We’ve compiled information to help families connect to resources that may be helpful during this potentially stressful and challenging time. Many localities have their own community-based resources. Some links here direct the user to local government and/or local elected officials, who may be best positioned to make local connections.
General / Up to Date Information on COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control – General health information about COVID-19.
New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
New York State Board of Elections – Tool to find the names of your State Assemblymember, Senator, and Member of Congress, who may be able to direct you to local resources.
New York State Association of County Health Officials – Links to every county public health agency in New York State.
Council on Children and Families – Parenting tips, activities and information on how to talk to your children about the Coronavirus.
New York State COVID-19 Support Hotline: If you’re overwhelmed right now, the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Line is staffed by specially trained volunteers who can help. Reach Out! Call 1-844-863-9314.
City of New York Department of Health – NYC-specific information, resources, and phone numbers on wide variety of topics including public benefits, health, public safety, and parking. Text COVID to 692-692 for updates in English. Text COVIDESP for updates in Spanish.
World Health Organization – Wide range of information about COVID-19.
New York State Department of Health – Wide range of information about COVID-19.
Office of Children and Family Services – OCFS Coronavirus Information (COVID-19) webpage.
2-1-1 NYS – Find Services in New York State (By county or by city); Call 2-1-1 or visit link. Each county/city has resources for: housing, utility assistance, food, health care, employment, mental health/substance abuse, transportation, taxes, senior/elderly services, disability services, asthma, and more.
Integrate NYC – A youth hotline that can connect youth and their families to food, housing, educational, and recreational resources. CALL or TEXT 951-INTEGR8/951-468-3478.
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) – Resources for domestic violence programs by county. Residential services include domestic violence shelter, safe homes and safe dwellings. Non-residential services include telephone hotline assistance, information, referral, counseling, advocacy, community education and outreach services.
NYS Kinship Navigator – COVID-19 resources for kinship caregivers in New York State; general information and guidance, statewide/regional resources, Kinship Navigator fact sheets.
New York State Multiple Systems Navigator – Access to health, education, human service and disability information for youth, parents, family members and caregivers that rely on supports from multiple child and family serving systems.
Oasis Latino L.G.B.T.S Wellness Center – Connecting services to people with emergency cases i.e., STI testing and treatment for symptomatic clients or clients with a positive result to STI regardless of immigration status; clients with immediate PEP needs can contact the PEP Hotline: (844-373-7692); clients with a newly diagnosed HIV status or out of care are also being navigated to services. Operating remotely; Clients can chat with staff via the webpage or visit their Facebook page.
New York State Youth Leadership Council – a live document of resources in NYC around COVID19 support efforts. Resources include: Funds, housing, support, education, CUNY, mental health, food, internet, bills assistance, art, entertainment, and wellness.
NYS Community Action Association – Links to family-supporting resources.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Questions and answers on providing services to children with disabilities during the Coronavirus disease 2020 outbreak. – This document outlines states’ responsibilities to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families, and to the staff serving these children.
Fostering Youth Success Alliance – New York State COVID-19 Resources for foster children.
Mobilization for Justice – What You Need to Know About Tenants’ Rights During COVID-19 Outbreak.
LawHelpNY – LawHelp’s COVID-19 resource page for New York.
New York City Family Court – Information number for NYC Family Court. Call 646-386-5299.
Children’s Defense Fund – In Challenging Times: COVID-19. The Children’s Defense Fund Resource Guide.
The New York Academy of Medicine – NYAM’s resource page for: immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, people who use drugs, and incarcerated populations.
Sesame Street – Sesame Street’s COVID-19 resources and at-home materials.
Inter-Agency Standing Committee – My Hero is You, Storybook for Children on COVID-19.
Make the Road New York – COVID-19 Response: Updates, Resources and Know Your Rights Information. Available in English and Spanish.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019. Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help parents and caregivers think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family— both physically and emotionally—and what they can do to help their family cope. Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Office of New York City Comptroller – COVID-19 Financial Survival Toolkit for New Yorkers.
