community resources
COVID-19
Though we can’t know what comes next, Ohioans are not alone. Our state has done an excellent job of flattening the curve and putting programs in place to help those who live here. But, that doesn’t mean this is easy. Below is a list of resources for a range of needs to help get through this time. You can find ways to support your family, yourself, and your neighbors. Stay strong Ohio, we’ve got this.
If you know of a resource that should be added to this site, please email hello@alaina2020.com.
If you are unable to find what you’re looking for, call United Way at 2-1-1 to find more resources for your unique situation.
The Ohio Public Health Hotline is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
National Resources
Latest Public Health information from the CDC can be found here: https://www.coronavirus.gov/
Latest Research Information from the National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
CARES Act Summary: https://taxfoundation.org/cares-act-senate-coronavirus-bill-economic-relief-plan/
CARES Act FAQ: https://taxfoundation.org/federal-coronavirus-relief-bill-cares-act/
Symptom Checker: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Statewide Resources
The State’s COVID-19 information page is a great place to learn more about the measures that the state is taking, and to get updates on the virus quickly. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
You can view the Governor and Dr. Acton’s daily Press Conference here: https://ohiochannel.org/
Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services website: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndEmployers.stm
Find out if you’re eligible for benefits like meal assistance, utility & rent assistance, Medicaid, and more: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
Nutrition Resources
If you are experiencing symptoms, please try to have someone run errands for you. If that is impossible, please call one of the following resources to see if home delivery can be arranged. Thank you.
To find a food pantry or meal assistance program near you, use this website: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/get-help/kroger-pantry/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2_3GmpbZ6AIV8ZFbCh0kxwq0EAAYASAAEgJgiPD_BwE
If you have recently lost income, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Find out more here: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/get-help/snap-assistance/ and apply here: https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/indexOHLanding.jsp#wlp_applyForBenefits14
Please keep in mind that some of these locations may have closed. We did our best to weed out the resources that are no longer available, but please call before you leave if you’re worried about a closure.
Delaware County:
This website has compiled many of the food distribution resources available in Delaware County: https://www.liveuniteddelawarecounty.org/covid-19
Find out what your school district is doing to help provide meals for students: https://7cb5fca446b7ef946612-f5b3e4dd32a30449e6fabdff5efe9098.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/School-Meals-Information-1.pdf
Delaware County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://delawarehealth.org/women-infants-children/
Mid Ohio Food bank in Delaware County: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Delaware.pdf
If you are able to give anything to help those in need right now, United Way Delaware has compiled organizations in Delaware County that need your help: https://www.delawarecountyfamilies.org/covid-19
Morrow County:
Cardington Food Pantry continues to operate: http://www.cardingtonfoodpantry.org
If you live in the Cardington School District, the food pantry will attempt to arrange for home delivery.
From the website: “Healthy and younger volunteers are needed during Wednesday pantry hours and will need at least 5, but no more than 10 to pre-pack boxes as well. Boxes are also needed. If you would like to volunteer or can provide boxes, please email cardingtonfp@yahoo.com.”
