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COVID-19 Community Resources

You are here: Home / Home / COVID-19 Community Resources

In this time of emergency, the CECs are concerned about the safety, health, and well-being of all communities. This website contains some resources to support and encourage wellness and well-being.

Access to Information and Updates on COVID-19

  • In order to best serve residents with questions and concerns about COVID-19, Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has partnered with United Way 211 to offer a 24/7 hotline. Please call 888-856-2774 to speak with a representative.
  • Stay up to date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts (https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611110/login) and subscribing to COVID-19, follow the Health Department on Facebook (@AlleghenyCountyHealth) and Twitter (@HealthAllegheny), and visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19.aspx.
  • Black Equity Coalition has released the Missing our Shot: COVID-19 Vaccine Equity in Allegheny County which sheds the light on the need for additional data, transparency, capacity, infrastructure, and data tracking issues in the Black communities within Allegheny County in regard to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
  • FOR ANY GENERAL ASSISTANCE: United Way helpline (help connecting to all kinds of resources), call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 or visit org; sign up for text alerts at pa211sw.org/text-alerts

Educational Tips

  • Tips for Helping Children Adjust to a home-school_.pdf
  • A sample family schedule with ideas for scheduling work, homeschooling, and fun. Courtesy of Dulari Tahbildar: Tahbiltone Remote Work/Child Care Schedule
  • Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities

Educational Activity Ideas

  • 150+ Educational Shows on Netflix
  • “275+ Enrichment Activities for Children While Parents are Working Remotely
  • Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:
    • Write up a list of things for your child to find around the home and the backyard from A-Z OR have your child look around for 26 items that each correspond to a different letter of the alphabet.
    • If you have multiple children, have a prize for who finishes the list first

Online Learning Resources

General Resources

  • List of free learning resources: Amazing Educational Resources
  • RoomRecess | Free Learning Games for Kids Online
  • English Grammar and Spell Checker 
  • Free Virtual Summer Camp Guide

Literacy and Reading Focused

  • ABCya! • Learning Games and Apps for Kids
  • Arcademic Skill Builders - Math Games, Language Arts Games, and much more

Math Focused

  • https://www.splashlearn.com/
    • Math practice for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade in enrichment or catching up skills. Like Prodigy there are two platforms, FREE and a paid membership.
  • Arcademic Skill Builders - Math Games, Language Arts Games, and much more
    • Multiplayer educational games. Free math games, free language arts games, and more for K-8 students.
  • Math Games | Math Playground | Fun for Kids
    • Math practice for kids K-8 students
  • XtraMath

Various museums to visit online and/or go on virtual tours:

  • Google Arts & Culture
  • 12 Museums From Around the World That You Can Visit Virtually | Travel + Leisure

Physical Activities for Youth

  • Be Fit Pitt with the Healthy Lifestyle Institute – Remote Activity Options:
    • Visit or Subscribe to our YouTube Page for activity break and workout content.
      • Over 500 Activity Break (under 2 minutes)
      • Workouts to follow along with between 5-40 minutes – no equipment needed
      • Tutorials and variations for all skill levels
  • JUST DANCE' Dance Alongs - All ages!
    • The YouTube playlist below is just a family friendly starting place. You can search 'Just Dance' on Youtube and a slew of options will come up.
  • Cosmic Kids Yoga - Ages 3-6
    • YouTube channel with Yoga videos ranging from 3 minute mindfulness breaks to full hour long yoga sessions. It is accessible to children of all levels.
  • '7M Workout' App - Ages 7-13
    • Family friendly app that helps users stay fit every day by guiding you through seven minute workouts!

Mindfulness Activities

  • 7 Music Games for Practicing Self-Regulation
  • Guided Meditation and Mindfulness - The Headspace App
  • Calm - The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep
  • Insight Timer - #1 Free Meditation App for Sleep, Relax & More

Resources for Those Caring for Children and Teens

  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Advice on the Coronavirus
  • Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Coronaviruszine for kids.pdf

 

Mental and Physical Health Resources

  • The World Health Organization’s daily updates: https://www.who.int
  • Basics on Practice Social Distancing, Washing your hands frequently, Disinfecting commonly used objects (including your phone), etc: Practical Tips For Coronavirus Prevention, And How Not to Panic
  • National Center for PTSD: Covid-19 Resources for Managing Stress COVID-19: Resources for Managing Stress - PTSD
  • RESOLVE Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-796-8226
    • Resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service. It's free to all residents of Allegheny County, regardless of your ability to pay
  • Allegheny County has services in place for individuals to speak with someone to assist in emotional support.
    • A Peer Support and Advocacy Network is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. by calling 1-866-661-9726
    • Crisis Services available 24 hours/7 days a week by calling 1-888-796-8226
  • Forward Wellness Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC
    • Telehealth services that accepts all commercial insurance. Some commercial plans are also waiving copays. Sliding scale is also available ($20-90).
    • Info@forwardwellnesscounseling.com
    • Access to medical services with sliding scale fees:
      • (Homewood) Alma Illery Medical Center. 412-244-4700 | 7227 Hamilton Avenue | 15208
      • (Northside) Northview Heights Clinic 412-322-7500 | 525 Mount Pleasant Road | 15214
      • (Hill District) Hilltop Community Health Center 412-431-3520 | 317 Climax Street | 15210
      • (East Liberty) East End Community Health Center 412-404-4000 | 1117 N. Negley Avenue | 15206
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
  • Weekly virtual meditation lunch breaks on Tuesdays from 12:00-12:45
    • Click: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/162354011. Use meeting ID: 162-354-011. You can use any device with a camera and mic (laptop, iPad, computer, or with a smartphone with the free zoom app)
    • Or if you have to dial in just by phone, use one of these number
      • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
      • +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
      • Meeting ID: 162-354-011