NYC Emergency Management – Accurate, real time updates from Notify NYC and NYC Emergency Management. Text ‘COVID’ to 692692 (NYC-NYC). (Alerts are also available in Spanish by texting ‘COVIDESP’ to 692-692.)
New York Legal Assistance Group NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline – Available M-F 10am-1pm. NYLAG’s COVID-19 hotline can offer advice on the following: Advanced Planning (Standby Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, Wills); Consumer Debt (Debt Collection, Wage Garnishment); Employees’ Rights (Paid Leave, FMLA, Working Conditions); Housing (Eviction, Rent Arrears, Foreclosure, Mortgage Relief Options,); Unemployment Benefits; Public Benefits; Special Education issues (K-12); Stimulus Payment questions. Call 929-356-9582.
New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc. – Information for families of residents in adult homes or nursing homes during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Harlem United – List of COVID-19 related resources.
Empire Justice Center – Empire Justice FAQs and Resources.
The Jewish Board – Responding to Change and Loss.
Behavioral Health
Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the Time of Coronavirus Webinar slides – Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW and Catherine Birndorf, MD., April 2020
University of Washington – Self Care: Protecting yourself during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Mental Health Europe (MHE) – “Coronavirus: 8 ways to look after your mental health.” Tips about taking care of mental health during COVID-19 crisis, with links to resources on COVID-19 and mental health in several languages.
NYC Well – Confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained counselors providing brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. Chat on their website, call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), or text “WELL” to 65173. You can also view NYC Well’s COVID-19 Digital Mental Health Resources.
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) – Program Directory, with links and phone numbers by geography. Hotline number is 1-800-942-6906.
New York State Office of Mental Health – COVID-19 Resources.
- Review their list of Mental Health Resources During an Emergency.
- Call their Emotional Support Line, which provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the Coronavirus emergency. Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. 1-844-863-9314.
- Program and Billing Guidance for Personalized Recovery Oriented Services Programs Regarding Emergency Response to COVID-19.
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – Crisis resources and hotlines for variety of concerns, along with COVID-19 specific resources.
Headspace – Free collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises are here to support you through stressful and challenging times. Also available in Spanish.
Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety; A Project by Shine – Resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.
Crisis Text Line – Text 741741 or message on website to connect with a crisis counselor.
New York State Multiple Systems Navigator – Access to health, education, human service and disability information for youth, parents, family members and caregivers that rely on supports from multiple child and family serving systems.
The Motherhood Center of New York – The Motherhood Center is conducting a Virtual Day Program, a resource for (expectant) mothers experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Visit the website or call to make a virtual appointment at (212) 335-0034.
Postpartum Resource Center of New York – Provides mothers and fathers with free confidential emotional support, educational information, healthcare and support group resources and more. Toll free state-wide helpline: 1-855-631-0001.
Visiting Nurse Service of New York
The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center
Medicare Advantage – Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus (COVID-19). Tips for how seniors can stay healthy and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Schuyler Center’s maternal mental health resources page.
Early Care and Learning Council – COVID-19 Resources for CCR&R’s: Survey link; important memo; letter to providers; news and updates; links; FAQs.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services Letters to child care providers relating to operations during the COVID-19 crisis.
ChildCare Aware of America – CCR&R Search: There are over 400 local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies across the United States. Your local CCR&R can help families find child care options near your home or work. They can also assist child care providers with resources for their business.
Educational
PBS – Focuses on child development, fun and games, education, child rearing issues and advice, and information on PBS programming.
CDC – Information for parents covering everything from safety at home and the community to immunization schedules and developmental milestones.
New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVELNY) – an online library of hundreds of magazines, newspapers, maps, charts, research and reference books that are available to every New Yorker, free of charge.
New York Times High School Access – Free digital access for high school students until July 6th.
Travel and Leisure – Museums that are offering virtual/online tours and exhibits.
Employment
New York State Department of Labor – Unemployment Insurance How-To Information.
NYC Department of Consumer and Work Protection (DCWP) – this publication includes a summary of City labor laws for employers and employees as you deal with the impact of COVID-19 on your workplace.
