A CURATED LIST OF COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR YOU
To help you through this time of social distancing and school closures, we have curated a list of resources for you. Check them out below.
Our own teams are also creating resources for families and the community. You can view them here.
General Preparation Information
American Red Cross
Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.
Call: 1 800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) *main phone number
Visit: this link for coronavirus safety tips
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Columbus Public Health
Visit the website or call (614) 645-1519 .
COVID-19 Information in Multiple Languages
Videos in multiple languages explaining COVID-19.
COVID-19 information sheets in Columbus’ top 6 languages.
New York Times coverage in Chinese and Spanish.
COVID-19 fact sheets in more than 30 languages from Health Literacy Project.
COVID-19 in Ohio: Resources and ways to help
Everything, from addiction to jobs to entertainment to utilities, this collective document is loaded with resources being continually updated.
This all-in-one page from Columbus City Schools has detailed information for Central Ohio families.
Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19
A list on disinfectants that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for use against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Franklin County Public Health
Visit the website for Franklin County COVID-19 updates
Text: COVID19FC to 888-777
Press Coverage
Review the day-by-day summary of Columbus COVID-19 news.
View the Ohio daily press conference live on the Ohio Channel.
Keep up with WOSU Public Media’s coverage on COVID-19.
Emergency Assistance & Information
EMERGENCY RESOURCES
EMPLOYMENT & FINANCIAL HELP
HEALTHCARE
Crisis Hotlines
From Cap4Kids, a helpful guide to crisis hotlines:
- Franklin County youth up to age 17, call Nationwide Children’s Crisis Line
(614) 722-1800 - Franklin County adults ages 18 and up, call Netcare Access
(614) 276-2273
(888) 276-2273 Toll-free
Domestic Violence Texting Service
The Columbus City Attorney office’s domestic violence and stalking unit is now offering a texting service for domestic violence survivors. Text 614-653-8075.
Emergencies
- Call 9-1-1
- Visit the emergency room
Suicide Prevention
- Call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline
(614) 221-5445
Teen Hotline (614) 294-3300
Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255 - Call the National Suicide Hotline
(800) 273-8255
(800) 799-4889 TTY
(888) 628-9454 for Spanish
Disaster Distress
- Call the Disaster Distress Helpline
(800) 985-5990
(800) 846-8517 TTY
Text ‘TalkWithUs’ or ‘Hablanos’ to 66746
First Link
FirstLink is a free, confidential service available to anyone 24/7/365 for listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention.
Call: 211
Star House
Closing daily from 11am-2pm (to sanitize facility). Taking temps when entering building. People with fevers will be given a goodie bag but not allowed in. No visitors except medical personnel. They are accepting donations if possible.
For Individuals & Families
**NEW Rental Assistance Program**
Franklin County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Plus Rental Assistance program provides one-time rental assistance payments for eligible families struggling to meet rent or facing eviction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employment Opportunities
List of online job searches for temporary jobs and industries in Columbus hiring.
Short-Term Assistance
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program – for bartenders who are impacted by the restaurant and bar closures
Franklin County JFS Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) Program – provides short-term assistance for families struggling with a specific crisis situation, up to $1,500 one-time per year, to households with children.
ODJFS Cash Assistance – must meet eligibility requirement
Training Opportunities
TechCred – provides online trainings to help Ohioans learn new technology/IT skills
Unemployment
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services – FAQs about unemployment benefits
Apply for unemployment benefits
For Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Call (800) 848-1300 or email BusinessHelp@development.ohio.gov
U.S Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance – for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters
United Way of Central Ohio Community Response Fund – for nonprofits seeking assistance
Columbus Foundation Emergency Response Fund – for nonprofits seeking assistance
Huntington Bank financial relief – for customers and small business
Fifth Third Bank coronavirus hardship and loan payment assistance – for customers and small business
Care, Insurance, and Prescriptions
Assistance for Lost Insurance Coverage – for those who lost insurance coverage, are eligible for a special enrollment period to gain new coverage
Free & Low-Cost Health Care Clinics
ODJFS Medical Assistance – must meet eligibility requirements
Ohio Medicaid for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens
For Healthcare Providers
Free access to Headspace for all health care workers through 2020.
