We are continuing to update this page with important information and resources regarding COVID-19.
Update: 4/16/2020
Forbes has collected support resources from government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations that are providing support during this unprecedented time. Click here to access their list.
USDA unveils tools to help rural communities. Click here to view resources available to rural communities, individuals and businesses.
Update: 3/24/2020
ECDI Norhern Ohio & WBC Northern Ohio Resources
Financial assistance:
Cleveland City Council has announced plans to take legislative action with the goal of suspending evictions for at least 60 days for people experiencing economic hardship caused by the novel coronavirus.
Cleveland Water and Cleveland Public Power (CPP) have temporarily stopped disconnection of residential services for non-payment. If you have recently been disconnected for non-payment, please call Cleveland Water at 216-664-3130 or CPP at 216-664-4600.
Cuyahoga County has suspended work activity requirements for people who receive food stamps and federal cash assistance. All county assessments and on-site visits related to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are suspended until further notice. For more information about work requirements, a voice mail message can be left at 216-987-8656 for TANF, and 216-987-6820 for SNAP.
The Greater Cleveland RTA has guaranteed two weeks paid leave to employees who are quarantined or isolated due to coronavirus.
HFLA of Northeast Ohio is offering emergency, interest-free loans to people affected by the coronavirus. Loans of up to $1,500 are available for purposes including, but not limited to, lost wages, child care costs due to school closures, and medical costs. Learn more and apply here, or call 216-378-9042.
The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency. Nonprofit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov. Additional information is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.
Painesville City has temporarily stopped the disconnection of residential services for non-payment during the month of March. If you have questions about your connection, contact 440-392-5797.
The State of Ohio has extended unemployment benefits to workers in quarantine and employees of businesses that temporarily shut down due to coronavirus. Learn more here.
Food resources:
Chardon Local Schools will be offering meal services and other resources for families during the school closure. Please visit their Facebook page for the latest.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District is offering free meals for all children in the city of Cleveland ages 18 and younger as well as shuttle service to and from the 22 meal pickup sites. Schools will also provide instructional material for students to use during their time off. Learn more here.
Geauga County Department on Aging will continue its home delivered meals program and will be offering Congregate Meals "to-go" at each of its senior center locations. Learn more here.
The Geauga County Hunger Taskforcesupports independent food pantries and other resources for area residents in need. Call 440-285-2261 or visit their website here.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank works with partners across the community to deliver and distribute food to residents in need. Access food programs here, or call 216-738-2067.
The Lunch Box, Painesville City Local Schools' mobile food service program, will distribute pre-bagged lunch and breakfast meals to all children under 18 while schools are closed. Please visit their Facebook pagefor more information.
United Way of Lake County offers a listing of area food pantries by city. You can find more information here.
Civic engagement:
The U.S. Census Bureau is monitoring the coronavirus situation and modifying its operations accordingly. Completing the census form online is highly encouraged. You can learn more here.
Vote by mail: Following the suspension of the March 17 primary election due to the current public health emergency, you may request an application from your county board of elections to vote by mail:
Other resources:
Cleveland Public Library and Cuyahoga County Public Library are offering free WiFi access in their parking lots and plan to expand online offerings including audio and video content for streaming. Cleveland Public Library has created a list of resourcesto keep children engaged in learning while schools are closed.
Lifeline Lake County is working with partners to address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about local resources and changes to agency services, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit their website here.
Neighborhood Connections is exploring ways to combat social isolation while following social distancing protocols. Visit their website and sign up for their e-newsletter for updates.
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless has launched an emergency fund to help the homeless and other vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more here.
United Way of Greater Cleveland 2-1-1 HelpLink is available 24/7 to help those with questions about the coronavirus and to provide access to support services and programs. Se habla español.
Healthcare resources
State and local public health agencies and hospital systems are offering vital information and resources for people who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have questions about the pandemic:
- Ohio Department of Health:Call the 24/7 hotline via 833-427-5634.
