Learn more in this booklet on COVID-19 from Green Mountain Self-Advocates. Ya está disponible en español.
Suitable for children in general, this story/workbook for children (in English, español) explains the basics of COVID-19 and how to respond to the coronavirus.
The 211 information service has an online locator for food assistance, housing bills, and essential services.
Are you unemployed, or working reduced hours? You may well be eligible for unemployment benefits through the state’s Employment Development Department. If you have been affected by COVID-19 (sick, caring for someone else who is sick, or providing childcare), financial help may also be available to you.
Emergency rental or mortgage assistance may be available in your area. The CA Apartment Association has a lengthy list of local resources. Also, Gov. Newsom has issued an order preventing people from being evicted for not paying rent during the COVID-19 emergency. A separate agreement with various banks gives homeowners a 90-day grace period on mortgage payments.
Many utilities, including LA County Public Works, SoCal Edison, PG&E, SMUD, and San Diego Gas & Electric are not shutting off service for non-payment.
Comcast/Xfinity is increasing internet bandwidth speeds, and expanding programs for low-income families starting internet service.
Various stores large and small, including Walmart, Ralphs, Safeway, Albertsons, and the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op are instituting special shopping hours at the beginning of the day. These are reserved for seniors and high-risk individuals. Local hours may vary.
Are you a student who needs to leave campus? U-Haul is providing 30 days of free storage with a student ID.
Looking for a simple two-page guide to cleaning? The County of San Diego’s Department of Public Health has this disinfection guide (guia de desinfeccion).
The Department of Motor Vehicles is giving people a 60-day extension on doing things you would need to go to an office for. Separately, they have opened up a “Virtual Office” to assist folks. Additionally, the federal government has put a one-year delay on the “REAL ID” program. The new date for it to start is October 1, 2021. At that time, without a REAL ID, you will need a passport or other identification to (among other things) travel on an airplane.
The Federal Student Aid office is providing student loan forbearance, letting students delay payments until September 30, 2020, without late fees or interest charges. This does not apply to private student loans.