Below you can find resources that are available locally to anyone who may be seeking help.

 

CORONAVIRUS ASSISTANCE TOOLKIT

Senator Young has released a Coronavirus Assistance Toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available. The Toolkit provides information in the following areas:

 

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PSA
You can find up to date information regarding COVID-19 data on cases, deaths, and tests here.

 

CITY OF SOUTH BEND:

The City of South Bend has a web page that connects residents to programs and services provided by local and state government programs, non-profits agencies, service providers, religious institutions, and more.

You can find information regarding At Home Activities, Child Care Support, Donations/Volunteer Needs, Food Support, Workforce Support, and Utility Support.

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES

United Way of St. Joseph County has compiled a list of supported nonprofit agencies that provide emergency services such as: Food Pantry, Rent, Utilities, and emergency Food and Shelter.

The Indiana Food Assistance Map will also connect you to available food resources based on your location. To access this, click here.

 

FAMILYWIZE

United Way of St. Joseph County is committed to connecting residents to prescription savings resources during the Coronavirus pandemic through its partnership with FamilyWize, an organization focused on improving the health and well-bring of individuals, families, and communities. Community residents can call FamilyWize for free customer support to help them coordinate prescription medication delivery from participating pharmacies. Residents will also continue to receive savings on medications by using the free FamilyWize prescription program card. To learn more click here.

 

REGISTER FOR ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS

For those who don’t normally file an IRS tax return, a new web tool will allow millions of people to quickly register for Economic Impact Payments through the federal COVID-19 response effort. Go to www.irs.gov/eip to learn more and confirm your personal information to receive your Economic Impact Payment through direct depost.

 

YWCA NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA:

If you are experiencing domestic violence please call or text 1-866-yes-ywca any time, any day to speak with a counselor and get help.

 

HOW TO PRIORITIZE EXPENSES

If you are experiencing an immediate financial impact from the COVID-19 Crisis it is important to prioritize your expenses. If you have to choose between which bills to pay, cover the essentials first.

1. Food. If you need help finding food or resources for groceries, check our quick resource list for ideas on who is able to meet your needs, or call 2-1-1 to speak with someone who can help you get connected to the resources available near you.

2. Shelter. Banks and landlords may be able to work with you at this time—don’t be afraid to reach out! You may have heard that evictions and foreclosures are temporarily suspended. That does not mean that you do not have to pay your rent/mortgage. Those bills are still due, and should be a prioritized in order to secure your housing for the long-term. If you need help finding resources or navigating your housing expenses, view our quick resource list here, or call 2-1-1 for help finding programs that can assist you.

3. Utilities. Much like rent and mortgage payments, many utility companies are offering grace-periods for shut-offs in light of the COVID-19 Crisis. These bills should still remain a priority, whether in-part, or in-whole. Contact your utility company to learn about their response programs and how payment can be altered in order to prevent growing balances and future shut-offs after any grace-period ends. If you need help covering your utility costs, you can also view the quick resource list posted here to see which programs are available in our area, or call 2-1-1 for a complete list of available resources.

4. Transportation. While many people are staying home right now, it is still important to maintain the ability to travel to grocery stores, essential work, medical appointments, etc. Whether utilizing a vehicle or public transportation, making sure you maintain your ability to get to essential resources will remain critical now and in the future. If you need assistance with transportation for essential needs, please contact 2-1-1 to speak with someone about available assistance and resources.

 

2-1-1 AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

To be connected to local resources please call 2-1-1 or visit their website. 

For more information regarding health insurance/medical expenses, internet access, mental health resources, SNAP/Food Stamps, and more please visit Indiana United Way’s website here.

*While most resources on their website are for Indiana residents, please note some resources are specific to the Indianapolis area.