Sustaining the well-being of healthcare personnel during the coronavirus outbreak.
Mental Health
Located within walking distance of the Schoenbaum Family Center, Directions for Youth & Families is offering counseling and behavioral health services for new and current clients. Community response to this pandemic is likely to cause stress and confusion among children, as well as parents and other family members. Now, more than ever, it’s important to have coping skills, anxiety reduction strategies, and a sense of stability. Contact their Intake Department by calling 614-294-2661 or emailing intake@dfyf.org.
Find Local Mental Health Support
Behavioral Health Resources – provided by Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Governor’s Letter on Managing COVID-19 Related Stress
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Pregnancy, new baby and child care
Breastfeeding support resources
Baby supplies and clothing resources
Coronavirus Information on Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Infant Health (from CDC)
Information from What to Expect
ODJFS-approved Centers for Pandemic Child Care – if you need help connecting with a provider, call (614) 224-0222, ext. 299
HOUSING
TRANSPORTATION
UTILITIES
Aged-Out Foster Children
College students can email info@togetherwerise.org to help provide or find housing options.
Columbus Homeless Hotline
(614) 274-7000
For those affected by domestic violence: (614) 224-4663
For youth: (614) 294-5553
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
For veterans experiencing housing emergencies during the COVID-19 outbreak call (855) 234-7310 or email ssvf@fcsohio.org.
COTA
COTA has temporarily suspended all fare collection and ask passengers to enter and exit through the rear doors. COTA is also offering specialized help to food assistance resources.
Learn how to take COTA to food pantries or CCS meal sites, as well as what COTA is doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Learn more about changes to service routes.
For additional transportation information
Call: 211 for the latest transportation options.
Cell Phones
List of organizations providing free and reduced-cost cell phones with wireless service.
Internet Services
Spectrum is offering 60 days of free internet for children K-12 or college students who don’t already have a spectrum subscription. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
Call: 1-844-488-8395
Comcast is offering support available to all qualified low-income households.
Call: 1-855-846-8376 (English) or 1-855-765-6995 (Spanish)
AT&T Home Internet
Call: (855) 223-0558
For additional internet service availability information, follow this link.
Utility Companies
Utility companies will suspend shut-offs for non-payment at this time. This applies to the services run by the cities, but also to AEP/Columbia Gas.
Visit the companies’ websites or call for further details.
AEP Ohio Suspension of Disconnects & Payment Hardship Plan
Call: (800) 672-2231
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Call: (800) 686-7826
Follow this link for additional help with utilities.
Food & Meal Assistance
All Peoples Fresh Market
Operated by Community Development for All People, they are providing food via drive-thru and walk-thru options. No appointment necessary. Located at 945 Parsons Avenue (click here for map). Learn more here.
Hours: Tues – Fri from 11am – 5pm, Sat from 9am – 1pm
Alternatives to busy grocery stores
Including Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) and drive-thru farmers markets.
Champion Food Pantry
Operated by Lutheran Social Services, they are providing both perishables (no appointment required) and groceries (appointment required) at their location at 1460. S. Champion Avenue (map).
Hours (Perishables only, no appointment): Mon 11 am – 1 pm; Tues 2:30 – 4 pm; Fri 11am – 1 pm
Hours (Scheduled order pick-ups): Tues 1:30 – 4 pm; Wed 10am – 3pm; Thurs 3-5 pm; Fri 12-2 pm
Columbus City Schools
CCS is providing grab-and-go meals for breakfast and lunch for Columbus City Schools. This information has been widely shared by the schools, mainstream/social media.
Visit: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/7560 for the most up-to-date info with expanded locations map.
Children’s Hunger Alliance
Passing out free meals to children at 3 different Columbus Metropolitan Library branches. The meals will be served in the parking lots. Any child 18 and under will be able to pick up two meals to take home.
- Whitehall Branch, 4445 East Broad Street, Columbus
10:30am – 11:30am - Barnett Branch, 3434 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus
12pm – 1pm - Northern Lights Branch, 4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Columbus area free lunches for students and food pantries
This list was provided by Columbus Public Health.
