Information and Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Family Resource Centers are here to support you during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Below are some resources that can help you during this challenging period. Remember to wash your hands well, practice social distancing, and know that we are here for you.
Housing Information and Resources - Update
Many tenants are concerned about their housing security right now. Massachusetts has updated information and resources available on the the state’s website at mass.gov/CovidHousingHelp or call the Massachusetts 2-1-1 information hotline to learn more. Answers to frequently asked questions are available, as well as additional information and resources. Attorney General's Office - Know Your Rights - Eviction Moratorium WAS NOT Extended. Info if you are in danger of losing your home
Stressed out?
We also know that many people are scared, stressed, and anxious right now, and may need some extra help and support. And children may not act as they would usually because of the fear they may be feeling. Check out this video that highlights some of the resources available to families under stress during this uncertain time.
English
Spanish
Find information on trauma-informed resources for parents and caregivers in our Understanding Childhood Trauma and Your Family brochure here.
These posters/flyers provide some information on how to access supports to help you – and them – through this time. They are available in seven languages for download. There is also a flyer focused on supporting young children, currently available in English.
English
English
English
You can also share these social posts - available in English and Spanish - which are based on the posters/flyers.
There is also a post highlighting the needs of younger children in English.
Food Sources
Request for Replacement SNAP Benefits
Make a request for SNAP benefits replacements.
Make a request for SNAP benefits replacements.
SNAP and Cash Benefits during COVID-19
Information from MassLegal Services on the changes to SNAP rules
Information from MassLegal Services on the changes to SNAP rules
Food Pantries and Food Banks across Massachusetts
A list of food pantries and food banks from across the state.
A list of food pantries and food banks from across the state.
New Resources in Spanish to Share regarding the Pandemic EBT Cards
Two Spanish-language videos from Boston Public Schools about P-EBT that may be helpful to families you are working with: How to activate your P-EBT card & What you can purchase with your P-EBT card
Two Spanish-language videos from Boston Public Schools about P-EBT that may be helpful to families you are working with: How to activate your P-EBT card & What you can purchase with your P-EBT card
COVID-19, SNAP and Unemployment Benefits in Massachusetts: What to Know
Many people who get unemployment benefits are eligible for SNAP benefits! Learn if you can qualify to receive food assistance.
Many people who get unemployment benefits are eligible for SNAP benefits! Learn if you can qualify to receive food assistance.
Learning and Education
Parent and Caregiver Supports
Early Childhood Educators Tip Sheets
A series of tip sheets on how to address COVID-related issues with younger children. Translations of these tip sheets are available in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
A series of tip sheets on how to address COVID-related issues with younger children. Translations of these tip sheets are available in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
Department of Children and Families
COVID-19 information and resources from DCF
COVID-19 information and resources from DCF
Video: Supporting Resilience in Kids' Time of Stress
This video focuses on how to support resilience in children during this traumatic time.
This video focuses on how to support resilience in children during this traumatic time.
New Online Parent Support Groups
Parents Helping Parents is offering a number of resources, including online Parent Support Groups.
Parents Helping Parents is offering a number of resources, including online Parent Support Groups.
Video: Supporting Resilience in Kids through Caregiver Regulation
This video focuses on the caregiver’s role in supporting resilience in children.
This video focuses on the caregiver’s role in supporting resilience in children.
Caring for Each Other Initiative
Sesame Workshop launches “Caring for Each Other” initiative to support parents and families during COVID-19 pandemic.
Sesame Workshop launches “Caring for Each Other” initiative to support parents and families during COVID-19 pandemic.
Children’s Bureau
Information and resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families
Information and resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families
Virtual Tours and Resources
Check out this list of virtual tours of museums, zoos, and theme parks, as well as information on religious and spiritual resources.
Check out this list of virtual tours of museums, zoos, and theme parks, as well as information on religious and spiritual resources.
Guide to scheduling a parent child visit with Family Resource Center (FRC)
Schedule a parent child visit with your local Family Resource Center.
Schedule a parent child visit with your local Family Resource Center.
Financial, Housing, and Material Supports
Health, Wellness, and Hygiene
Announcement on Closings from the Department of Transitional Assistance
Effective March 18, all DTA local transitional assistance offices are closed to in person visits until further notice.
Effective March 18, all DTA local transitional assistance offices are closed to in person visits until further notice.
What to Do if You Are Sick - information from the CDC
Steps for presenting the spread of Covid-19 if you are sick - information from the CDC.
Steps for presenting the spread of Covid-19 if you are sick - information from the CDC.
Resources from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
If you or someone you know is having their rights violated regarding sick time, travel compensation, or other issues as a result of the public health situation, call the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division hotline at 671-727-8400.
If you or someone you know is having their rights violated regarding sick time, travel compensation, or other issues as a result of the public health situation, call the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division hotline at 671-727-8400.
Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The following guidance, recommendations, and resources are provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts.
The following guidance, recommendations, and resources are provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts.
Three Ways to Boost Your Resilience as a Parent
Parents need support during these difficult times just like kids do. Here are a few self-care tips for adults.
Parents need support during these difficult times just like kids do. Here are a few self-care tips for adults.
COVID-19 and Evictions
Information from MassLegalHelp regarding illegal evictions.
Information from MassLegalHelp regarding illegal evictions.
Your Mental Health and Wellbeing - Working Remotely During Covid-19
Advice for maintaining your mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.
Advice for maintaining your mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.
