Resources during COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing and Information

• Many Colorado counties have been issued a Stay at Home order. Find your county’s COVID-19 level here
• Current Executive Orders and Public Health Orders:
  • Mandatory Statewide Mask Order (amended and extended on 11.09.2020 for at least 30 days)
  • Order to Limit Certain Evictions  (amended and extended on 10.21.2020 for at least 30 days)
  • Updated Safer at Home and Protect Our Neighbors Order (amended and extended on 10.30.2020 for at least 30 days)
  • Relief for Public Utilities Customers Order (amended and extended on 11.04.2020 for at least 30 days)
  • See all Colorado Executive Orders and Public Health Orders here
• Testing Information
  • Find out if you should get a COVID-19 Test
  • Testing Sites Near You
  • People of ALL immigration statuses are welcome to access coronavirus testing and treatment at no penalty
• How to quarantine if you are exposed to COVID-19
• If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call/email a medical professional– please don’t go into a healthcare facility/ER without consulting them first because this could increase your risk of infection and also potentially put others at risk
• Practice social distancing (limiting contact with others and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others), wear a mask, and wash your hands with soap often to help limit the spread and protect yourself and your community

COVID-19 Volunteering and Mutual Aid

• Donate
  • Colorado COVID Relief Fund
  • One Fair Wage- Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
  • Hunger Free Colorado
• Volunteer
  • Help Colorado Now: Colorado COVID-19 Volunteer Response
  • Front Range Mutual Aid
  • COVID-19 Denver Metro Community Care and Help
  • Community Quarantine (Colorado)
  • Help Needed in Denver Covid-19 Facebook Group 
  • Pod Mapping for Mutual Aid
  • Volunteer as a listener on 7 Cups
  • Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer for Medical and Public Health Professionals (18+)
• Donate convalescent plasma if you’ve recovered from COVID-19
• If you 3D-print, sew, or laser cut, help get PPE to those who need it 

Staying Informed

• 2-1-1 Colorado: Extensive list of up to date information, data, and resources
  • Other ways to get information and resources
    • Call 2-1-1 or (866)-760-6489 
    • Text your zip code to 898-211
• FAQ on stimulus checks, unemployment, and Coronavirus Plan – NYT
• Avoid Coronavirus Scams and Fraud
• Colorado Department of Public Health – up to date info and resources
  • CDPHE Coronavirus Fact Sheet: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Visual Aids from the CDC: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Denver Health created this video with more information about what’s going on

Stimulus checks/ Economic Impact Payments

• To see if you are eligible or if you have any questions, visit IRS here
• To check the status of your payment, visit IRS here 
  • Keep in mind that this website isn’t perfect; many people who try to check the status of their payments are unable to access their records (“Payment Status Not Available”) due to technical issues, but will still receive their payment. Read up on the info section of the IRS’s website.

Recursos en español 

• Una lista de recursos en español creado por la oficina de la Senadora Julie Gonzales (Denver) 
• Una lista de recursos bilingüe creado por COLOR 
• Recursos para inmigrantes–CIRC
• COVID-19- Recursos Comunitarios para los Inmigrantes

Resources from other organizations: 

• COLOR 
• (720) 634-6247: COLOR + Elephant Circle’s bilingual helpline to connect pregnant people to doulas who can help answer questions or connect you with programs and services
• Young Invincibles
• FAMLI Coalition  
• Small Business Majority 
• Sexual & Reproductive Health Resources During the Coronavirus Pandemic (from Kelly Nichols, Nurse Practitioner in Philadelphia)
• Center for Work Education and Employment
• CIRC
• Cobalt Abortion Fund
• COVID-19 and Your Workplace Rights: Caring for Yourself and Your Family created by A Better Balance
• Factsheets created by Center for Health Progress and the Coalition for Immigrant Health
• Advocates for Youth – list was created by their Youth Activist Network
• Center for African American Health
• https://www.firstnations.org/coronavirus/
• https://www.abetterbalance.org/resources/colorado-paid-sick-leave/

Pay It Forward: Places to Donate Food and Volunteer

Denver:

• Food Bank of the Rockies
• Bienvenidos
• Denver Inner City Parish
• Denver Food Rescue

Greeley:

• Weld Food Bank

Loveland: 

• Food Bank for Larimer County

Glenwood Springs:

• LIFT-UP

Boulder:

• Harvest of Hope Pantry
• Boulder Food Rescue

Durango:

• Durango Food Bank
• Manna Soup Kitchen

Gunnison:

• Gunnison Food Pantry

Alamosa:

• La Puente
• Care and Share – Alamosa

Grand Junction:

• Community Food Bank
• Orchard Mesa Baptist Church Food Pantry

Pueblo: 

