For more information on my response to COVID-19, please see my OCOVID-19 response platform.
Housing Resources
CARES Funding to Assist with Rent and Mortgage Relief
Applications are now being accepted for CARES funding to assist with rent and mortgage relief. Eligible individuals must be experiencing at least a 30% reduction in annual income and be under the annual median income (approximately $83,000).
Apply here:
- Homeowners: http://phfa.org/pacares/mortgage.aspx
- Renters and Landlords: https://www.phfa.org/pacares/rent.aspx
Utility Assistance
If you are a homeowner or renter and are struggling to pay utilities, please consider looking into the LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program to see if you are eligible to apply for aid. The link below will help you determine if you are eligible for aid and will guide you to the application.
Government Resources
Resources for Pennsylvanians during COVID-19 Outbreak
Comprehensive list of resources collected by the Governor’s office, including a map of cases statewide:
https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#CasesinPennsylvania
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance
Latest guidance regarding how to prepare and protect yourself, symptoms and what to do if you feel ill, and guidance on travel, schools, and workplaces. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Pennsylvania Department of Health Guidance
Latest guidance including information for educators, healthcare professionals, pregnant or nursing women, andthose caring for children or older adults: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Health%20Care.aspx
Allegheny County Health Department Guidance
Latest guidance, a county hotline, rumor control, operational changes to county services, and sign up for county updates including Allegheny Alerts by phone/text or email:
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19.aspx
Allegheny County Free Resource Distribution Map
Pandemic Modeling
Scientific modeling of the course of the disease depending on different social distancing scenarios.
Medical Resources
Testing services for COVID-19
If you’re going to any medical facility in person, call before you go. Testing sites in Allegheny County available at:
- Allegheny Health Network drive-up coronavirus test sites opened Wednesday in the parking garage adjacent to AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion in Pine. The three other sites are opening in Monroeville, Bethel Park and Erie. Contact your physician before going.
- UPMC opened a testing facility in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Contact your physician before going.
Government Income Support
Federal Stimulus Checks
If you have questions about federal stimulus checks, whether you are eligible or when you might receive a check, call 800-919-9835.
Unemployment Compensation
If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefits. Apply at: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx.
A few changes to the UC System:
(NEW) The Waiting Week is suspended: Previously, claimants were not eligible for benefits during their first week of unemployment (the “waiting week.”) This has been suspended; eligible claimants may receive benefits for the first week that they are unemployed.
(NEW) Work Search and Work Registration requirements are Temporarily waived for all UC claimants. Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits. Claimants are also not required to register with https://www.PACareerLink.pa.gov.
Worker's Compensation
Learn more about Workers’ Compensation and the Injured Worker.
2020 Senior Farmers Market Program
Certain senior citizens are eligible for vouchers to be used to buy produce from local farmers, download an application here. Use the link provided to see if you are eligible for the voucher. The application is due by September 24 and can be emailed to AAA-SFMNP@alleghenycounty.us or sent to the address below:
Area Agency on Aging Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
2100 Wharton St., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Community Health and Human Service Resources
United Way of Southwestern PA
- United Way of Southwestern PA
- Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898211 or visit pa211sw.org
- Food
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 412-460-3663
- Just Harvest, 412-431-8960 x602
- Assistance with SNAP and WIC benefits
- North Hills Community Outreach, 412-408-3830 ; 412-487-6316
- Hampton High School has drive-up service for Hampton students on free or reduced lunch from 11:30 am -1:00 pm Monday through Friday: www.ht-sd.org/page.cfm?p=1&newsid=6730
- Shaler Area School District is distributing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch Mon-Fri from 11-1 for any student age 18 or younger at the Northern Area Boys and Girls Club, 100 Howard Street, in Millvale and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 66 Grant Avenue, in Etna