Columbus Blessing Boxes Project
Outdoor cabinets in public places that are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, baby supplies, and more. You can also see a map of the locations here.
Free Central Ohio School Breakfast & Lunch Distribution Sites
Click here for a list from the Ohio Department of Education.
HandsOn Foodline
For more information on access to the Foodline, call (614) 341-2282 or text “Food” to (614) 702-7772.
LifeCare Alliance Meals-on-Wheels
Meals for seniors and veterans.
The LunchBox
The LunchBox will be passing out emergency food to those who need it the most.
Mid-Ohio Foodbank
For information about the Kroger pantry.
Click here for COVID-19 guidelines, updates, and revised hours.
NNEMAP Pantry
NNEMAP Food Pantry offers food and other services to qualifying individuals and families who live in ZIP codes 43201, 43211, 43215, 43219 and 43224.
Call: 614-297-0533
Email: info@nnemappantry.org
Address: 677 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211 (click here for map)
Salvation Army Food Pantries
The Salvation Army provides food pantries, senior food boxes, mobile food canteen, hot lunch program, and free weekly produce give-a-ways.
Visit: https://co.salvationarmy.org/CentralOhio/food for more information on the above programs.
For food pantries by appointment:
- If you live in Franklin County, call (614) 341-2282
- If you live in Delaware County, call (740) 369-5301
- Walk-ins are also accepted on an emergency basis if resources allow. Click here to see pantry locations and hours.
SNAP
Must meet eligibility requirements, see more on the ODJFS website.
St. Stephen’s Community House Food Pantry
Available to all Franklin County Residents with NO ZIP CODE RESTRICTION! Families can visit 1x/week as of March 2020. They are offering ONLY pre-boxed food. St. Stephen’s also has diaper availability to children under 3 years old.
Visit: www.sainstephensCH.org
Various restaurants are giving away food to children
Visit: this link for specific restaurants, dates/times, locations
Various other resources
Stay informed on other food distribution resources by joining the Food Soldier Facebook Group.
WIC
EVERYONE must contact via phone before going into an appointment. Visits are being shortened and other guidelines to follow.
WIC provides breastfeeding support, infant formula, food for pregnant and postpartum women and children ages up to age 5.
Educational Supports
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
A nice infographic about how to help your child prepare for entry into kindergarten.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Ohio Department of Education
Visit: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Early-Learning-Family-Resources
Read, Write, Think
Ready4Success
Resources for Early Learning (birth–33 months)
Speech Therapy Resources
Visit: https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/games-and-activities/6-free-online-speech-therapy-resources/
Zero to Three
Short-Term Education Alternatives
Central Ohio Public Libraries
Columbus Metropolitan Library cardholders have access to free digital downloads for cardholders.
List of free digital content from Central Ohio Public Libraries.
Classes for Ages 3-18
This resource also offers small group video chats.
Visit: https://outschool.com/
Columbus City Schools Online Learning Resources
List of online learning resources.
COSI Connects
Daily, hands-on science lessons from COSI.
Crayola
Dr. Seuss Reading and Games
Visit: https://www.seussville.com/
Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings
Exploring Geography and Maps
Visit: https://intothemap.org/
Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends a free book every month to children.
K-8 Learning Games
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is offering a complete, structured schedule for children of all grades.
Visit: this link for details.
Learn New Skills
This site believes all children, anywhere, can learn any skill.
Visit: https://diy.org
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Visit: https://youtu.be/MjaYnyCJDdU
National Geographic Kids
National Wildlife Federation
Visit: this link for temporarily free access to their website and Ranger Rick activities.
PreK-12 Resources
Downloadable resources and activites for prek-12 from PBS.
- At-home learning for K-3
- At-home learning for 4-6
- At-home learning for middle school
- At-home learning for high school
Reading Comprehension Lessons
Science and STEM Videos
Visit: https://www.thefablab.com/
TedEd
Free, daily interactive lessons for teens.
Transitioning to Learning at Home
How to homeschool your kids from CNN.
Activities To Do at Home
Family activities to try during closures
A checklist of family activity ideas from the Ohio Department of Health.
