Pennsylvania 211--If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Pennsylvania 211 is a great place to start. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. Specialists will listen to your needs, and give you information on programs in your community that might be able to help. Text PACOVID to 898-211 to sign up to receive texts from PA 211, to include: Access to resources that can help you meet your basic needs (bills, food, housing), breaking news, and guidance on federal and state relief legislation.
Health Care Resources Testing and Assessment Sites Street Medicine--Continues to be at Ripple on the 1st and 3rd Fridays from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. They have increased street rounds due to closing of Allentown Y Warming Stations, Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and Safe Harbor warming station. The four of them are on street rounds 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms of COVID-19 (fevers, cough, shortness of breath), Street Medicine provides them with a bus pass and mask, referring them to the closest testing site. If you have questions, call LVHN Street Medicine, Seth Campbell PA-C (484-280-1881). Keeping Kids Healthy Supporting Medically Complex Children Stop the Spread of Germs What to do if you are sick with COVID-19? Preparing Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities for Medical Treatment at Hospitals--State-specific COVID-19 disability forms that aim to help provide information to hospital staff so they can best support the individual created at Stonybrook University. CDC Information What is Contract Tracing?
Housing Assistance The CARES Rental Relief Program (RRP) will begin to accept applications for housing aid starting July 6th. The $175 million dollar program is an extension of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), and will provide financial assistance for struggling renters. If accepted, qualified individuals can receive up to $750 in rental assistance per month, up to six months.
Shelter Resources and Information If you are in need of emergency housing assistance, please call 211 Operation Address the Homeless is open at 221 N 7th St Allentown as a drop-in center Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Also open other times when donations available. This will be posted on their Facebook page.
Food Resources View list of resources please call to ensure days/time did not change. Ver lista en Español Grocery Delivery--iTN Lehigh Valley offers touchless grocery delivery for seniors 60 years of age and older in the Lehigh Valley. There is a $10 flat fee for this service. Governor Wolfe launches Food Access Program for Students During COVID-19 Crisis--find out more about this program and how to apply.
Pet Pantry Resources Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley Department of Agriculture Pet Pantry Resources Animal Response Team
Baby and Infant Essentials If you need diapers, wipes or formula, the following organizations are here to help
Child Care and COVID-19 The primary resource for individuals seeking certified child care in counties identified as Yellow or Green in the Governor's Phased-In Approach to Reopen Business in Pennsylvania is www.findchildcare.pa.gov and should be used now that the Stay at Home Order is lifted.
Utility, Cell Phone and Internet Resources View information on Cell Phone and Internet View information on Other Utilities Benefits Apply for Department of Human Services Benefits on-line, including TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance and more. Human Services launches emergency assistance program to help low-income families amidst COVID-19. Find out more here. Unemployment Rights and Responsibilities The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is working to protect the health, safety, and financial security of all Pennsylvanians during this public health emergency. Find out your rights and responsibilities.
Home-Proofing Your Home Tips on how to home-proof for COVID-19 and the flu
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention. Licensed telephone and mobile crisis services that provide mental health assessments regardless of income or insurance. Crisis Intervention operates 24-hour/7 days a week. Lehigh County Crisis Intervention can be contacted at 610-782-3127.
Staff from the Office of Mental Health are available to answer questions about the programs and services available. If you are actively receiving mental health services in the County system, they can assist you.If you are not currently registered in the County Mental Health system and wish to access County funded/supportive services, please call Information and referral at 610-782-3200. Starting Monday, April 6th, Lehigh County’s Office of Aging and Adult Services will be offering a new option for elderly individuals struggling with isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 crisis. On a weekly basis, those looking to have a case worker contact them for check-ins and guidance can sign up to do so. It should be noted this is not a hotline service, but instead a weekly phone call made from a case worker. Learn more here.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty Doing What is Important in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide from the World Health Organization (WHO) Self-Care Tips from the Attorney General Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks Emotional Pain During a Pandemic Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19Tools to Support Your Emotional Wellness How to Care for Yourself While Practice Physical Distancing Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation Managing Anxiety and Stress in a Pandemic Stress and Anxiety During the Pandemic Self-Care Resource List, Music Playlists, and Strategies Managing Anger and Frustration Tips For Stressed Parents Autism Society Information and Resources Staying Active How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Mental Health and COVID-19 Digital Toolkit offers advice and guidance, public messages, programs and resources and opportunities for social sharing. Information from Lehigh Valley NAMI and Online Support Groups for general support and for family members and peers. PA Department of Mental Health Support Line--toll-free, 24/7 1-855-284-2494 Gov. Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians Struggling with Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder that Help is Available. National Mental Health Hotline for First Responders and Healthcare Workers: 1-800-327-7451 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: Text "PA" to 741-741 Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Helping Children Understand and Deal with COVID-19 **if someone is having a mental health crisis, they can call Lehigh County Crisis at (610) 782-3127 Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus Resources on Face Masks for Children resources to help support and teach young children about wearing face masks Georgie and the Giant Germ printable coloring book Zero to Three Resources and Guidance for Families and Professionals to Help Get Through the Challenging Time Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Tips for Talking with Children Mental Health Tip Sheet For Children During COVID-19 Tips for Parents from the Attorney General Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 How Teenagers Can Protect their Mental Health During Coronavirus Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Use Technology to Boost Mental Health for Kids Social Distancing and Staying Connected Through Games Sesame Street is Teaching Kids "Belly Breathing" and Calming Techniques Keeping Children Healthy While School's Out Countering COVID-19 Stigma and Racism: Tips for Parents and Caregivers Mindfulness Practices for Families Overcoming the Challenges of Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic Supporting Friends During COVID-19 and additional information and resources for teens on mental health first aid, self-care and more.
