Comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Guide

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Please click on the blue hyperlink labeled 211 for more information.

211: One stop for information and resources related to COVID-19, basic needs, financial needs, housing, mental health and more. Call 2-1-1. Multiple languages. 

Tips to Stay Informed:

• Check websites of organizations/businesses frequently for changes or information.
• Stay up-to-date about local schools, faith communities, the Senior Center, and other local organizations who may be providing your community with support or assistance as needs change.
• Due to organizations being flooded with callers and or emails at this time, it is recommended that you visit websites for information prior to emailing or calling. Contact organizations directly with specific questions if needed.
• The new messaging tool called “AlertsMA” will allow residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777. (Para Espanol, texto COVIDMAESP a 888-777.) After signing up, state and public health officials can send short messages and links to information directly to a resident’s cell phone or other mobile device.
• Be cautious of scams related to COVID-19. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 
• CDC: Up-to-date COVID-19 information
• Middlesex District Attorney’s Guide to Avoiding Scams

Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Healthy Relationship

• What is Domestic Violence? (Diagrams)
• MA Safelink Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline: Call for safety planning, resources, referrals and shelter beds, 877-785-2020 
• DVSN-Domestic Violence Services Network: Call for safety planning, local resources and referrals, and support filing restraining orders, 888-399-6111 
• Domestic Violence Coercive Control During COVID-19 Video
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Jane Doe Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivor Assistance
• Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance: Scroll down for COVID-19 Domestic violence safety planning document
• Navigating the MA Courts During COVID-Procedures & Protocols for Restraining Orders
• A guide to what the 10 signs of Healthy and Unhealthy relationships look like now as we shelter in place and socially distance.
• Phone, text, app and live chat support if you or a loved one is in a potentially dangerous, abusive or unhealthy relationship, or if they are exhibiting unhealthy relationship behaviors. 
• Reach Beyond Domestic Violence 

Employment

Time Out of Work: This is a constantly evolving situation. Keep informed of state and federal guidelines and legislative changes.

• If you need to be out of work due to illness, risk of illness to yourself or family, etc., consider the following:
  • Talk to your employer about using paid time off.
  • Understand your short-term disability policy.
  • Ask your employer about other support services and systems available.
  • If your job offers it, consult the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free confidential support services, including but not limited to counseling, legal advice, and other resources. Speak to your HR department. 
  • Metrowest Legal : Free legal aid for seniors and low-income individuals. They provided services to undocumented immigrants who meet eligibility criteria, 508-620-1830
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  •  
  • Social Emotional Considerations for Re-entering Workplaces During or After COVID-19: Information for employers and employees. 

Employee Rights

• Quarantined Essential Workers’ rights
• FAQ About Employee Rights and Employer Obligations: Including information about vaccine requirements and vaccination status disclosure. 
• Filing a workplace complaint if you think that an employer did not follow workplace regulations.

Job Resources

• Mass Hire: Resources for job hunters and employers during COVID-19. Updated weekly. 

Food and Basic Needs

Clothing

• Project Just Because: Provides winter coats and accessories seasonally. Reach out early! They also provide food, basic need, and selfcare resources. 
• Global Thrift in Waltham provides up to 5 free outfits per family member with a referral from the town social worker. Email socialworker@sudbury.ma.us.

