Life under the COVID-19 pandemic can be scary, especially for the most vulnerable in our communities, but there are resources that might be able to ease some of the stress. Here is a list of options for those in the Los Angeles area.
Resources for Food
- LA Food Bank Pantry Locator– The LA Food Bank will continue to distribute food and other essentials to children, seniors, families and others in need.
Resources for Bill Payments
- LADWP extended payment plans– Any impacted customer can request a payment plan online or can make arrangements by calling customer care at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). They have also deferred disconnections for non-payment through the remainder of March at this time.
- Los Angeles County Public Works continues services– Services will not be shut off during this time for customers who are behind on payments. This includes water, sewer and trash pickup services.
- Free Wi-Fi for students– Charter Communications is giving households with K-12 and college students free Spectrum Wi-Fi for the next 60 days.
Resources for the Youth
- Grab-and-go meals by LAUSD– For children and youth ages 0-17, LAUSD is providing grab-and-go meals for students from 7 am-10 am. Visit their website for a map of the pickup sites.
- Free Wi-Fi for students– Charter Communications is giving households with K-12 and college students free Spectrum Wi-Fi for the next 60 days.
Resources for Housing
- Housing assistance for foster youth– Contact info@togetherwerise.orgfor assistance regarding foster youth evicted from college dorms and needing assistance finding housing.
- Eviction support from the Los Angeles Tenants Union– Your local union is providing support around evictions. Visit their website to find the union nearest you.
Resources for the Elderly
- Meal distribution by Elder Nutrition Program– The Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services and the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging will transition to distribute packaged/frozen meals or home-delivered meals instead of congregating at meal sites. Call your local meal provider or (213) 482-7252 for assistance. Click the link for a map of meal centers.
- Senior shopping hour at all Super A Markets– Stores will open one hour early to allow Seniors 65 years and up to exclusively shop during the hours of 7:00 am- 8:00 am before the store opens to the general public.
- Senior shopping hour at Superior Grocers– Store will open one hour early to allow Seniors 65 years and up and older and disabled folks to exclusively shop during the hours of 7:00 am- 8:00 am before the store opens to the general public.
Resources for Employees
(Excerpted from LA Fashion District Resource List)
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims– File a claim if your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19. Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 and expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks are not required to actively seek work each week.
- Paid Family Leave– Apply for Paid Family Leave if you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19.
- Disability Insurance– Apply for disability leave if you’re unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness.
- Workers Compensation– If workers are unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Bartender Emergency Assistance Program– The United States Bartenders Guild Foundation is offering financial assistance to bartenders and their families through its Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. You do not need to be a member to apply.
- Freelance Artists Assistance Program– an aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines put together.
- Tipped Workers/Service Workers Assistance Program– This organization is offering free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers — who are seeing their income decline during this disaster, or aren’t able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns.