Morrow County Schools providing lunch assistance: https://morrow.k12.or.us/article/district-provide-meals-during-school-closure
A list of food banks in Marion and Morrow Counties: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/marion_and_morrow_county_food_pa.html
Morrow County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://www.wicprograms.org/li/morrow_county_wic_program_43338
Mid Ohio Food bank in Morrow County: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Morrow.pdf
Richland County:
The BNOC pantry remains open during normal pantry hours: http://www.bnoc.org
Richland Schools to provide meals for students: https://www.richlandsource.com/education/richland-county-schools-to-distribute-lunches-breakfasts-to-students/article_6049730e-6551-11ea-812e-c7162fefb601.html
Here is a list of other food banks and pantries in and around Mansfield: https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/oh-mansfield
Richland County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://www.wicprograms.org/li/richland_county_wic_program_44907
Licking County:
This website has a list of food pantries in the Licking County Area: https://foodpantrynetwork.net/food-pantries/
Get updates on which pantries and soup kitchens are operational during the crisis, and any changes to operation hours: https://www.facebook.com/FoodPantryNetwork/
Licking County Schools providing meals to students: https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/education/2020/03/22/coronavirus-licking-county-schools-feed-students-instructing-online/2882380001/
Licking County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://www.lickingcohealth.org/MCHP/wic.html
Marion County:
Mid Ohio Food bank in Marion County: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Marion.pdf
A list of food banks in Marion and Morrow Counties: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/marion_and_morrow_county_food_pa.html
Marion County Schools providing meals to students: https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/local/2020/03/15/marion-schools-deliver-free-lunches-during-coronavirus-closure/5041567002/
Marion County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://www.wicprograms.org/ci/oh-marion
Muskingum County:
Eastside Ministry has active food banks and an emergency clothing bank: http://eastsideministry.org
The Zanesville Salvation Army has rent and utility assistance, food banks, and an emergency homeless shelter: https://neo.salvationarmy.org/northeastohio/zanesville
A list of Muskingum County food pantries: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/food_pantries_muskingum_county.html
Muskingum County Schools providing meals to students: https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/2020/03/16/christs-table-schools-plan-continuing-food-service/5057383002/
Mid Ohio Food bank in Muskingum County: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Muskingum.pdf
Muskingum County WIC supplemental nutrition information: http://www.zmchd.org/wic/
Franklin County:
Mid Ohio Food bank in Franklin County: https://www.midohiofoodbank.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Franklin.pdf
Franklin County WIC supplemental nutrition information: https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/women-infants-and-children-wic/
Franklin County Schools providing meals to students: https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200327/coronavirus-despite-closures-columbus-area-schools-feed-kids-at-215-lsquograb-and-gorsquo-sites
Franklin County food banks: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/columbus_food_banks.html
Families: Check with your children’s school district for details on student lunches.
Physical & Mental Healthcare
This time is taking, and will continue to take, a huge toll on both our physical and mental health. Please use these resources as you need and contact a doctor for serious concerns. Call 911 if you have an emergency.
Physical Health:
Assistance with paying for prescriptions:
https://www.unitedwaylc.org/familywize-
https://www.goodrx.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwZKN3rLZ6AIVxkXVCh1ibAH4EAAYASAAEgJnqfD_BwE
Check your Medicaid eligibility: https://benefits.ohio.gov/eligibility-check.html?lang= or 1-844-640-OHIO (6446)
Hospital specific assistance:
Ohio Health Financial Assistance: https://www.ohiohealth.com/patients-and-visitors/paying-for-your-care/financial-assistance/
OSU Hospitals Financial Assistance: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/patient-and-visitor-guide/financial-assistance
Nationwide Children’s Financial Assistance: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/your-visit/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance
Metrohealth Financial Assistance: https://www.metrohealth.org/financial-services/financial-assistance
Try to stay active if you can. There are tons of free resources online. Check YouTube for free yoga classes, zumba routines, body weight exercises, and much more.
Mental Health:
Free Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Virtual Therapy Resources:
https://www.talkspace.com/ Discount Code: Get $100 off with code 1104U
https://www.betterhelp.com/ Discount Code: PEOPLE
If you are struggling with addiction right now, Healing Hearts Counseling Center has gone fully virtual. They can do virtual assessments, treatment, and therapy sessions. More here: https://www.healingheartscc.com/
Education Resources
If you live in Delaware County, this is an excellent education resource. It also contains resources unrelated to Delaware County, so you can use it no matter where you live! https://www.delawarecountyfamilies.org/educational-resources
Check your local metropolitan libraries for resources for students, parents, and everyone else. Here’s a map. https://library.ohio.gov/using-the-library/find-an-ohio-library/
Explore new places using virtual museum tours. Here are some recommended tours to take: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
Spectrum is offering free wi-fi to households with children K-12 for 60 days. To sign up for this service, call 1-844-488-8395. If you already have wi-fi, your existing service provider may also be participating in a bill forgiveness program. We encourage you to reach out to them.