- Cleveland Clinic: Call your primary care physician or start a virtual visit using Cleveland Clinic Express Care® Online. Patients may also call 855-697-3750.
- MetroHealth System: Call 440-59-COVID (440-592-6843).
- University Hospitals: Call 1-855-401-3013or visit org/services/coronavirus.
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System: Call 1-888-350-3100or visit va.gov/n-coronavirus.
- https://www.gcpartnership.com/coronavirus– includes links to business resources, health and wellness information, and local news updates.
- https://www.gcpingear.com/employers-now-hiring– is a compilation of all the jobs we know are available right now. Deb and her team continue to have daily conversations with businesses and this webpage will be updated accordingly as we receive more information from NEO companies. We consider this to be a good resource for employers to send to those employees they had to lay off.
ECDI Cincinnati & WBC of Cincinnati & Southern Ohio Resources
Utilities:
- Duke Energy announced that because customers may be facing unusual financial hardship, the company has immediately suspended disconnections for non-payment. This applies to all home and business accounts in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana as well as other states effective March 21.
- Greater Cincinnati Water Works is canceling water shutoffs and restoring water service. Questions? Call 513-591-7700.
Hamilton County:
- Courthouse: The Court of Common Please has suspending all jury trials until April 13, 2020. If you have been summoned for jury duty, do not report the courthouse, please visit their website or call the Juror Hotline at 513-946-5879.
- Public Assistance programs: In-person interviews and work requirements are suspended. The agency is conducting initial qualifying interviews, as well as re-certification interviews, over the phone, instead of in person. Other requirements, such as assessment paperwork and tests, can be done at home or online. JFS is also granting “good cause” exemptions for those who would normally be required to participate in a work activity or attend school.
Food:
- Liberty Street Market (112 E. Liberty Street)
- Open Daily 9-3 PM
- For Emergency food distribution of prepackaged bags with distancing practices in place for customer at.
- Food Pantries throughout Cincinnati
- Vincent de Paul – 513-431-0602. Food pantry open Monday through Saturday.
Groceries:
- TriHealth Healthy Harvest Market: Learn More Here
- Open to the Public
- Neighborhoods: Avondale, Bond Hill, Clifton, College Hill, Evanston, Millvale, Price Hill, Sayler Park, South Fairmount, Walnut Hills, West End, and Winton Woods
Meals:
- Cincinnati Public Schools
- Meals will be served March 17–April 3 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week with an additional serving day of Tuesday, March 17. All meals will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, children will receive two breakfast meals and two lunch meals. On Fridays and Tuesday, March 17, children will receive one breakfast meal and one lunch meal. All meals will exceed USDA nutritional requirements.
- AMIS
- Bond Hill
- Chevior
- Douglass
- Hays-Porter School
- John P. Parker
- LEAP Academy
- Airy
- Washington
- Oyler
- Parker Woods
- Pleasant Hill
- Riverview
- Roberts
- Rockdale
- Roselawn
- Rothenberg
- Sayler Park
- South Avondale
- Western Hill University High School
- Westwood
- Winton Hills
- Withrow
- Woodford
- Meals will be served March 17–April 3 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays each week with an additional serving day of Tuesday, March 17. All meals will be served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays, children will receive two breakfast meals and two lunch meals. On Fridays and Tuesday, March 17, children will receive one breakfast meal and one lunch meal. All meals will exceed USDA nutritional requirements.
Transportation:
- NKY: TANK reduces schedule, offer free rides ‘until further notice’
General:
- United Way’s 211 hotline. Open 24/7. Or online at http://www.referweb.net/uwgc/
Rent:
- Vincent de Paul administers the city’s Eviction Prevention Initiative. 513-562-8842, ext. 771.
Or check if you qualify online at https://www.svdpcincinnati.org/Get_Help/ - Salvation Army – 513-762-5660
Update: 3/23/2020
Childcare
Gov. DeWine offered clarification on the childcare orders released earlier this week. All childcare can be found here.