• Pueblo Cooperative Care Center
• Compassion Food Distribution of Colorado
• Care and Share – Pueblo

Resources for navigating your student loans 

• On March 27, 2020, the federal government signed this relief bill which had suspended federally held student loans through September 30, 2020. During this time student loans did not accrue interest and you were able to  count these 6 months towards any student loan forgiveness program, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness. 
• On August 8th, the Department of Education (ED) was directed to continue its suspension of loan payments, stop collection, and waive interest on ED-owned student loans until December 31, 2020. Please note that you do not need to pay to get 0% interest or suspended payments for loans held by ED. You can learn more about how to avoid student loan scams here.
• On Dec. 4th the moratorium on federal student loans was extended through the end of January, 31,2021
  This relief bill does not include options to temporarily suspend payments for borrowers with private student loans, borrowers owing on Perkins Loans, and commercially held FFELP (Federal Family Education Loan Program) loans.
  We recommend you still take steps to contact your servicer and figure out the best options available to you. If your student loan servicer is not acting in your best interest you can fill out this complaint form through the CO. Attorney General’s office. 
• neweracolorado.org/navigating-loans
• Check out the Student Borrower Protection Center’s website along with this webinar with more information on how to navigate your student loans during this time 
• More information on federal student loan repayment plans 
• https://coag.gov/office-sections/consumer-protection/consumer-credit-unit/student-loan-servicers-act/
• File a complaint to the Attorney General’s office if your student loan servicer is not acting accordingly
• Student Loan Borrower Assistance
• The Institute for College Access & Success resources 
  • Video with Representative Bonamici and TICAS explaining the CARES Act
• In March, legislators passed the CARES act which suspended payments for most student loan borrowers with federal student loans. However, Great Lakes Servicing has been wrongfully reporting inaccurate information on their borrower’s credit scores resulting in millions of borrowers having their credit score illegally damaged. There is now a lawsuit against Great Lakes Servicing and credit reporting agencies. You can read about the lawsuit here.
• If you think your credit score has been wrongfully damaged during this time, check your credit score for free by using this site and if you notice that it has changed, fill out this complaint form.
• Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
• 5 Things to Know About Current Repayment Flexibilities and Your Federal Student Loans
• 6 Things Students Need to Know During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency
• 6 Things to Know About Public Service Loan Forgiveness During the COVID-19 Emergency

Information for students 

• How to job search
  • How Coronavirus is Changing Job Searching: job search now, don’t wait until the economy gets worse in the late spring and summer months, be ready for virtual interviews
  • How college grads can successfully interview during COVID-19: don’t get down on yourself throughout your job search – it’s not your fault and you’re not alone in feeling like it’s difficult right now!
  • Resources to Help You Navigate Today’s Job Market: Links to specific skills to work on in order to job hunt in today’s job market (i.e. video interview skills).
  • Job Searching During the Pandemic
  • The Job & Internship Search in Turbulent Times – UC Berkeley Career Center recommendations for job searching during COVID-19
• People who are currently hiring
• Continuously updated spreadsheet of LA tech companies and startups hiring, including remote roles: LA Tech Companies & Startups Hiring
  • Internship listings: covintern.com
  • Status of internship programs and companies still hiring interns: 
  • Live hiring freeze board: candor.co/hiring-freezes
  • Active list of companies still hiring: Levels.fyi/still-hiring
  • Subscribe to this newsletter which gives a list of tech and business internships and jobs available at the end of each of its emails: Accelerated

• Learning remote
  • Tips for Studying Online and at Home for University Students
  • Tips for Learning online K-12 students & their families 
  • Tips for parents with kids who are now online students 
• Free Meals For Students
• Scholarships for students experiencing homelessness:
  • SchoolHouse Connection Youth Scholarship Program
• Colorado Department of Higher Education 
• Emergency Grants
  • https://www.ucdenver.edu/life/services/DeanofStudents/Pages/Homeless-Student-Initiative.aspx: Loving Link Fund for CU denver students 
• U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Self-Storage amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• Young Invincibles blog: Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Students Dealing with Housing Insecurity or Homelessness
• Meeting students basic needs during COVID-19
• Altice USA Brings Free Broadband to K-12 and College Students During Coronavirus Pandemic

Resources for Working Remote

• Tip and Tricks from The Management Center
• Remote Working Tips and Complete Guide to Telecommuting in 2020
• Going Remote Overnight: Preparing for the Coronavirus
• A Comprehensive List of Tips, Tools, and Examples for Event Organizers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Remote work tips for beginners
• Work From Home Manual – tips, tricks and best practices to working from home
• Extensive list of resources for working remotely
  • “A curated resource depository of articles, books, podcasts, tools, products and more you need to start, run, or be part of a productive remote work team”