Free Kids Shows
Free shows for all users on Amazon.
Giant list of activities courtesy of Princess Awesome & Boy Wonder
Visit: this link for the full list
Music and Dance from Go Noodle
Online Workouts for Adults and Kids
This list offers 125 online workouts for both adults and kids.
YMCA home workouts.
Podcasts for kids
Visit: https://amp.commonsense.org/blog/6016cebb-52c7-41b5-96c1-5cdd64efbd60
Read with the Buckeyes
For Master Teague and Jim Tressel book read alouds and coloring pages of Brutus Buckeye over the years.
Virtual Experiences
Virtual events calendar for kids, including tours, on-demand videos and live streams
Virtual exhibits for online learning and fun
Virtual experiences and resources
Museums offering virtual tours
Resources for Parents & Caregivers
TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT COVID-19
A Comic Exploring COVID-19
Find this resource from NPR here.
COVID Workbook
A short book from author Manuela Molina to support and reassure children under 7. The book is available in multiple languages.
Explaining COVID-19 for children
Read the article by PBS here.
Helping children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19
A parent resource offered in multiple languages.
How to Talk to Your Children about the Coronavirus and Ease their Anxiety
Ohio State’s Chief Wellness Officer Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk shares how to help reduce anxiety for your children amid COVID-19. Read the article here.
Setting a new routine
COVID-19 checklist for setting a new routine from the Ohio Department of Health.
What Parents Need to Know about COVID-19
Read the article by Nationwide Children’s Hospital here.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
Coping with Coronavirus
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a great resource with information as well as support for parents and tips for helping cope with COVID-19.
Food Safety
Sanja Ilic, assistant professor of human nutrition at The Ohio State University and an OSU Extension food safety state specialist, shares her expertise and answers to FAQs on food safety during COVID-19. Read the article here.
Fussy Baby Network
Helps families struggling with their infants’ crying, sleeping, or feeding. Infant specialists take calls Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time. Call (888) 431-2229 or email fussybaby@erikson.edu
Healthy at Home: A Toolkit for Families
This free toolkit provides families with information on learning at home, prevention & care, and emotional well-being for children.
How to keep your kids healthy at home
National Geographic offers strategies on eating healthy, exercising, and practicing gratitude with your kids during this time.
Parents shouldn’t feel they have to be teachers, too
OSU researcher Jessica Logan shares expert advice on giving yourself a break.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Calm
Free resources to support emotional wellness.
General Resilience (including getting along with siblings)
With self-confidence and the ability to express themselves, little ones can build the skills they need to become resilient. Check it out here.
Helping Kids Cope
Sesame Street offers resources that help kids (and parents!) with what matters most in young lives.
NCPMI has resources for helping kids and families cope.
Mental Health Videos for Children and Families
St. Vincent Family Center’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Team created a mental health playlist to help parents and caregivers to support the social-emotional needs of their children.
Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being
ChildTrends offers resources for supporting children’s emotion well-being during the pandemic.
MEDIA & SCREENS
Common Sense Media Resources
For families to use quality media during the pandemic.
Television and the Under 3 Crowd
Zero to Three’s “Television and the Under 3 Crowd” is a tool to decide if screen time is appropriate for young children, and how to choose television programs that support their learning and development.
Resources for Providers
Government Announcements and Resources
Conscious Discipline
COVID-19 Resources for Families and Educators
Enhanced E-Course Site License, 3-Session Trauma Webinar, Premium Resources
Second Step
Second Step is a program rooted in social-emotional learning, and provides education professionals with tools to enable them to take an active role in the social-emotional growth and safety of children.
Trauma Informed Family Engagament Webinars
Hopewell Health Centers, Inc. in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services are presenting two webinars at muliple dates and times free of charge. More info here.
Ways to Help
How to Help in Columbus
Ways to help in Columbus during a crisis.
Neighborhood Bridges
An organization that helps match families in need with local businesses, volunteers and service organizations that offer resources such as food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Offered in many Franklin County suburbs.
Ways to Help in Central Ohio
A list of 44 ways to be a helper during the COVID-19 pandemic.