Food

• Maintain social distancing by exploring grocery and prescription delivery options. Note that many local businesses are reducing or eliminating fees during this time. Many businesses are also offering curbside pick up and grocery stores are required to offer special shopping hours for seniors and those most at risk. 
• SNAP Options for Grocery Delivery
• Local food pantries and community supper programs are making every effort remain open and are adjusting policies due to the COVID-19 situation. Please visit websites or call individual pantries for updated information on availability. Click here for a list of pantries serving Sudbury residents.
• Sudbury Food Pantry
• A Place to Turn in Natick: Emergency food pantry that also provides diapers and baby wipes. Call 508-655-8868 to place an order for pick up. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm.
• Project Bread: Food Source Hotline for multi-lingual support to access information on local food pantries and other resources for those needing food: 1-800-645-8333
• For those in need, including those who may have changes in eligibility due to lost wages, consider applying for the following programs:
  • Food Stamps/SNAP: Additionally, those receiving less than the maximum SNAP benefit will see a temporary increase in their benefits  (see #4).
    • EBT cards can be used online at certain retailers (see #7).
    • Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): additional SNAP money to buy food while schools are closed during COVID-19
    • Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)–Additional SNAP money each month when you shop at farmer’s markets, farm stands, and CSAs. 
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Neighbor Brigade: Volunteer organization that can help to deliver food and offer a variety of other supports and services related to the COVID-19 situation. Please note that citizenship status is not a criteria used by this organization to evaluate applications and translators are available in multiple languages to request help. For those without access to online application, call 1-855-241-4357.
• Meals on Wheels: Delivered meals for at-risk seniors, with program changes due to COVID-19. 
• Rescuing Leftover Cuisine: For human service agencies in need of food.
• Many restaurants are offering delivery and even waiving delivery fees.
• Free Restaurant Gift Cards for Sudbury residents who self-identify as being in need. If interested, email the following information to socialworker@sudbury.ma.us with the subject line “Free Restaurant Gift Cards”:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Number of people in the household
  • 3-4 Sudbury restaurants that you prefer, or the type of food you prefer
• St. Elizabeth’s Care Pantry: Free cleaning and hygiene supplies, including diapers, wipes, incontinence supplies, textured hair care products and sensitive skin products. Pick up and delivery available. 
  • Email: Pantry@st-elizabeths.org  and you will be sent a list to choose which specific items you would like. 

Financial Help

Financial Coaching and Helplines

• MCDC: 1:1 coaching and creative financial problem-solving, with a knowledge of evolving financial changes and resources related to COVID-19, 508-658-0880.
• Budget Buddies: 

  • Financial Resource Support Line – With so much changing information about federal stimulus checks, unemployment, taxes, loans, etc., it can be hard to figure out what is true and what is not. If you have specific questions or issues, feel free to email (info@budgetbuddies.org), leave a voicemail or text us at (617-297-7376). No question or need too big or too small.

  • Financial Resources Website

Taxes

• Free Tax Prep: Metro Community Development Corporation offers free and remote tax prep to those making less than $50,000/year.

Utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, internet, etc.):

• Many companies, including utility companies, are making COVID-19 related relief changes to their billing and other policies – many of which are only available upon request. This may include reduced costs, waiving late fees, postponing shut offs, providing discounted or new services, etc. Please call or visit your providers’ websites to learn more.
• Some cable and internet companies are providing free internet or wi-fi hotspots to support people without access, allow children to learn, and provide access for adults working remotely. Visit your provider’s website or other providers in your area for more information.
• Emergency Broadband Benefit: Federal internet discount for eligible households, and discounts on laptops, tablets and desktop computers. 
• Gas and Electric Discount Rate: Available to low-income households. Be mindful that reduced wages may make you eligible if you weren’t in the past. 
• The utility shut-off moratorium ended July 1, 2021. If you cannot pay your bill:
  • contact your utility company immediately to discuss a payment plan
  • consider applying for RAFT funding. To learn more about the program and eligibility, click HERE. 
• SafeLink Wireless: Free cell phone services for those at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Federal Communication Commission made changes to phone and internet providers during COVID-19 to “Keep Americans Connected.”
• Assistance for Paying Utility and Telecom Bills During COVID-19: Customers are urged to reach out to their providers before they miss a payment. 
• Good Neighbor Energy Fund
• Fuel Assistance: Help paying heating bills for low-income households. Click here for application packet. Application cycle runs from late fall to late spring. 

Assistance Paying Bills:

• The United Way COVID-19 Fund: Financial support to individuals impacted by coronavirus. Call 2-1-1 for information on how to access these funds. 
• St. Vincent de Paul: Catholic organization that helps people with emergency financial support and resources, regardless of their religious beliefs. Please note that citizenship status is not a criteria used by this organization to evaluate applications, and both chapters have Spanish speaking volunteers. Call one of two conferences in Sudbury:
  • St. Anselm Chapter: 978-443-8981
  • Our Lady of Fatima Chapter: 978-443-2647
• HOPEsudbury: Provides emergency financial support by directly paying bills for those in need in Sudbury. Citizenship status is not a criteria used by this organization to evaluate applications. Click here for a fillable PDF application. 
• The South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) has funding (up to $7000/household) to help prevent housing loss during times of financial crisis, including RAFT and RAFT Upstream funding. Their Housing Consumer Education Center can also answer questions about housing concerns.
  • SMOC is closed to walk-ins as of 3/16/20. Employees are working remotely. For RAFT and the Housing Consumer Education Center, email: HCEC@SMOC.ORG.
  • See additional info and supports under “Housing” section below in this article. 