www.sasd.k12.pa.us/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=632U2Y2&dasi=4G0B2; Contact: Sue Cook at cooks@sasd.k12.pa.us. - Pine-Richland School District – distributing grab and go breakfast and lunch to students who qualify
- Fox Chapel School District – students who receive free or reduced price lunch can receive a week’s worth of grab & go food once per week from pick-up locations in the district
Network of Hope Food Bank, Allison Park Church
2326 Duncan Ave, Allison Park, PA 15101
First and Third Tuesday of Every Month
Next Scheduled Distribution April 21, 2020
Register online: https://www.allisonparkchurch.online/boxes-of-hope
Contact: Connie 412.487.7220
North Hills Community Outreach
1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101
Next Scheduled Distribution April 28,2020, 11am-1pm
Drive Thru, please do not arrive early
Contact: Carolyn Pschirer chpschirer@nhco.org
Council Three Rivers American Indians (COTRAIC) : Food Pantry
120 Charles Street, Dorseyville, PA 15238
Monday – Friday 9:30am – 1:00pm
By appointment only, call Gil
Contact: Gil Cutruzzula 412-292-9571 gcutruzzula@coltrac.org
- Resolve Crisis Services – 1-888-796-8226 – Open 24/7
- PA Mental Health Helpline 1-855-284-2494 – Open 24/7
- Child care
- Early Learning Resource Center 5 (Allegheny County) – 412.350.3577
- Child Care for Life Sustaining Employees:
- Seniors & Older adults
- SeniorLine of Allegheny County: 412-350-5460
Also includes meals on wheels
- SeniorLine of Allegheny County: 412-350-5460
Small Business Resources
Business Loans
DCED announced that the COVID-19 Relief Grants for PA Small Businesses program is open to applications. This program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to Pennsylvania small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. This program is an important step in the pandemic recovery of PA and targets the businesses that have experienced the greatest loss of revenue. Additionally, at least half of grants will go to historically disadvantaged businesses that have traditionally experienced discrimination when seeking financial services. Small businesses can go here to select a CDFI to apply through pabusinessgrants.com.
Additional Small Business Resources
- Federal Small Business Association Loans: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: https://dced.pa.gov/resources/
- Working Capital Access (CWCA) Program: Administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) this program provides interest-free loans of up to $100,000 for most small businesses:
- Bridgeway Capital: https://www.bridgewaycapital.org/covid-19relief/
General and Industry-Specific Financial Resources
United Way of Southwestern PA
- Pittsburgh Artists Emergency Fund
- Bartender Emergency Assistance Fund: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
- Lump sum grants
- Children of Restaurant Employees: https://coregives.org/
- Emergency assistance to restaurant employees who are parents and who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have a household member diagnosed
- Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar:
- Hebrew Free Loan Association
- Interest-free loans for those in need of a financial “bridge” to cover lost wages, childcare costs, businesses losses, and other challenges: http://hflapgh.org
Additional Resources
Mental Health Crisis textline: Text PA to 741-741
- DHS Anxiety Helpline (staffed 24 hours/day): 1-855-284-2494
- Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255 suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522
- Emergency Contraception or home pregnancy and birth control:: Planned Parenthood of Western PA
- AA Live Phone meetings: http://aaphonemeetings.org/
- Veterans Leadership Program: (412) 481-8200
- Veterans and their families can receive government grants to pay rent and information on permanent housing placement. Other programs include funds for security deposits for the homeless, transportation, shelter, and more.
How can I help in specific communities?
-
North Hills Community Outreach – https://nhco.org/donation-covid-19/
-
Hampton Rotary – https://www.hamptonrotary.com/
-
Allegheny Health Network – https://www.ahn.org/coronavirus/ways-to-help
Democracy and Voting Resources
- 10/19/20 is the last day to register to vote in PA, here is the link to register to vote for November election: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
- Mail-in ballots applications must be received by 5 p.m. on 10/27/20 and ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on 11/3/20, here is the link to apply for a mail-in ballot: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin
- Here is the link to find one’s polling location: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx