LibGuides: Coronavirus Resources: Community Resources

Emergency Assistance

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine in MA
Check when you are eligible to get the vaccine, make an appointment at a location near you, and learn what to do to prepare for the appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Massachusetts’s planning and preparation for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Guidance For Fully Vaccinated People
Guidance is based on CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people.
When Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
A timeline for vaccine distribution.

Emergency Assistance

Are you Impacted by COVID-19 and Need Housing Assistance?
Find local housing resources and emergency shelters in your community.
Facing an Eviction Informational Videos
Tenants facing eviction are encouraged to stay in their homes, apply for rental assistance, and get legal help. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
How to Apply for Emergency Housing Payment Assistance
Massachusetts can help you with overdue rent payments (as well as overdue utilities or mortgage payments). Learn how to submit a complete application.
COVID-19 and Unemployment: What You Need to Know
Individuals impacted by COVID-19 can collect unemployment if their workplace is shut down. Apply online for the fastest results.
DTA COVID-19 Resources and Support
Find resources, information and announcements from the Department of Transitional Assistance related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Find Food Assistance
During this crisis, many individuals and families find themselves suddenly needing help getting food. Use this food assistance decision tree to help you find out what programs might be available to you.
NOTE: If you need food right away, please call the CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333 for information on how to find food near you.
Free Meals for Kids
Kids and teens can get free meals at hundreds of locations throughout the state, no registration or ID required! Meals will be available as late as December 31, 2020. Find a location near you.
MassSupport
Free and confidential counseling for stress and other emotional reactions to the Pandemic in multiple languages. Offers referral to services and free mental health screenings. Call 888-215-4920 or email MassSupport@riversidecc.org.

Other Helpful Resources

413Cares
A one-stop online portal for Western MA residents to access critical information, resources and referrals to community-serving organizations.
COVID-19 Public Resources Map
Shows the location of resources available to the public during COVID-19 pandemic, such as food banks, houses of worship and Project Bread site locations.
Dept. of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
Apply online for SNAP and cash benefits.
Look4Help
A free, web-based service available 24/7 with 1,000 agencies, programs or services to assist you in Franklin and Hampshire counties, and the North Quabbin regions of Western MA.
Mass 211
A free referral hotline and online search tool providing access to emergency assistance by location and real-time COVID-19 information.
Massachusetts Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Massachusetts can help you with past due rent payments and utility bills. Find out if you are eligible for emergency housing payment assistance.
Massachusetts Virtual Family Assistance Center (Red Cross)
Support to families and communities who have suffered loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes special virtual programs, information, referrals and services to support families in need. Can also call toll-free 833-492-0094 for help. All support is provided virtually and is completely confidential and free.
Pandemic Unemployment Insurance
Provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits.
Social Security & Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Information for people receiving SSI/SSDI on COVID-19 and continuity of benefits.
Springfield Partner's for Community Action: COVID-19 Emergency Response Program
Can help Springfield residents with COVID-19 related expenses including Electric Bills (up to $500), Groceries (up to $200), Water and Sewer (up to $500), Funeral Expenses for COVID Victims (up to $2,500), Rent and Mortgage (up to $1,500), and Water Heaters (up to $1,500). Income guidelines apply. For more information call 413-263-6500 or email COVID@springfieldpartnersinc.com.

Additional Resources

Community Resources
An extensive guide to campus, state and local resources for anyone in need of housing, food, medical, legal, mental health assistance and more.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisories, Recommendations and Resource Guide
From the city of Springfield.
Coronavirus Tips: Frequently Asked Questions and Advice
The New York Times answers many of your questions, on health, mental health, how to help, money, staying in, going out, politics, science and travel. Includes a section for kids, too.
Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2)
Food Safety and COVID-19: A Comprehensive Guide
Low Cost Internet - Internet Essentials from Comcast.
Two months free, $9.95 per month. Must meet eligibility requirements
Resources for Adults During Coronavirus Closures
Links and information about resources for adults during this period of Coronavirus closures and service changes. Courtesy of Springfield City Library.

COVID 19 SNAP Grocery Reimbursement
Reimbursement to $50 per family for groceries bought with SNAP (EBT) card.
Dinner Club Food Program
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke will offer a free "Grab & Go" Dinner Club Meal Program to all youth in Holyoke ages 18 years old and younger.
Find Food Assistance
During this crisis, many individuals and families find themselves suddenly needing help getting food. Use this food assistance decision tree to help you find out what programs might be available to you.
NOTE: If you need food right away, please call the CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333 for information on how to find food near you.
Food Bank of Western Mass
Visit their website to find a food pantry or free meal during the COVID-19 crisis. Most member agencies have adjusted their hours, food distribution process or have decided to close. The schedule is updated frequently, so please check back regularly.
Holyoke Public School Meal Pickup 2020-2021 School Year
Meal service is available at Morgan, Kelly, Sullivan, HHS North, Donahue, and Lawrence. Grab and go breakfast will be provided at school for in-person learners. Remote learners, parents or guardians can pick up their meals Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 12pm – 2pm. Families experiencing difficulty reaching one of the sites or interested in the weekend backpack program please contact Jasarah Burgos via email at jburgos@hps.holyoke.ma.us.
Key Local Food Resources (413Cares)
Pandemic EBT Program
Provides additional food support during COVID-19 for students who would have received free or reduced-price school meals.

Pandemic EBT Benefits Flowchart
A flowchart showing how MA school age children are getting P-EBT benefits.

Project Bread Foodsource Hotline
Call 1-800-645-8333 for food assistance. Hours: M-F 8am - 7pm and Sat. 10am - 2pm. Provides information about resources in your community and assistance with SNAP applications over the phone.
SNAP for Workers Who Lost Hours Due to COVID-19
Springfield Public School Meal Pick Up 2020-2021 School Year
Any person 18 or under is eligible. No identification, registration or address is required. Meals will be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and will provide meals for seven days a week. Pick up locations will now be Boland, Brookings, Central, Chestnut, Deberry, Duggan, Forest Park, Harris, Indian Orchard, Lincoln, Milton Bradley, Putnam, Rebecca Johnson, Talmadge, Van Sickle, Warner, and Washington. Pick-up hours are from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. At the Central High School pick up location, the Friday pick-up time will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Are you Impacted by COVID-19 and Need Housing Assistance?
Find local housing resources and emergency shelters in your community.
COVID-19 and Evictions: Your Landlord Should Not Try to Evict You
Landlords should NOT be evicting tenants right now. Find out what tenants can do to resist eviction. From the Northeast Legal Aid and Mass Law Reform Institute.
COVID Eviction Legal Help Project
Massachusetts COVID Eviction Legal Help Project gives free legal help to low-income tenants and owner-occupants of 2 or 3-family homes on COVID related evictions.

Emergency Housing Payment Assistance during COVID-19
Get help now with rent and mortgage payments.
Eversource Financial Assistance for Energy Bills
Facing an Eviction Informational Videos
Tenants facing eviction are encouraged to stay in their homes, apply for rental assistance, and get legal help. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Help Making Your Home Safe & Decent
A new website that helps tenants document bad conditions in their home and take action to get the repairs they need.
Homes for All Massachusetts
Did you receive an eviction notice or a summons to court? Have you been threatened with eviction or foreclosure? Are you behind on rent or mortgage and worried? Don't panic or leave. You have rights, and help is available. Links to organizations in your area with free information, support, and help.
How to Apply for Emergency Housing Payment Assistance
Massachusetts can help you with overdue rent payments (as well as overdue utilities or mortgage payments). Learn how to submit a complete application.
Local Housing Resources
Lists numerous emergency housing resources and programs if you need help with rent or mortgage payments.
Massachusetts Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Massachusetts can help you with past due rent payments and utility bills. Find out if you are eligible for emergency housing payment assistance.

Covid-19 Symptom Checker
Buoy Health’s new online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents to check their symptoms and connect with the appropriate health care resource.
Get Health Insurance
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, an extended enrollment period is available through May 25, 2020 for qualified Massachusetts residents who are uninsured.
Get Tested MA!
Learn who should get tested for COVID-19, what to do if you receive a positive test, and details on the different types of tests available. Search for a convenient test site with details on hours, testing for kids, and drive through options.
Holyoke Health Center
Telehealth virtual visits available for both medical and dental non-urgent, non-essential patients, as well as pharmacy delivery and curbside pick-up. Offices remain open for sick/urgent visits. Call 413-420-2200 before walking in.