Health Care Toolbox
Health Care Toolbox, a Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress website, now has information and resources to help healthcare staff and families manage the stress/psychological impact of COVID-19. Healthcare professionals will find information on how stress caused by the pandemic impacts them, how to build coping and resilience skills, and signs of secondary traumatic stress. Families will find information on how parents can help their children cope, downloadable tip sheets, and additional resources.
Health Care Toolbox, a Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress website, now has information and resources to help healthcare staff and families manage the stress/psychological impact of COVID-19. Healthcare professionals will find information on how stress caused by the pandemic impacts them, how to build coping and resilience skills, and signs of secondary traumatic stress. Families will find information on how parents can help their children cope, downloadable tip sheets, and additional resources.
Mental Healthcare Package for Pediatric Practices
Links to pediatric clinical and mental health resources.
Links to pediatric clinical and mental health resources.
Massachusetts COVID-19 Symptom Check and Support
Check your symptoms and learn where to access help if you think you may have COVID-19
Check your symptoms and learn where to access help if you think you may have COVID-19
Safe Link
Safe Link is expanding their services and outreach for survivors and victims of domestic violence. They are available through Mass 2-1-1 and at 877-785-2020.
Safe Link is expanding their services and outreach for survivors and victims of domestic violence. They are available through Mass 2-1-1 and at 877-785-2020.
Health Literacy Project COVID-19 Fact Sheets
COVID-19 fact sheets available in 40 different languages.
COVID-19 fact sheets available in 40 different languages.
Behavioral Health Resources
Information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Free Choice Recovery Coaching
Free support for individuals in substance use recovery.
Free support for individuals in substance use recovery.
We All Need Help Sometimes - Public Information Campaign Graphics
Graphics and flyers to help educate about resources and supports that are available.
Graphics and flyers to help educate about resources and supports that are available.
Future without Violence Tip Sheet
Resources and information to support people living in fear
Resources and information to support people living in fear
Using good hygiene and staying away from large crowds (such as 50 or more people) are just two things you can do to try to avoid getting this virus. This flyer (in English and Spanish) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides more tips for staying healthy (visit this link to access the flyer in different languages ). These are good habits to use even for the general flu season.
Learn to Cope
Resources and supports for individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery.
Resources and supports for individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery.
Massachusetts Certified Intimate Partner Abuse Education Programs
Information on programs available across the state.
Information on programs available across the state.
MassSupport Network - How We can Help
MassSupport Network provides community outreach and support services to residents of all ages in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. Info in English. Info in Spanish. Info in Creole.
MassSupport Network provides community outreach and support services to residents of all ages in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. Info in English. Info in Spanish. Info in Creole.
Adolescent and Young Adult Supports
Providers
COVID-19 Resources for Youth & Young Adult
Information and resources that may be beneficial to youth and young adults
Information and resources that may be beneficial to youth and young adults
Transition Age Youth Access Centers
The Department of Mental Health has updated contact information for their Youth Access Centers
The Department of Mental Health has updated contact information for their Youth Access Centers
Summary of Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services
Infographic from the USDA
Infographic from the USDA
Best Practices Fact Sheet for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services
Infographic from the USDA
Infographic from the USDA
Region-specific Resources
Boston
Worcester
City of Boston's Office of Housing Stability Rental Relief Fund
The funds will assist income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston with their rental payments who:
The funds will assist income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston with their rental payments who:
- do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or
- because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income.
Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester
Information from the City of Worcester on available community resources
Information from the City of Worcester on available community resources
Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid (CLA) is open and ready to assist our low-income and elderly neighbors with their civil legal needs involving eviction defense, family law issues, education law for kids with special needs, and access to government benefits. Focus currently is for resources on employment-related problems arising for low-wage workers who are finding it hard to navigate the Covid-19 landscape as it relates to their rights regarding unemployment compensation, paid leave, and other matters.
Community Legal Aid (CLA) is open and ready to assist our low-income and elderly neighbors with their civil legal needs involving eviction defense, family law issues, education law for kids with special needs, and access to government benefits. Focus currently is for resources on employment-related problems arising for low-wage workers who are finding it hard to navigate the Covid-19 landscape as it relates to their rights regarding unemployment compensation, paid leave, and other matters.
Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester Housing Authority COVID-19 Resources for Housing Authority Residents
Worcester Housing Authority COVID-19 Resources for Housing Authority Residents
Find Support for Clients Facing New Needs Related to COVID-19 at the Worcester FRC
Information on resources the Worcester FRC can support families with.
Information on resources the Worcester FRC can support families with.
Western Massachusetts
Northeast Massachusetts
Lifting Lowellians: Assistance and Mutual Aid
Lowell Mutual Aid: LLAMA is working to match people who offer resources with those who need it in the community.
Lowell Mutual Aid: LLAMA is working to match people who offer resources with those who need it in the community.
Lyft Relief Rides
Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft are partnering to fill the gaps in transportation needs with RELIEF RIDES
Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft are partnering to fill the gaps in transportation needs with RELIEF RIDES
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
An organization working to prevent and end homelessness through a Housing First approach that makes homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
An organization working to prevent and end homelessness through a Housing First approach that makes homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
Emergency Shelter
A list of shelters for individuals during the COVID-19 Crisis from the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.
A list of shelters for individuals during the COVID-19 Crisis from the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.
Holyoke Area Resources
COVID-19 related resources for residents of Holyoke.
COVID-19 related resources for residents of Holyoke.