 

Food Resources for Youth and Families

  • Arnold's Tea and the EAT Initiative are providing free dinner to Pittsburgh Families on the North Side as a pick-up location. He will continue to do this until he runs out of inventory starting 3.16.20.
  • In partnership with the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Public Schools will provide food at the locations listed below. Student must be present. Hours of operation are 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
    • Northview Heights Gym: 525 Mt. Pleasant Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
    • Allegheny Dwellings-Community Room: 1710 Belleau Road (Rear), Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    • Glen Hazel Recreation Center: 895 Johnston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
    • East Hills Community Center: 2291 Wilner Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
  • Center that Cares will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner at its location in the Hill District. Parents can sign up to participate.
  • The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
  • Piada Restaurant; 3600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213:
    • A free kid’s pasta with sauce, cheese and a fountain drink, Monday – Friday (March 16 – April 3), During lunch hours of 10:45am - 1:00pm
  • A list of when and where you can shop for groceries.
  • Curbside Pick Up and Delivery offered through Giant Eagle.

Access to Clothing and Household Items

  • Free Store 15014 420 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 | 201-532-1722 | Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Free Store Wilkinsburg 619 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 | 412-436-9836 | Open every Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Transportation Services

  • Port Authority offers reimbursement for riders with passes who stay home due to COVID-19
  • Tips for Pittsburgh Cyclists through the Covid-19 outbreak.
  • Travel Updates from Pittsburgh International Airport
  • Amtrak suspends Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian train lines due to COVID-19.
  • The Pittsburgh Parking Authority is suspending parking enforcement and ending hand-to-hand cash transactions at garages. Attendants and security will remain in place for safety.
  • Zip Car Services.
  • Uber updates.

Homewood Concerned Citizens Council

  • Visit their Facebook Page here for updates about COVID-19

 

Legal Resources

  • Neighborhood Legal Services: Offices are closed to the public through the end of March, but services are still available
    • If you are in need of services, you can either apply online anytime or click the "Get Legal Help" tab here: https://nlsa.us/ or call 1-866-761-6572 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Pet Care Resources

  • Many food pantries stock pet food. You can find a list here. Please call before going to ensure that they are open & available
  • Ellie’s Pet Pantry  at Humane Animal Rescue - pantry info; info & services with adjusted schedule during COVID-19
  • If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying for or receiving certain medical and everyday expenses for a senior pet during this unprecedented time of the coronavirus outbreak and quarantine, please reach out to us. Ferd's Fund is set up to help you

Income Assistance, Loans, and Grants

  • Hebrew Free Loan is doing Coronavirus Bridge Loans to assist people who have lost income because of the pandemic.
  • DVI Funding is doing Coronavirus Bridge loans See site for more info and application.
  • Emergency Funds for people who work as BARTENDERS here.

Grants & Funds:

  • Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar - a new independent project hosted on Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Ethics and Policy website — is aiming to alleviate some of that financial stress on service industry workers that rely on tips. Get on the list and/or give someone a tip here

Resources For Small Businesses

  • The Urban Redevelopment Authority is offering resources and assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19. URA encouraged businesses to contact their URA loan officers to inquire about hardship assistance. Phone: 412.255.6600 & Email: inforequest@ura.org
  • Honeycomb Credit is offering discounted community-sourced loans for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Qualifying businesses can borrow $10,000 - $50,000 with an introductory 6-month interest-only period and no prepayment penalty. Email: info@honeycombcredit.com

Utilities and Rent

  • The URA has started a Housing Stabilization Fund to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities.
  • PSWA has suspended utility shut-offs
  • Duquesne Light (CLD) has ceased shut-offs
  • FirstEnergy - Temporarily suspend shutoffs and offer payment options to help ease hardships
  • Pennsylvania American Water - Placed a moratorium and discontinued service shutoffs to keep customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the utility is beginning the restoration of service to previously shut-off customers
  • UPDATE! All evictions have been suspended for Allegheny County. there is an open letter to the City & County to put a moratorium on all evictions and all utility shut-offs during the pandemic. Consider asking your organization to sign on to the letter.
  • Rental Assistance info here
  • Heating Assistance LIHEAP info here
  • Comcast has expanded internet access:
    • Go to: internetessentials.com Or call 1-855-846-8376
    • Offering new, low-income Internet Essentials customers two months of free internet and raising the speed of that program’s service. Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available for free to all users and data plans will be paused for 60 days, giving customers unlimited data for no additional charge. Additionally, the company will not disconnect a customer’s internet service during this period or assess late fees if they contact the company regarding their inability to pay.

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Neighborhood Commitments

Partnerships that build stronger communities and a stronger University

4227 Fifth Avenue
710 Alumni Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Homewood: 412-383-0830
Hill District: 412-383-2226

cecinfo@pitt.edu

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