Key Local Health Resources
From 413Cares.
MassHealth Coronavirus Updates
COVID-19 related information for MassHealth members and applicants.
What To Do if You're Sick
Information from the CDC.
Your Rights, Protections and Equal Access to Health Care During the COVID Crisis
Important information about your rights during the crisis. Available in عَرَبِيَّة (Arabic), Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), 中文 (Chinese), English, Français (French), Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole), Português (Portuguese), русский (Russian), Español (Spanish), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Mental Health Crisis Support

Contact your behavioral health provider to see if they can schedule a telehealth visit. Telehealth is a virtual therapy session. Many providers are now offering this option
BHN Springfield-based Mobile Crisis Intervention (24/7): 413-733-6661
Disaster Distress Helpline. Call 1-800-985-5990 (24/7) Immediate crisis counseling if you are experiencing emotional distress from COVID-19. Toll-free, multilingual, and confidential. Or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Samaritans 24/7. Call or text our 24/7 helpline any time at 1-877-870-4673.
Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741
Massachusetts Network of Care to locate behavioral health resources in your area.
Massachusetts Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention (ESP/MCI) - 877-382-1609
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) (24/7) to speak with a trained expert advocate for confidential support, resources and information. Spanish and other languages available.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
MassSupport: Call 888-215-4920 for free community outreach and support services across the state in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Expert Quick Tips for Managing Coronavirus Anxiety
How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine
How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Resources and tips from the MA Dept. of Mental Health to help boost emotional health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.
MA Network of Care
COVID-19 behavioral health information hub for MA. Search for community resources for children and adults with mental health and substance use needs.
NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
This excellent resource answer frequently asked questions regarding the intersection between Coronavirus (COVID-19) and people affected by mental illness, their caregivers and loved ones. Features FAQs on a variety of topics from managing anxiety and social isolation to accessing health care and medications.
Stay Engaged, Have Fun, Relieve Stress
Lots of resources for moving, creating, listening and exploring from the MA Library System.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Virtual Recover Resources
Resources that can be used to virtually support recovery from mental/substance use disorders .

Comcast Internet Essentials Plan
$9.95/month + tax for 50 Mbps with no Credit Check, term contract or cancellation fees
COVID-19 and Internet and Cellphone Services
Learn more about this new federal program to help low-income households pay for Internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency Broadband Benefit
Provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households.
Spectrum Internet Assist
High-speed internet at an affordable price for qualified households
Verizon Lifeline Discount Program
If you qualify for the Lifeline discount service, you can receive a reduced rate on your Verizon monthly bill
Xfinity WiFi Hotspot Coverage
Find and use Xfinity WiFi hotspots for free

Unemployment Claims

Aplicación Para Solicitar Seguro de Desempleo en Español con Teléfono Móvil
Apply for MA Unemployment Assistance Online
CARES Act Explained
A simple visual explaining what you need to know and do the CARES Act which provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for Massachusetts workers.
Pandemic Unemployment Insurance
Provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits.
Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Individuals impacted by COVID-19 can collect unemployment if their workplace is shut down. Apply online for the fastest results.

Employee Rights

Employee Rights: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Information on paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for Covid-19 related reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Frontline Worker Resources
Resources for health care workers and first responders in MA and information for the public about how to help and thank our frontline heroes responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

Employment Opportunities

Amazon is Hiring
Find a job now. Earn $17/hr or more (includes added $2/hr through April). Start as soon as 7 days. No resume or previous work experience required.
Apply for Jobs Assisting Long Term Care Facilities
Positions available supporting the recovery of COVID-19 positive patients in long term care facilities in MA.
Apply for Jobs at COVID-19 Temporary Care Sites
Recruiting for paid positions in traditional healthcare roles and non-healthcare roles to support MA COVID-19 Temporary Care Sites while they are in operation.
Apply for MA COVID-19 Contact Tracer Jobs
MassHire
Although not seeing people in person, they are taking calls, returning voicemails and emails and converting their services and workshops for electronic delivery.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
COVID-19 Health Fund
Reimbursement assistance from the Healthwell Foundation for costs associated with delivered food, medication, diagnostics, transportation and telehealth as a result of COVID-19 risk or incidence.
Discounted Home Internet Service Offerings: COVID-19
Courtesy of Boston College IT Services.
Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage will be making temporary cash gifts to service workers as funding becomes available. Fill out the intake form online.
Key Local Financial Assistance Resources (413Cares)
Steps for Quicker Financial Relief