- Beginning Thursday, 3/26/2020, Childcare providers must have a temporary childcare license.
- Childcare providers may only have six kids per room.
- Daycare slots will be prioritized. Families of those directly involved in the fight against COVID-19 including healthcare providers and first responders will be prioritized. If there are any remaining slots, parents may apply for their children. The application can be found here.
State Finances
Ohio State Legislature is returning this week. Business activity is slowing down and state revenue will decrease dramatically so its important to take action now. Gov. DeWine has ordered the following:
- Immediate hiring freeze in State Government
- Only exception is for those directly involved in fighting the Coronavirus.
- Travel freeze for Government workers
- Freeze on new contract services effective immediately
- All members of the cabinet must look for cuts they can make immediately in budget and spending
- Requesting the state controlling board to reduce spending on variety of projects
Stay-At-Home Order will go into effect at 11:59PM on 3/23/2020
Update: 3/20/2020
FOOD
GROCERIES
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MEALS
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Free/Discounted Food Services
Piada - Free kids meals for K-12 students between 10:45am-1pm
Smoked on High Barbeque - Starting 3/18/2020, kids can get an order of drummies or pulled chicken for free for the next 3 weeks.
Nasty’s Sports Bar and Restaurant in Hilliard - Kids eat free Sunday’s and Monday’s
Uber Eats - waived all delivery fees
Greek Express - free lunch to school aged kids Monday-Friday 11am-2pm
Fusion - $1 Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls through app and in-store
El Rodeo Mexican - Free meals K-12 Monday-Friday from 2pm-5pm (no purchase necessary)
Roosters - Free kids meals age 12 and younger starting 3/16/2020 through 4/5/2020
All People’s Fresh Market - open for regular hours #614-445-7342
Free Meal Pick Ups at Schools
Columbus City School Locations: Monday-Friday (Breakfast 8am-9am and Lunch 11am-1pm)
Linden-McKinley Stem Academy
Buckeye Middle School
Independence High School
Columbus Afrocentric Early College
Sherwood Middle School
Centennial High School
Columbus Global Academy
Mifflin High School
Woodward Park Middle School
West High School
Starling PreK-8
Wedgewood Middle School
Dublin City Schools: Monday-Friday 9a-2p (grab and go)
Dublin Scioto High School
Riverside Elementary
Pickerington Local Schools- Monday-Friday 11:30a-12:30p (grab and go)
Tussing Elementary
Harmon Middle School
Ridgeview Jr. High
Groveport Madison Schools: Monday-Friday 11:30am-12:30pm for children under 18 years old
Asbury Elementary
Dunloe Elementary
Glendening Elementary
Madison Elementary
Middle School Central
Middle School North
Worthington Schools: Monday-Friday 10a-1p
Thomas Worthington High school
Worthington Kilbourne High School
Slate Hill Elementary
Canal Winchester Local Schools: Monday-Friday (grab and go) Check school website for full details (http://www.cwschools.org/)
Westerville City Schools: Starting 3/19/2020 will have food delivery. Check website
Bexley Schools: Breakfast and Lunch available 2x’s per week at 4 different locations- (NOTE: only for students who qualify for free lunches)-Check website for details
Reynoldsburg High School Livingston Campus
- March 23-27 meals can be picked up between 11a-1p at French Run Elementary
Reynoldsburg High School Livingston Campus
-March 30-April 3 meals can be picked up between 11a-1p at French Run Elementary
French Run Elementary
Hannah Ashton Middle School
Reynoldsburg High School Livingston Campus
Grandview Heights Schools: Monday-Friday (grab and go meals)
Breakfast: 8am-8:15am at Edison Commons
Lunch: 11am-11:30am at Edison Commons
Gahanna Jefferson Schools: 11a-1p
Goshen Lane Elementary
Royal Manor Elementary
Middle School East
Middle School West
Lincoln High School
Other:
The LunchBox will be passing out emergency bags of food throughout the duration of the school closures to families needing them most (https://www.thelunchboxohio.org/)
Transportation
COTA: As of 3/17/2020, COTA buses will only be running 1x per hour and will stop running at 10pm instead of 12am
Child Care
Call Action for Children at #614.224.0222
Safe Families: for respite services #614-210-3267
