to read.
- The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in Jacksonville: Mental health services via televideo or telephone to post-9/11 veterans, their families, and active duty families. The clinic telephone number – (904) 431-3500 – will be available during business hours, as before, and veterans, military families and outside organizations can continue to call directly to the clinic for an appointment.
- Northwest Behavioral Health: Mental health outpatient counseling, day treatment, and case management for children and adults. Please call (904) 781-0600 or (904) 781-7797.
Abuse/Domestic Violence Help:
Hubbard House operates a 24/7 emergency shelter, Hotline, and Textline, in addition to outreach services. The hotline is 904-354-3114, and the Textline is 904-210-3698. Those numbers are answered around-the-clock by trained advocates who can provide crisis management and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence, among other services. Find more info about resources at www.hubbardhouse.org.
Electric/Water
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LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by North Florida Community Action Agency, helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with:
- Home energy bills
- Energy crises
- Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs
LIHEAP can help you through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.
Call (904) 362-8052
Senior Citizens:
- Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to seniors. Click here to find services in your area.
- The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) is available to assist seniors who are over 60 years old, and make less than 150 percent of the poverty level, catch up on their energy bills and prevent service disconnection. Seniors can receive benefits of up to $600 twice per year, which are paid directly to their energy provider. To apply for benefits, seniors, or persons who know seniors needing assistance, should call (904) 630-CITY and request EHEAP assistance.
- ElderSource: Seniors in need of assistance or with questions can call the ElderSource Helpline at (904) 391-6699 or (888) 242-4464. For more information, individuals can also visit the ElderSource website.
- Aging True is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides a spectrum of services to seniors, including in home mental health care, therapy, and mobile health assessments. Call 904-807-7219 for information about their services, or click here visit their website.
- AARP has launched a website for AARP Mutual Aid Groups, which are informal groups of volunteers that band together to find effective ways to support those people most in need who live in their local community. Mutual aid can include picking up groceries, providing financial assistance, or lending emotional support to your neighbors. Learn more by visiting AARP’s website.
Struggling Small Business Owners:
Unemployment:
Additional Resources:
- 2-1-1 is a FREE service provided by United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help. From help with a household bill, food assistance, or counseling for suicide prevention, United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Just dial 211.
- MyJax is your connection to city services and information. Submit a request for service, check the status of your request or find answers to city related questions by calling the 630-City Help Line at (904) 630-2489 or by visiting MyJax Online.
PROVIDER SUMMER LEARNING RESOURCES
COVID-19 resources include, Virtual Programming, Professional Development, Parent and Youth Engagement
http://afterschoolalliance.org/covid/
- Institute for Childhood Preparedness
COVID-19 resources include free printable PDF Safety and Operation Guidance
https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/corona
- Florida’s Plan for Recovery
Includes general information regarding Gov. DeSantis plan to reopen Florida. The plan states current restrictions for individuals, businesses, schools, and childcare.
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/plan-for-floridas-recovery/
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
COVID-19 resources include guidance for childcare programs that remain open
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html