The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have rippled not only through people’s health care but through finances, education and many other parts of life. The following are some resources offering guidance or assistance during this unprecedented time.
Just Harvest has a page with resources about policies and programs, including information about the federal stimulus): https://www.justharvest.org/resources-to-help-people-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s COVID-19 resources, including food resources, WIC updates, Grab & Go notices, housing and facility resources, financial support, online education, mental and emotional support, health resources and mutual aid groups: bit.ly/CHPCOVIDResources
COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund: Households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh at 412-227-4163 to be screened for assistance.
Unemployment Support
Unemployment compensation: PA online link: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/File%20an%20Initial%20Claim.aspx. To apply by phone, call 1-888-313-7284.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to Pennsylvanians whose jobs have been interrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak (cannot be eligible for typical Unemployment Compensation benefits):
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4466
Displaced workers in the Mon Valley region are encouraged to reach out to the Mon Valley Initiative for support. Call 412-464-4000 (ext. 4027) or email chowell@monvalleyinitiative.com.
Grants and Loans for People Who Have Lost Wages and/or Jobs
Support for tipped workers (service industry, car service drivers, personal service workers, etc.) from One Fair Wage Emergency Fund—complete intake form at https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help.
The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh offers interest-free loans on a nonsectarian basis to residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties who may not qualify for assistance through other institutions. More information here: https://hflapgh.org/coronavirusloan/
Emergency relief for bartenders: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap?fbclid=IwAR0H4U_NixUnzH7EtEixsiscYttC2HaWlxY809VFHsWx513zggmC3IoNwJg or click to the grant section on the USBG Foundation website at www.usbgfoundation.org.
Career Development/Employment
Jewish Family and Community Services is offering career development support, with free online appointments. Contact Wendy Solomon at 412-586-3722 or email wsolomon@jfcspgh.org.
Employment Opportunities:
Partner4Work: https://www.partner4work.org/news/covid-19-resources/
CareerLink Pittsburgh: Help is still being offered remotely by calling 412-552-7100 (Downtown office) or 412-436-2225 (Forest Hills office) or by filling out the contact request form here: https://www.careerlinkpittsburgh.com/.
Financial Counseling/Planning
Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center—virtual financial counseling free and available to Pittsburgh residents. Access the Google Doc here to see details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dac6HgYpLgzUPNLtyn-y6s1qiM0wOK5Y/view?fbclid=IwAR1Pxf0BvVMTcSX_WtlYFua7SIQUICx0c2Fd1927OhI1vhPe261cEViy1Yw
Bank of America offers a Better Money Habits program. For an online link to resources, click here: https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en
Paying for Housing/Utilities:
Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—Apply on the COMPASS website: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome
Dollar Energy Fund—People must first apply for LIHEAP. Contact your utility company. Say you would like to apply for Dollar Energy Funds and need to find a community-based organization to help you apply. See link for application process: https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/application-process/
Emotional Support
People who may be experiencing fear, anxiety or stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to speak with someone to assist in emotional support:
Peer Support and Advocacy Network
10 a.m.—midnight
1-866-661-WARM (9726)
resolve Crisis Services
24 hours/7 days a week
1-888-796-8226
General Resources
Comcast has offered programs for people who need access to the internet: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19.
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has compiled a list of national resources for artists, including grants and emergency funds: https://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/about/news/25-press-releases/5196-supporting-the-arts-during-covid19.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains an additional list of resources for individuals and families, including Driver Services, Utility Assistance, Financial Help and more. Visit the PA.gov resources page here: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals.
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