Shelter
Overflow shelter: have to leave at 8am
Main Shelter: do not have to leave, but have to remain in the common area
*Note: families need to call the shelter directly for more guidance
Star House: #614-826-5868
Closing everyday 11am-2pm. Taking temperature when enter the building. If you have a fever you will be given a goody bag and turned away. Not allowing usual partners or visitors inside except for medical personnel
Huckleberry House: #614-294-8097
No longer accepting basic conflict situations. If there are significant allegations of PAB/SAB or homeless teens are able to utilize this service. Will continue to offer community based workers via telecommunication due to limiting the amount of younger population. College students who are foster youth: Info@togetherwerise.org (will help provide or help find housing during the transition)
Education
ABC Mouse: Free membership with code (SCHOOL7771)
Utilities
AEP: Suspending shut offs
Columbia Gas: Suspending shut offs
Internet Services
- Spectrum: Free Wi-Fi for K-12 (for 60 days) #1-844-488-8395
- Comcast: Availabel to all qualified low income households (English) #855-846-8376 (Spanish) #855-765-6995
Employment
-Contact Amazon, Aldi, grocery stores
Other
-Unemployment website is up to date with information (https://unemployment.ohio.gov/)
St. Stephen’s Community House
Food Nutrition Center: available for all Franklin County Residents (no zip code restrictions). Families can visit 1x a week through March 2020. Food will be pre-boxed foods ONLY.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm-3pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 3p-6p
**NOTE: if never been to the food pantry will need to bring proof of residency and ID
Diapers: available for children under 3 years old
Go to: SaintstephensCH.org for updated information and their blog
Gladden Community House
PIP and HEAP with the Breathing Association: only contact via phone call and NO face to face
After School Program: Monday-Friday from 1:30p-4:30p children can get dinner who are within the zip code
Food Pantry: zip code only and will receive pre-boxed food
Serving Zip Codes: 43204, 43222, 43223, 43215 and west of the Scioto River.
Juvenile Court
Postpone ALL non-essential and non-emergency hearing
Call clerk’s office for more information at #614.525.3600
If court date was postponed 614.252.4407
-Vital Statistics office is closed (NO birth certificate)
Healthcare
WIC:
-EVERYONE Contact via phone call before going to appointment
-Do not have to see the infant, but will need to provide birth certificate
-Children 1-5 years old have to be seen, but this will be a short 10-15 min visit and are eliminating medical portion (height/weight)
United Methodist Free Store: CLOSED until further notice
HOUSING STABILIZATION SERVICES
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UNEMPLOYMENT
Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services
- Unemployment benefits are now available to employees impacted by coronavirus in the following ways:
- Employer shut down operations
- Employees were laid off by employer because of coronavirus
- Individual was requested by a medical professional, local health authority, or employer to be isolated or quarantined
- Directions on how to apply (online or by phone) can be found on the ODJFS website.
Please carefully read and submit all required materials.
UTLITIES AND INTERNET
- Providing free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don't already have a spectrum subscription.
- Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
- To learn more or enroll call 1-844-488-8395
Utilities Suspending Disconnections
- The following local utility providers will no longer disconnect utilities for non-payment during the COVID-19 pandemic but please note: consumers should still pay any bills during this time.
- American Electric Power
- Columbia Gas
- City of Columbus Water & Electric Departments
- For more information about service disconnection or reconnection, customers should call 1-800-672-2231.
As of 3/17/2020, COTA buses will only be running 1x per hour and will stop running at 10pm instead of 12am
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES (OHIO.GOV)
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/Family-Activities/Resources-for-Parents-and-Families