Keep Connected in Time of Social Distancing Digital Inclusion--Free and/or low cost internet resources for low income households Virtual Drop-In Centers for adults and youth Peal Center's weekly Youth Virtual Coffee Drop-in--Thursdays, drop in each week to share tips and connect with others Teen Central--A website powered by KidsPeace as a free and safe prevention and intervention resource MyLife Virtual Youth Fest--Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment for youth between the ages of 12-23 who have experience with mental health, substance use, juvenile justice and care. The PA Parent and Family Alliance has compiled useful resources for families and providers across the state. Currently the list has over 200 resources in areas such as education, mental wellness, work, necessary services, art, relaxation, and much more. The list will continue to grow. Helping People with Disabilities Understand COVID-19 Information COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities CDC Guidance for Individuals with Disabilities The Disabled Person's Guide to Stimulus Checks Resources for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and Those Who Care for Them COVID-19 Resource Guide to Community Readiness: Self-Advocate Guide Education and Learning Activities Back to School Resources Education and Learning for Students The Met for Kids Virtual Tour Allentown Arts Museum Activities and Online Tour Philly Zoo to You Virtual Places to Explore for All Ages Activities for Seniors Information and Resources from Allentown School District in English, Ver lista en Español Helping Others Volunteer Center’s COVID-19 Resource and Needs page. Our community is coming together in such a great way during this unprecedented time and is looking to mobilize resources including volunteers and skilled services as well as supplies needed for the many organizations remaining operational during this time. Find volunteer opportunities and a list of direct needs for local nonprofits and helpful links for resources for COVID-19. Other Useful Information NAMI Resource Guide offers resources for mental health, parents, domestic violence, veterans, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, financial issues and more. PA's Response to COVID-19 Lehigh County Resource Hub In PA, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves the home. On 07/01/20, Secretary of Health Rachel Levine signed an official order requiring the universal use of face coverings. Read full article here. View frequently asked questions about universal face coverings order. Lehigh County moved to the the Yellow phase on June 5th, learn what that means. Lehigh County is expected to move to the Green phase on June 26th, learn what that means. FDA's COVID-19 Social Media Toolkit, May 2020, information on fraud, medical products, food, pets, and more. COVID-19 Related Phone Scams and Phishing Attacks and Protect Yourself from Fraud COVID Myth Busters CDC Examples on How to Make a Cloth Face Covering at Home As some PA counties move to the Green Phase, it is important to remember we must still be vigilant in following CDC and DOH guidance to mitigate COVID-19 spread. The attached graphic helps to show that though community restrictions may change during each phase, preventative measures taken by individuals continue. It is essential that we stay vigilant with hygiene and environmental cleaning. Read Full Article Why We Wear Masks in Public--are you supporting someone who is struggling to understand the importance of wearing masks in public? This resource may be helpful in promoting the message. When and How to Use Masks Who Should Not Wear Cloth Face Coverings according to the Center for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness Guide in English Emergency Preparedness Guide in other languages Handling Returning to Work Anxiety and Office Safety Promoting Financial Health and Resiliency For People with Disabilities and Their Families During the COVID-19 PandemicEviction prevention is more important than ever as residents across the country are faced with instability caused by COVID-19. NeighborWorks America put together guidance on what property owners, housing counselors and case managers can do to help keep vulnerable residents stably housed. Find this and other similar resources on our COVID-19 Housing Resource Center. Suspect Child Abuse? Report it. 24/7 Childline Number: 1-800-932-0313 Child Abuse Prevention Information for Parents, Information for the Community. Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357 Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline - 1-888-772-7227 National Domestic Violence Helpline - 1-800-799-7233
***Visit Lehigh County's Main Page for additional information.