Child Abuse and Neglect
If you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please report it immediately to your local DCF Office. There are several in Springfield including 413-452-3200. In Holyoke call 413-493-2600. Anyone can file a report of abuse or neglect.
Call the Child at Risk Hotline1-800-792-5200 after hours and on weekends.
Emergency Childcare
Emergency child care programs authorized by EEC will serve children of families designated as COVID-19 Essential Workforce only, with emphasis on those in the health care, public health, and human services and law enforcement, public safety, and first responder fields.
Free Audiobooks for Kids
For as long as schools are closed, kids can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories from Audible, including titles across six different languages.
Hand Held
Resources from mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents to guide you in caring for your child’s mental health and emotional well-being.
How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus
Pandemic EBT Program
Provides additional food support during COVID-19 for students who would have received free or reduced-price school meals.

Pandemic EBT Benefits Flowchart
A flowchart showing how MA school age children are getting P-EBT benefits.

Resources for Children and Families
From Baystate Health, lists community resources for children and families in Western Massachusetts including:
1. Food
2. Mental health & recovery
3. Education and other community programs
Resources for Families During Coronavirus Closures
Excellent list of resources from the Springfield City Library.
Springfield Public Schools New and Updates
Getting back to school safely.
WIC COVID-19 Updates
Updated information on WIC services during the pandemic.
Youth & School Services
Lot of resources to help students and families while school is out including educational sites, and streaming storytime as well as information for parents/caregivers.

Emergency Diaper Resources

Springfield WIC Offices (North and South) - For WIC participants with a scheduled appointment.
The Gray House Food Pantry (The Market) - 22 Sheldon Street, Springfield. Open Thur., 9 AM - 12 PM; 2nd & 4th Friday of the month from 4 PM- 6 PM (ID, proof of income and address needed- intake form to complete). Please contact (413) 734-6696.
The Family Resource Center - Call (413) 733-7699 for more information.
The Square One Family Center - 1095 Main Street, Springfield, (413) 732-5183. Contact Jenise Katalina at JKatalina@startatsquareone.org or message through the Square One Facebook page.
Open Pantry Community Services - 2460 Main Street, Springfield. Open 9 AM- 3 PM on M-W and F. Call (413) 737-5354 for more information.

If you are experiencing violence at home or concerned about a loved one that may be experiencing violence, please contact these hotlines to get support and assistance in safety planning measures for both yourself and your family.

Springfield Police Department Emergency number: 911
Police Department Domestic Violence Coordinator: 413-735-1519
Police Department Domestic Violence Advocate: 413-735-1520
Domestic Violence Shelter Services, Springfield YMCA: 24 hour hotline 413-733-7100 (TTV) or 800-796-8711 (TTV
SafeLink -- 877-785-2020 (toll-free) Statewide 24 hour multilingual hotline (Shelter, support & safety planning)
SafeLink TTY -- 877-521-2601
National Domestic Violence Hotline -- 800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline -- 800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline -- 866-331-9474
National Suicide Prevention Hotline -- 800-273-8255
The Network La Red - 800-832-1901 (24/7) (for LGBTQ, BDSM and polyamorous community)

Other Important Resources
Other resources on getting help, finding a safe place to stay and getting out of danger and staying out.
Child Abuse and Neglect
If you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please report it immediately to your local DCF Office. There are several in Springfield including 413-452-3200. In Holyoke call 413-493-2600. Anyone can file a report of abuse or neglect.
Call the Child at Risk Hotline1-800-792-5200 after hours and on weekends.

Emergency Resources for Military/Veteran Community
Wells Fargo Veterans Emergency Grant Program
Emergency grants are available to eligible veterans who are enrolled fulltime in postsecondary education and experience unexpected financial difficulties that might cause them to drop out from school. Grants are available for a one-time distribution up to $1,000 based on the cost of the emergency need.