New York State City Department of Labor – Publication: Unemployment Benefits and Health Insurance FAQ.
National Partnership for Women & Families – Know Your Rights: Emergency Paid Sick Days and Paid Leave for Child Care and Coronavirus.
Finacial
NYS My Benefits – Eligibility and application for HEAP and SNAP.
Benefits.gov – How to apply for the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Information page includes: Program description and requirements, application process (with link to apply), and contact information for questions.
The New York Times: “F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan” – Information about stimulus checks; who is eligible; how to make sure to receive them if eligible; when they are likely to arrive; how much.
New York State Department of Labor – Link to apply for NYS Unemployment Benefits. You can also apply by calling the Telephone Claims Center at (888) 209-8124.
A Better Balance – Fact Sheet: New York State’s Emergency Paid Sick Leave Legislation.
New York State Paid Family Leave – Numerous paid family leave fact sheets, including fact sheet for employees.
New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) – Apply for cash assistance.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – Online tool for New York State residents where they can check eligibility for multiple human services benefit programs, as well as apply online for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
New York City Consumer Affairs – Free one-on-one professional, financial counseling and coaching to support you in reaching your goals.
New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) – Emergency fund for undocumented folks.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments.
Food
New York City Department of Aging – Provides home-delivered meals are available for seniors ages 60 years and older who may have disabilities, access, or functional needs.
Food Bank for New York City – An interactive map with providers who have switched to “grab and go” meals and pantry bags to minimize the risk of exposure.
New York City Department of Education – Grab-and-go information page; Find a meal location near you.
Why Hunger – Hotline refers people in need across the U.S. to food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meals sites, government nutrition programs and grassroots organizations, especially those that provide access to nutritious foods and nutritional support services. Call 1-800-548-6479 (1-800-5-HUNGRY).
NYS myBenefits – Eligibility and application for HEAP and SNAP.
Benefits.gov – How to apply for the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Information page includes: Program description and requirements, application process (with link to apply), and contact information for questions.
Hunger Solutions New York – Get Food Help: If you or your family have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, you may be eligible for programs that help you buy food. You can apply for and use programs like SNAP and WIC while keeping a safe distance from other people.
The Food Pantries for the Capital District – There are more than 60 food pantries throughout the Capital District working together to feed the hungry. This is COVID-19 Food Access Information from The Food Pantries for the Capital District that provides up-to-date food pantry information.
Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) – The Department of Probation has opened five NeON Nutrition Kitchens throughout the city. When you visit a NeON Nutrition Kitchen, you’ll get free, nutritious groceries and great service from friendly staff.
Food assistance resource list from Senator Diane Savino’s office.
No Kid Hungry – With schools closed due to COVID19, No Kid Hungry has launched a texting hotline to provide information about emergency food distribution sites in communities all over the country. To find food near you, text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877.
Health/Medical
United Hospital Fund – Resources for pediatric health care providers to support families: infographics and fact sheets, suitable for display or distribution in the office/practice, practice parameters and guidance, stress management and self-care for health providers.
KidsHealth from Nemours – A Nemours Foundation web site that offers extensive articles on childhood illnesses and health issues.
CDC – The most up-to-date and scientific information, and recommendations, on COVID 19.
- You can also read their list of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding FAQs in context of COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How to isolate at home when you have COVID-19 – an article from the Government of Canada.
Difference between quarantine (self-isolate) and isolate – an article from the Government of Canada.
Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) – Medication-Assisted Treatment via Telehealth.
New York State of Health – Apply for health insurance coverage in New York State. Call 1-855-355-5777.
Community Health Advocates – Help with health insurance. Call (888) 614-5400.
BabyCenter – COVID-19 pregnancy FAQs.
New York State Department of Health – Resources for pregnant people and their families from New York State.
National Center for Education in Maternal & Child Health – Resources for the public health workforce, community health centers, and families during this difficult time.