Resources for Organizing Remote

• 7 organizing strategies in a time of social distancing
• Preparing for coronavirus crisis: As organizers, it’s time to do what we do best
• Coronavirus Demands a Quantum Leap in Organizing
• Resources for organizers, campaigners and digital strategists to respond to coronavirus
• A Comprehensive List of Tips, Tools, and Examples for Event Organizers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• Permanently Organized Communities
• How to Cure Zoom Fatigue
• What is Mutual Aid? A Primer by the Climate Justice Alliance
• Safety Practices for Mutual Aid
• Keeping Each Other Safe When Virtually Organizing Mutual Aid
• Ending Anti-Black Racism Resources
• Decolonizing Community Care in Response to COVID-19: Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic responsibly, Indigenously
• 8 Ways You Can Support Incarcerated People Among COVID-19
• Resources for Immigrants during the coronavirus crisis / Ayuda para la comunidad inmigrante durante el coronavirus

Mental Health 

• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
• Colorado Crisis Services (mental health support) phone number: 1-844-493-8255 text “TALK” to 38255
• 7 science-based strategies for dealing with coronavirus stress
• Stress relief apps such as Headspace and Calm
• Liberate meditation app by and for folx in the Black and African Diaspora and it includes teachers of color
• 13 best apps for managing your stress
• Tea Time with Sandra – Bi-weekly online healing circle
• NAMI mental health resources: comprehensive list of hotlines, free or low-cost counseling and support groups
• 7 Cups – Free online therapy and counseling
• Brene Brown podcast on grief
• HBR article on grief
• Self-care check
• Additional health apps from NYC WELL
• 6 Best Guided Meditations of 2020
• 9 Best YouTube Yoga Channels
• BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resources
• Remote Working & Mental Health: A Young Professional’s Guide

Healthcare

• Open Enrollment for individual health insurance is Nov. 1, 2020 – Jan. 15, 2021
• Learn more here
• Access to Emergency Medicaid if you are experiencing an emergency, you may be eligible for Emergency Health First Colorado. The insurance only covers emergencies and cannot be used for routine care. 
• Center for Health Progress has created a resource list with important information for people without insurance. This list outlines many of the safety net health care clinics in Colorado, as well as information to access information, referrals, and testing.
• Coverage options if you lose your insurance
  • COBRA: you can continue your current employer-based plan, which likely provides robust benefits, but you pay the full cost of the plan (i.e. may not be affordable for everyone)
  • Medicaid: if you lose your income/job, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage You can apply here. 
  • Loss of coverage qualifies you for a special enrollment period of 60 days where you can select a plan through Connect for Health Colorado (depending on income, you may qualify for tax credits to lower your monthly premiums and lower deductibles/out-of-pocket costs)
  • If you have a spouse/partner with employer-based insurance, you may be able to be added to their plan if their employer offers partner/dependent coverage.
• Medical Care through Telehealth (NO COST)
  • In response to the growing COVID-19 in our state, Clinica Colorado is offering virtual visits by phone or video call. The visits are now FREE, and this service allows patients to receive care while maintaining the safety of all patients, family, staff, and the community.
  • Schedule an appointment
  • Call the COVID-19 hotline
• Virtual Urgent Care
• Concentra Information & Resources for workforce safety
• Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line. The Nurse Advice Line gives you free medical information and advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Talk to a nurse who will answer medical questions, give you care advice, and help you decide if you should see a provider right away. Call 800-283-3221.
• Resources to access sexual and reproductive health services 
• National Nurses United offers resources and free continuing education classes on COVID-19 for Registered Nurses. 
• The Ultimate List of Resources, Discounts & Offers For Healthcare Workers During COVID-19
• Preparedness Tools for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities Responding to Coronavirus
• COVID-19 resources for health care providers and local public health agencies
• COVID-19 Real Time Learning Network: latest guidance and research on prevention and safety measures
• COVID-19 Vaccines: latest FDA information on vaccine development

