Helpful links to potential income sources and benefits available to people during this difficult time

Next month, Californians will reach the one-year mark since the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. As we all endure the remaining weeks and months ahead to stop the spread and reduce deaths until we are all vaccinated, many individuals continue to suffer both emotionally and economically.  For many individuals, financial stress may be new, and the pandemic's length has made even financially stable families insecure due to the complexities involved with a quarantined society.  If you are unsure if you qualify for benefits, there is a brief questionnaire to consider your available options.  Additionally, we have provided an updated list of resources available to help people during this difficult time.  

Food Insecurity:

The California Association of Food Banks is a one-stop resource for individuals who need to find a food bank's nearest location and the opportunity to apply for CalFresh. This nutrition program helps individuals stretch food assistance plans and budgets. The amount provided through the CalFresh plan depends on the size of an individual's income, expenses, and family size. These resources can support families by providing both short-term and long-term relief.  For instance, the Alameda County Community Food Bank provides both food pick-ups available the day it is requested by calling the helpline at 1-510-635-3663. Additionally, the Alameda County Community Food Bank staff offer assistance to families who need support completing the CalFresh applications. It's important to note that CalFresh is a part of the overall CalWORKS public assistance program.  This is an excellent resource for eligible families that provide cash aid and services for families with a child(ren) in the home. Short-term help is available, but families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food, childcare, and other necessary expenses.

Another local option for individuals with children is support from the San Francisco Unified School District,offering free meals to families on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The program provides five days' worth of food to reduce the number of days families need to leave their homes. More information and a calendar with locations can be found on SFUSD Nutrition and school meals website. 

Financial Assistance:

Because of the Coronavirus, many individuals are unemployed and need financial assistance. This has led to many financial institutions choosing to authorize deferment of monthly payments for mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and more. Likewise, many utility companies have been ordered by local or state governments to suspend shutoffs temporarily.  The Employment Development Department for the State of California is the resource you'll need to file a claim if you have lost your job or had your hours reduced. Gig workers can also get support from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance part of the CARES Act due to a recent extension of the benefits available to gig workers directly affected by COVID-19. 

Suppose your financial constraints have you worried about housing. In that case, it's essential to know that Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order putting a moratorium on the eviction of renters affected by the Coronavirus, every county, and city in the Bay Area has its own ordinances.  You can access a city-by-city look at the eviction moratoriums here. Don't forget, you can also receive financial relief by contacting your utility company directly and sharing how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your financial health.  Many companies have assistance programs for individuals who need relief right now, but without directly mentioning how the virus has impacted you, it may not trigger the specific Coronavirus-related deferment policies that you will benefit from. 

Emotional Health: 

The coronavirus pandemic has been stressful for all of us. For individuals experiencing financial stress, it's essential to know that focusing on your emotional health during difficult times is important and that many resources are available for free. UCLA has provided a free mindfulness app that enables individuals to practice mindfulness from anywhere and FOCUS on the Go! which is an app for families to build on current strengths and teaches new skills during challenging times.  There are also hotlines available for individuals who need support immediately.  The 24-hour suicide prevention lifeline is 800-273-8255 or you can text 838255 additionally, the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, and for non-emergency situations, individuals can call The Peer-Run Warmline, operated by the Mental Health Association of San Francisco and provides both mental and emotional support.  

In the next year, as we turn our focus toward vaccinations and recovery, these resources are available to everyone who needs them, while we rebuild our new normal.  

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