Oasis Latino L.G.B.T.S Wellness Center – Connecting services to people with emergency cases i.e., STI testing and treatment for symptomatic clients or clients with a positive result to STI regardless of immigration status; clients with immediate PEP needs can contact the PEP Hotline: (844-373-7692); clients with a newly diagnosed HIV status or out of care are also being navigated to services. Operating remotely; Clients can chat with staff via the webpage or go to their Facebook page.
New York State Department of Health
- Information about testing for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers: news and updates, fact sheets for medicaid consumers, and guidance materials.
United Hospital Fund – Grim Times and Health Insurance: Maintaining Coverage During the Pandemic. This guide goes through the options available to consumers to continue their employer-based coverage or find new coverage on the NY State of Health Marketplace, which has a Coronavirus special enrollment period extended until June 15. The guide also explains state and federal consumer protection laws, the enrollment process, and important resources.
Immigrants
The New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) – Emergency fund for undocumented folks.
Informed Immigrant – Resources for Immigrants during the Coronavirus crisis. National and state resources.
New York State Office for New Americans – The New Americans hotline is a toll-free, multi-lingual hotline. The hotline provides live assistance in more than 200 languages. Anyone can call the hotline for information and referrals, regardless of citizenship or documented status. Calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous. The hotline operates from 9AM to 8PM (ET), Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays) and is managed by Catholic Charities Community Services. CALL 1-800-566-7636.
United We Dream – A list of free health clinics by state and Mental Health Toolkit.
US Citizen and Immigration Services – How COVID-19 testing on undocumented immigrants affects public charge.
Senator Jessica Ramos – Senator Ramos’ COVID-19 Resource Guide.
National Immigration Law Center
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- Update on Access to Health Care for Immigrants and Their Families.
- Understanding the Impact of Key Provisions of COVID-19 Relief Bills on Immigrant Communities – A quick reference guide on immigrant eligibility that provides a general overview of some of the federal public programs available to support individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Article: DACA Renewal Guidance in Light of USCIS Office Closures and the Forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court Decision.
- FAQ: Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19 – Safety and health at work; paid and unpaid time off; unemployment insurance; workers’ compensation; economic stimulus payments/access to health care.
Immigrant Connections – A list of educational resources for English Language Leaners to help their children learn.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Managing anxiety & stress during infectious disease outbreaks available in multiple languages.
National Employment Law Project – Article: Immigrant Workers Eligibility For Unemployment Insurance.
New York Immigration Coalition – Up-to-date information about how COVID-19 affects NYC residents available in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Bengali, Korean, Haitian Creole & Russian.
Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign – A quick reference guide on immigrant eligibility that provides a general overview of some of the federal public programs available to support individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Migration Policy Institute (MPI) – Fact Sheet – Immigrant Workers: Vital to the U.S. COVID-19 Response, Disproportionately Vulnerable.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center – Information in English and Spanish to support immigrants who are anxious about accessing health care.
UnidosUS
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- Unidos US Community Resources – Download and share these assets to keep your community informed with updated materials from trusted sources. Infographics available in multiple langauges.
- Explaining COVID-19 Relief for Latino Families – A series of videos in English and Spanish, covering: general information; job, housing, economy; health; immigration; education.
Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers – Wide variety of materials from agencies around the country working with families speaking many languages.
NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs – Available in the top 11 languages, provides information on: health care and well-being; food; housing and utility; education and child care; worker support; small business support.
Parenting and Family
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) – Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource – A webpage with tips for parents on how to talk with their children about Coronavirus. The tip sheets are available for download in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, and Vietnamese.
Child Mind Institute – Coping During COVID-19: Resources for parents. With schools closed, children at home anxiety is running high. We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care, self care all while keeping worries—both your children’s and you own—under control.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Offers activity ideas to parents and caregivers whose families are sheltering in place, social distancing, and homeschooling due to school closures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prevent Child Abuse New York (PCANY) – Find a parenting program in your community. For additional information related to parenting through the COVID 19 Crisis, view their COVID-19 Resources and Guide, follow them on Facebook, and/or sign up for their e-newsletter. You can also view their Links to parenting resources: New York State Family Resources, PBS Parents, Baby Center, Kids Health, CDC Parents.
