Coronavirus Resources–August 2020

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Below is an updated listing of Coronavirus resources as of August 10th, 2020. Have more tips or resources to share? Please email Charon_A_Cannon@rush.edu.

Grocery Store Status by Neighborhood

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/food-and-shelter.html

Eviction Protection

The State of Illinois has extended its eviction moratorium through August 22. If your landlord is threatening or evicting you, call Legal Aid Chicago at 312-341-1070.

Note: While evictions are currently paused, tenants are still required to pay rent. If tenants do not, they may face eviction after the moratorium ends.

Utility Relief

Your water, gas, and electric will not be disconnected during the Governor’s mandated state of emergency. The Illinois Commerce Commission is protecting you from disconnection for non-payment and is suspending late fees. For Chicagoans, there is Utility Billing Relief Program. To apply, visit the following website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/provdrs/utility_billing/svcs/utility-bill-relief-program.html

Well Connected (Social Community by Phone)

WELL CONNECTED engages and connects people from the comfort of their own homes, online and over the phone. Participants find companionship, information, and intellectual stimulation through a wide array of programs. Generous donations helps make this service possible and helps reach isolated seniors. (877) 797-7299

Coronavirus Anxiety Toolkit

This neat toolkit provides free meditations, access to mental health experts, and other useful resources. For more information, please visit virusanxiety.com.

Viral Response Package from MY BLOCK MY HOOD MY CITY for Seniors

My Block My Hood My City will be ensuring seniors have access to hand sanitizer, health supplements, toiletries, and food. Seniors and those living with disability are most at risk in the event of the continued spread of the virus. Seniors and RADC staff can request their Viral Response Package & Wellness Call on a participant’s behalf here: https://www.formyblock.org/viralresponse

Caregiving in a Time of Coronavirus (PDF)

The National Alzheimer’s Project Act and Emory University have joined forces to create a caregiver packet to aid caregivers during the pandemic: https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/common/AOA%20-%20EMORY-Alz%20Caregiving%20COVID%203_17_2020.pdf

Chi COVID Coach

With this tool, you can find COVID testing information, symptom coach (tracks your symptoms and gives you updates regarding your next steps via text message), and vaccination registration. For more information, please visit: https://covidcoach.chicago.gov/

Call4Calm

Call4Calm is an Illinois COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline. Text “TALK” to 552020, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to 552020. A mental health professional will reach out within 24 hours. You can also text key words like “unemployment” or “shelter” to receive a list of resources.

The Chicago Lighthouse COVID-Resource Guide

List of institutions helping the blind, elderly, and others during COVID-19 crisis. For more information, please visit: https://chicagolighthouse.org/resource-guide/

Communicating with Children During this Time (How to)

Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers

For those essential workers who are in need of emergency child care, please call (888) 228-1146.

Veterans Crisis Line

For veterans who may need a listening ear, encourage them to call (800) 273-8255 (Press 1) day or night.

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline

(800) 985-5990

National Domestic Violence Hotline

(800) 799-7233

For more resources, please visit Social Service Hub main blog post page for April’s blog post.

Cháron Cannon, MSW, LSW
Author: Cháron Cannon, MSW, LSW

I am a social worker and community engagement coordinator at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center located in Chicago, Illinois. I have created and manage the Social Service Assistance Program that assists study participants with finding/accessing community resources.

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