Credit Cards:

• Some companies are waiving service fees and penalties on early CD withdrawal, extending payment deadlines and lowering interest rates.
• Visit your credit card company website.
• Call your credit card company to see how they can work with you.

Other Discounts and Resources:

• The Department of Transitional Assistance: Offers online application portal to apply for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC).
• Student Loans: Changes to interest and payment requirements. Visit your lender’s website for information. Federal student loan payments are set to resume after August 31, 2022.
• Attorney General’s Office Student Loan Resources : Must apply by October 31, 2022. 
• Resources for Student Loan Borrows Through Mass.gov
• Sudbury Planning Department Small Grant Program: Provides up to $5,000 to qualified homeowners for home repairs and alterations for health and safety reasons. Applications accepted twice per year, and must be submitted by March 30 and September 30. 
• FEMA Funeral Assistance: Provides financial assistance to cover the cost of funerals for those who died of COVID-19 after January 2020. 

Health/Medical

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Homebound Residents
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates
• Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Updates
• COVID-19 testing and treatment is free regardless of immigration status or insurance coverage, and it will not have any negative affect on your ability to obtain a green card or change of immigration status under the public charge rule.
• COVID-19 Health Literacy Project: Fact sheets for individuals, families and children about COVID-19 available in 30 languages.
• COVID-19 Health Literacy Project: Hojas informativas para individuos, familias y niños sobre COVID-19 disponibles en 30 idiomas. 
• Lesser Known Benefits Offered By Health Insurance Companies
• Caregiver Homes or Advocates Adult Family Care Program: Financial stipend and support for those providing care to loved ones in their homes.
• Updated guidance for the rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 have been published by the Massachusetts Attorney General. If these accommodations are not being met, a civil rights complaint may be filed. 
• Massachusetts Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) is a medical order that relays instructions to a healthcare professional about the care of a patient. It emphasizes the individual’s right to accept or refuse medical treatments. In order to ensure the safety of the public during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, the Department has suspended the requirement of a written signature on the MOLST form and now allows for verbal consent which can be done virtually.
• Metrowest Free Medical Program: Now offering free telehealth services for those who are uninsured or underinsured. 

Housing

• Emergency Housing Assistance for Renters, Homeowners, Landlords and Individuals Facing Homelessness (Mass.gov)
• CDC Eviction Moratorium for Nonpayment of Rent
• Mass Legal Help: Eligibility for CDC Eviction Moratorium
• Help from mortgage companies: Some companies are offering to reduce or suspend mortgage payments, waive late fees, suspend reporting past due payments to credit bureau. Call your mortgage company to inquire about what they offer and requirements/repayment after the forbearance period. Don’t just stop paying your mortgage!
• Subsidized Housing and Housing Vouchers: If your rent is based on your income, immediately report any losses or increases in your income to your landlord or voucher holder. Delaying can result in a delayed reduction in rent or being charged back rent respectively. 
• Find an Emergency Family Shelter
• Overview of RAFT Funding To Prevent Housing Loss: Sudbury residents apply here. 
  • 1-page flyer 
  • The Wayside Family Resource Center in Framingham can help Sudbury residents to complete and submit RAFT applications: (508) 270 -1313.
• Homeowners Assistance Fund: Provides assistance to homeowners behind on mortgages due to COVID-19

Immigrants and Refugees

In addition to the resources in this section, we are doing our best to note which other resources in this guide assist people regardless of citizenship status.

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Mass.gov have issued extra guidance and resources for immigrants and refugees during COVID-19.
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition “MIRA” COVID-19 Resources (multiple languages)
• Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Coalition “MIRA”: recursos para personas que hablan español (Resources and information on COVID-19 for individuals and families who speak Spanish.) 
• It is illegal for property owners to threaten tenants with the act of alerting immigration authorities if they do not pay rent. Be aware of the possibility that that there may be minimal legal consequence for property owners who engage in these actions.
  • Call Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline (617) 727-8400 if you are being forced out of your home.
  • Call Attorney General’s Civil Rights Hotline (617) 963-2917 if you are being discriminated against based on race, color, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