Here is the Ohio Department of Education‘s Student Resource Page: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/OLS-Graphic-Sections/Resources
If you would like to use our letter writing tool to send a letter to Congressman Balderson asking him to provide necessary learning technology to all Ohio students, click here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/bring-technology-to-ohio-students
Fun Activities for Kids & Families
Here is a folder of coloring pages for kids: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A0aq7CF7ahlkY5EbVZi4e97jCFHwl7nR?usp=sharing
Coloring Pages for Adults can be found here: https://www.justcolor.net/
Take a virtual tour of a museum: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours
Here are some ways you can volunteer for non-profits from home: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/virtual-volunteering-ways-volunteer-home-time-coronavirus-69741410
Here is our campaign’s digital toolkit so that you can volunteer from home: https://www.alaina2020.com/digital-toolkit/
Some other fun at-home activities include:
- Learning a new dance on YouTube
- Creating a Chopped Challenge by making a meal with strange things in your pantry or refrigerator
- Start a book club, a wine club, or any other kind of club with a group of friends
- Learning a new language with DuoLingo or Babbel
If you or your organization needs help setting up a virtual meeting software like Zoom, please reach out to Hannah at hannah@alaina2020.com.
Applying for Unemployment
File for unemployment: https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/jobs/resources/file-for-unemployment
Filing for unemployment user manual: https://unemployment.ohio.gov/PDF/NEW_Workers_Self-Service_User_Guide.pdf
FAQ for Unemployment and Coronavirus: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm
Under the CARES Act:
- You can apply for unemployment if you are losing wages as a result of COVID-19, or if your employment has been furloughed or eliminated.
- If you are found ineligible and are still losing wages, you can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
- If you used up your Unemployment Insurance after 7/1/2019, apply for Unemployment Insurance again to receive the 13 weeks of additional benefits under the CARES Act.
- The CARES Act also provides for $600/week in additional assistance.
Support Small Business
Ways to support local Business:
- Buy Gift Cards from your favorite businesses
- Spread the Word about your favorite small businesses and how others can help support them on your social media accounts and online message boards.
- Donate to their causes and support the Local Business Districts
Delaware*: https://www.mainstreetdelaware.com/
Dublin: https://www.visitdublinohio.com/
Worthington: http://www.experienceworthington.com/
Westerville: https://shopuptownwesterville.com/
Genoa Township: https://www.genoatba.com/
Zanesville: https://www.downtownzanesville.com/
Mansfield: https://www.destinationmansfield.com/
*’Delaware Has Heart’ Homestretch Apparel is creating a t-shirt that we will ship to your door for $24. You can select a Delaware Business of your choice that is involved, and they will donate $10 of the sale to that business. This is an excellent way to help businesses in Delaware, and will provide you with a super soft t-shirt to show your support. If you are a local business and would like to be added to this shirt please email nick@homestretchapparel.com.
For Business Owners
Ohio Chamber of Commerce Business Resources: https://ohiochamber.com/coronavirus-business-resources/
CARES Act Guide for Small Businesses: https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act
If you need to lay off employees, please give them this form to expedite their unemployment process: http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS00671/pdf/
‘Delaware Has Heart’ Homestretch Apparel is creating a t-shirt that we will ship to your door for $24. You can select a Delaware Business of your choice that is involved, and they will donate $10 of the sale to that business. This is an excellent way to help businesses in Delaware, and will provide you with a super soft t-shirt to show your support. If you are a local business and would like to be added to this shirt please email nick@homestretchapparel.com.
For Victims of Domestic Violence
This is an unimaginably hard time for victims of domestic violence who are trapped in their homes with their abusers, or forced to isolate on their own or with children. Here is a list of organizations that can help you:
The Ohio Domestic Violence Network, updated daily: http://www.odvn.org/covid-19-resources
Contact the national Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/help/ or 1-800-799-7233
A list of national hotlines and resources for various situations: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/