Economic resources and support 

• Petition to Governor Polis to suspend rent, mortgage, and utility payments during the crisis
• Creditor Assistance – Understanding Financial Impact Webinar, Sat March 28 from 10:15-11:30am. RSVP here 
• Applying for unemployment & sick leave benefits in CO 
  • File a claim
    • NOTE: Due to high volume of claims, it is recommended to submit in the early morning or after 8pm
• If you identify as Queer or Trans and need support: COVID19 Queer/Trans Relief Form
• Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is continuing service at Stout Street Health Center and their housing placement program is continuing
• Mile High United Way is still operating its 2-1-1 helpline to connect to food, housing, and other emergency resources 
• Colorado Center on Law and Policy’s guide for low-income families during COVID19
• The Colorado Restaurant Association has provided business and employee resources for those affected by business closures. 
• Restaurant workers emergency fund
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
• Resources for Coloradans facing poverty while preparing for the coronavirus
• Small Business Association Information
• Financial assistance for servers, back workers, and bartenders 
• Refunding your travel during COVID-19 outbreak
• Assistance with Pet Food – 303-818-0618
• A list of recent job postings that are available during the pandemic
• Free Lyft Rides– Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) and Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) have teamed up with Lyft to provide and offer free rides to our community members in need
• Governor Jared Polis announced the launch of joint efforts to raise relief funds and volunteer efforts to address this public health crisis.Those interested in applying for relief funds up to $25K can apply here. The fund will support work in three categories: prevention, impact, and recovery efforts. This will include things like medical and cleaning supplies, food services, early childhood education, small business support, behavioral health services, and more. The fund will not provide direct assistance to individuals, but to community-based organizations providing direct assistance. 

Rent/Utilities

• Temporary Rent and Utilities Assistance Program | You can access up to 6 months of rent and utility payments
• Denver Housing Authority FAQs and Policy for COVID19
• Westminster Water Bill Assistance
• Xcel Energy has resumed normal collection activity and may disconnect services. Seek repayment plan and other assistance here if you are having trouble with your bills
• Denver Water will NOT disconnect water, contact customer care team at 303-893-2444, M-F 7:30 am to 5:30 pm to work out applicable options, including payment plans, waiving late fees, etc
• Comcast is offering 60 days of free Internet Essentials to low-income households if approved by December 31, 2020
• Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Find the closest hot spot to you here. 
• Denver Inner City Parish is providing utility assistance, call 303.629.0636 to set up an appointment.
• Salvation Army has temporary rental assistance
• Emergency Rental Assistance for tenants and landlords from the CO Department of Local Affairs
• Searchable map of Colorado utilities Payment Assistance Agencies
• Searchable map of Colorado emergency rent and mortgage assistance programs

Immigration Resources

• National Immigration Law Center 
• CUNY Citizenship Now!: Provides free, high quality, and confidential immigration law services to help individuals and families on their path to U.S. citizenship
• Hispanic Federation offers a host of direct immigration services.
• Factsheets created by Center for Health Progress and the Coalition for Immigrant Health to support immigrant families and advocates to navigate COVID-19. 
• COVID-19 Resouces for undocumented immigrants (en español)
• Searchable resource database for undocumented immigrants
• Colorado Immigration Legal Services Directory

Food Access and Assistance

• Map of DPS food sites and Denver Rec dinner sites
• Metro Area School Food Programs information here
• Emergency Feeding Program
• Meal Sites During COVID-19 School Closures
• Hunger Free Colorado
  • Food Resources During COVID-19 Outbreak (English)
  • RECURSOS ALIMENTICIOS DURANTE COVID-19
  • For more information, fill this form and they will follow up in two business days
• Denver Emergency Food Network (for seniors and homebound families) Email grace@focuspoints.org or 303-292-0770 ext.135
• SAME Cafe is offering free/donation based hot meals to go Mon-Sat 11am – 2:30pm
• SecorCares food distribution is open with a drive-thru model 
• GrowHaus Food Boxes (English / Español
• List of food pantries that are operating right now 
  • Arapahoe County Food Banks
  • Food Bank of the Rockies Emergency Distribution Sites (statewide) 
• Free Meals For Youth 1-18 (No ID or Registration Required)
• Denver Inner City Parish has pick-up/delivery food boxes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am – 1pm 1212 Mariposa Street, Denver, CO 80204
• Kaizen Food Rescue
• Weinberg Food Pantry – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Bienvenidos Food Bank – Open Thursdays (closed Christmas & New Year’s weeks), 10:00 am – noon & 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Children & Families 

• Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) 
  • Program for low income families that provides child care financial assistance
    • Income eligibility requirements depend on county; CCCAP Eligibility by County
  • Apply online or by mail
  • To search for a list of child care providers that accept CCCAP go here
• Colorado Shines personalized one on one support for child care during COVID-19
  • Options to call, text, or email
• Colorado Works – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Cash assistance for qualifying families Apply Here 
• Denver Early Childhood COVID-19 resources for families
• Specific info about COVID-19 and children from Children’s Hospital of Colorado
• Growing Home also has food and baby supplies available for families with children
• Denver Inner City Parish has diaper distribution by appt only DICP Phone #303-629-0636
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to talk to your child
• Quarantine Resources for Parents & Caregivers
• “Quarantainment List” of activities, books, educational stuff, etc.