Get Help During the Pandemic
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
COVID Vaccines--Find a COVID Vaccine near you.
Street Medicine--This program is designed to deliver primary and urgent care to homeless people in the Lehigh Valley wherever they are – in shelters, soup kitchens, under bridges or in the woods.  All care provided by VHP Street Medicine, including medications, laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, is free.
Keeping Kids Healthy
CDC Information
What is Contract Tracing?
Stop the Spread of Germs
What to do if you are sick with COVID-19?

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. 


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.  

Lehigh County Human Services
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 and Well-Being
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
Managing Anger and Frustration
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.
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
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
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
Use Technology to Boost Mental Health for Kids
Sesame Street is Teaching Kids "Belly Breathing" and Calming Techniques
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.

Helping People with Disabilities Understand COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities
CDC Guidance for Individuals with Disabilities


Other Useful Information
PA's Response to COVID-19
Lehigh County Resource Hub
COVID-19 Related Phone Scams and Phishing Attacks and Protect Yourself from Fraud
Emergency Preparedness Guide in English
Emergency Preparedness Guide in other languages 
Handling Returning to Work Anxiety and Office Safety
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.