LGBT

• Greater Boston PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays): Helpline for Parents and Caregiviers
• The Trevor Project: Support for younger LGBTQ+ folkx via call, text or live chat
• The Trans LifeLine: Peer support phone service run by trans and non-binary people 877-565-8860
• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Peer support phone service connecting LGBT older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. 877-360-5428
• Fenway Health: Fenway Health has been working to make life healthier for the people in our neighborhood, the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS and the broader population.
• Susan’s Place: Well-moderated discussion forums provide support/information/community for trans and gender-expansive folx.  Some forums are specifically for spouses and/or family and friends.
• Trans Club of New England: The Trans Community of New England (TCNE) is a Boston area transgender support organization for the transgender community
• LGBTQ+ Supports for Seniors Through Bay Path Elder Services: Including a confidential support hotline with voicemail at 508-573-7288 

Mental Health, Emotional Support & Self-Care

• Maintaining Emotional Health and Well-Being During COVID-19
• Mental Health Resource Page
• Client Guide to Teletherapy
• INTERFACE Referral Line: Referrals to mental health providers who are accepting new clients. Reduces the time and effort to finding a provider. Watch a 2 minute video here. 
• List of numerous support groups 
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation
• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• Advocates Mobile Crisis: For mental health emergencies and screening call 508-872-3333.
• Impact of Trauma on the Brain and Functioning: Presentation to better understand some of the changes in our thinking and functioning as we adjust to the “new normal” of COVID-19. 
• ARC: COVID-19 specific information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource Guide
• Riverside Trauma Center: Trauma response support for large groups, organizations and communities
• Clear Path: Offers hoarding support remotely during COVID-19, 508-658-0880
• The Emotional PPE Project: Free individual therapy and support groups for healthcare workers impacted by COVID-19
• Massachusetts Network of Care COVID-19 Behavioral Health Resources

Support lines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline: Emotional support, referrals to resources, and COVID-19 information for those experiencing distress or mental health challenges related to COVID-19.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  

Other

• Sudbury Virtual Town Hall: Reaching town offices and accessing resources remotely
• File a Civil Rights Complaint if faced with discrimination based on race, gender identity, disability status or other protected category or call the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Hotline (617) 963-2917 

Reporting Abuse/Neglect

• Reporting Abuse/Neglect of a Person with Disabilities
• Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect
• Reporting Elder Abuse/Neglect

Support for Parents/Guardians and Caregivers

• Handhold.org: Support for parents navigating the incredible challenges of COVID-19. 
• Parental Stress Hotline: 1-800-632-8188
• CDC Guide For Supporting Children Through Stress of COVID-19
• Kinship Navigator Program: Provides help, assistance, tips, support, guidance and advice for all familial caregivers throughout the Commonwealth. 1-844-924-4KIN (4546)
• Family Resource Centers: FRCs are located throughout Massachusetts and offer a variety of services to help families. Some of the FRCs are not physically open, but are providing assistance to families by phone.
• First Connections: Parenting resources and zoom groups for kids and parents. For free diapers and wipes for low income families, email Linda at: lmatthews@jri.org
• A Place to Turn in Natick: Emergency food pantry that also provides diapers and baby wipes. Call 508-655-8868 to place an order for pick up. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-12:30pm.
• Childcare Voucher and Transportation Information
• Massachusetts Department of Education COVID-19 Information 

Self-Care

• Self-Care and Social Distancing

Seniors

• Sudbury Senior Center: Staff continue to offer support despite building closure, 978-443-3055. 
  • Phone Buddies: The Senior Center is offering a new service, matching approved volunteers with seniors in the community for once a week calls for friendship and conversation. Please contact the Senior Center at senior@sudbury.ma.us or 978-443-3055.

Support for Coping with Substance Use

• Many support groups are using online or video calling platforms. 
• MA Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline: (800) 327-5050.
• SAMHSA Mental Health and Substance Use Referral and Information Helpline: (800) 662-HELP.

Transportation

Free Transportation to COVID Vaccines through Mass Health

Go Sudbury! A Free, Fully Subsidized Temporary Taxi Program

Sudbury Senior Center Transportation Options updated March 2021

Veterans

• Veterans Inc.
• New England Center and Home for Veterans
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• Home Base Program: devoted to treating the invisible wounds associated with military service. 
• Sudbury Town Veterans’ Agent: This office provides assistance in acquiring benefits through Federal and State Programs provided to Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and Families
• Veteran’s Northeast Outreach Center: Financials, housing, and social emotional resources

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

• Ways to Support Sudbury Residents During COVID-19
• Visit websites of local nonprofits, faith communities and food pantries.
• Avoid scams by vetting organizations that you support.

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