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Note: If you have a fever or cough or have any questions about your health, please call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, please call the Allegheny County Health Department (412-247-7800). If you or someone you care for are in distress, please call 911.
Schools often provide critical meals during children’s days. School closures can interrupt easy access to food. Here is a short list of food pantries in the city. We suggest calling first, if possible.
Northside Community Food Pantry
412-323-1163 | 1601 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
412-421-2708 | 828 Hazelwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 | Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30–3 p.m. | Monday 5-7 p.m.
Oakland Community Pantry of Community Human Services
(they have modified their flow to include waiting outside to be served one at a time) | 412-246-1615 | 370 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 | Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
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After Governor Tom Wolf closed all Early Head Start programs and pre-K through grade 12 schools in the Commonwealth, the United States Department of Agriculture gave the PA Department of Education permission to serve meals to all students offsite. Pittsburgh Public Schools notes “grab and go” meals will be available at all schools from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until March 20. Folks are advised to go to the school closest to their homes. The district is working on a plan to deliver to housing communities next week.
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Access to clothing and household items, including toiletries and snacks, can be found at two Free Stores in the region. These spaces allow shoppers to choose items at no cost:
Free Store 15014
420 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 | 201-532-1722 | Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free Store Wilkinsburg
619 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 | 412-436-9836 | Open every Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Access to medical services with sliding-scale fees: Contact health care providers by phone before coming to a clinic or hospital, if you meet the following criteria: symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath; travel to countries with coronavirus alerts within 14 days of symptom onset; or contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset.
(Northside) Northview Heights Clinic
412-322-7500 | 525 Mount Pleasant Road | 15214
(Hill District) Hilltop Community Health Center
412-431-3520 | 317 Climax Street | 15210
(East Liberty) East End Community Health Center
412-404-4000 | 1117 N. Negley Avenue | 15206
(Homewood) Alma Illery Medical Center
412-244-4700 | 7227 Hamilton Avenue | 15208
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Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with COVID-19. It is also increasing the speed of the program to 25 Mbps downloads and 3 Mbps uploads for all new and existing customers. Visit https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 for more details.
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Think about identifying and asking a friend, family member or coworker to check in on you with regard to your safety and support needs should you have to quarantine yourself at home.
We also know that isolating at home is not safe for everyone. Know that supports like the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available by phone at 1-800-799-7233.
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Your mental health is critical during the time of preparedness. The Mayo Clinic suggests connecting to supports, reading, getting outside or exercising inside, laughing, listening to music and dancing, practicing yoga at home, keeping a journal and managing intake of social media and news. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline—1-800-985-5990 or text mental health experts by typing the message “TalkWithUs” to the number 66746.
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Note that spiritual places are also working around the clock to maintain support and a sense of community. Check in with your house of faith as recent updates include movements to web-based services and changes to their programs.
United Way’s PA 2-1-1 Southwest is ready to help people facing difficulties. Its resource navigators can help connect individuals and families with food pantries, health care services, tax prep assistance, utility and eviction prevention assistance and more. Those seeking help should dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898-211, or visit PA211sw.org.
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Financial relief resources:
PNC is prepared to offer assistance, as needed, to affected customers through a range of measures. Should you, as a current PNC customer, encounter hardship as a result of COVID-19, call 1-888-762-2265 (7 a.m.-10 p.m. | Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST, Saturday and Sunday).
PWSA and Duquesne Light will discontinue water and electricity cutoffs.
PWSA’s waiver will remain in place until May 31.
Duquesne Light’s waiver will remain in place until May 1.
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Online resources:
www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to serve as a center for national messaging and updates on COVID-19.
www.naacp.org
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People continues to update the public on the COVID-19 situation.
www.achd.gov
The Allegheny County Health Department is providing up-to-date information and guidance for the region.
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