Bright By Text – Bright by Text provides free tips, information, and resources for parents, including timely information about local resources from community organizations. For anyone caring for a child aged 0-8.
Harvard Business Review: “How Working Parents Can Prepare for Coronavirus Closures” – Tips on how working parents can prepare for Coronavirus related closures.
National Diaper Bank Network – Find an agency in your area that provides diaper assistance to families in need.
National Healthy Start Association – Resource lists for the following: “pregnancy & general”, “Coronavirus, pregnancy, and breastmilk”, “resources about infants and children”.
United Hospital Fund – General information about COVID-19 for families, talking to children about COVID-19, parenting during the Coronavirus outbreak, recognizing and managing stress, social distancing and staying at home, activities and resources for families and children at home.
March of Dimes
- COVID-19 Impact on Moms and Babies
- Coronavirus: How to Cope with Stress and Anxiety, for pregnant/new moms
CDC – COVID-19 and Children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Understood – Tips and ideas for talking with and teaching kids during Coronavirus.
Project TEACH – Parents who have concerns about their child/youth’s mental health should call their child/youth’s pediatrician. Parents can share information about Project TEACH resources with their pediatrician. Parents/families can access resources on the Project TEACH Parent/Family Resource page.
New York State Kinship Navigator – COVID-19 resources for kinship caregivers in NYS; general information and guidance, statewide/regional resources, kinship navigator fact sheets.
New York State Multiple Systems Navigator – Access to health, education, human service and disability information for youth, parents, family members and caregivers that rely on supports from multiple child and family serving systems.
National Center for Education in Maternal & Child Health – Resources for helping children and adolescents cope with uncertainty and fear; injury; loss of loved ones; destruction of homes and schools; and other trauma.
University of Rochester Medical Center – Coronavirus information for families. Links to other resources.
Psychology Today – Parenting in a Pandemic by Jennifer Weil Malatras, Ph.D. of The Healthy Child.
Mindheart – A short book to support and reassure our children, under the age of 7, regarding the COVID-19. Available in 25 languages.
YouTube video: Dr. Barbara Stroud – Dr. Stroud has provided this informational video for parents in order to support caregivers in managing the emotional responses and developmental needs of their children during this crisis. Dr. Stroud provides parents with information and skills to support their children’s emotional health, mental well being, and build necessary skills of resilience.
New York State Parent Portal – Caregiving tips and resources to enhance parenting. COVID-19 resources available.
Zero to Three – Tips for Families: Coronavirus. These resources offer tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.
ChildCareAware of America – Resources for Supporting Families with Young Children at Home during COVID-19.
NYC Early Childhood Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) – Webinar: Supporting Families and Caregivers of Infants and Young Children Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Parenting for Life-Long Health – Open-access online parenting resources during COVID-19. Available in over 50 languages..
The Cordova Times – For the Health of It: Talking to your Kids About COVID-19.
Autism Little Learners – Story for Kids: Seeing People Wearing Masks. Written especially for children with autism. Downloadable free book, English, Spanish, Greek.
Inter-Agency Standing Committee – My Hero is You. A downloadable book about how kids can fight COVID-19.
Empire Justice – FAQs on child care funding for essential workers.
Sprout Therapy – Guide to Parenting and Family Health During COVID-19.
Technology
Spectrum – Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. Call 844-488-8395.
NYC Human Resource Administration (HRA) – Apply for HEAP grant; Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) HEAP is a federally funded program designed to assist low to middle income families and individuals in meeting the costs of home energy.
NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – Links to Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) local resources. HEAP is a federally funded program designed to assist low to middle income families and individuals in meeting the costs of home energy.
In My Area – This guide examines the pros and cons of parental controls and their effectiveness (or lack thereof) for toddlers through teens. It also discusses various options and tools for implementing controls.
How Coding Provides Skills That Can Help Children Cope With Distress – Uncertain times are especially tough on young minds. Here’s how children and teens can learn coping strategies through coding.
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