We will continue to update this list as new information and opportunities become available.
Find Assistance
Create a profile with Single Stop and get updates on resources available to you. It covers everything from food, to housing, to medical care.
The United Way’s 211 line is an amazing resource at any time. All calls are confidential and offer professionally trained representatives who can help you access social services in your area.
Your Health
The Center for Disease Control has put together a COVID Self Checker to help assess your symptoms and provide strategies for how to deal with them. A map of testing locations in the county is available here.
If you lost your health insurance or are struggling to cover your premiums, the Marketplace has options to keep you covered. You may also qualify for Medicaid. Children may be eligible for CHIP.
PACE is now offering early prescription refills to its program participants. Many pharmacies are also offering at home delivery of prescriptions.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741
Unemployment
If you lost your job or have been furloughed, be sure to file for unemployment. Although the supplemental $600 unemployment benefit has expired, any one who is owed benefits from the period during which the supplement was available will still receive these funds.
If you are self-employed, an independent contractor, or work in the gig economy you are also eligible for Unemployment benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
PA Unemployment now offers a Live Chat feature if you have questions about benefits or need assistance filing your claim. Please be advised that due to increased demand lines are very busy and the office is running two to three weeks behind.
Food
Allegheny County has put together a regularly updated Free Food Distribution Site map.
The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank is offering home delivery for people who cannot leave their home. For information on scheduling a delivery, call 412-460-3663, ext. 655, or visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.org
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. Get more information about getting the ACCESS card.
Northgate School District is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision this year which allows all students in the district to receive free breakfast and free lunch. Learn more.
Get help with diapers through the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank.
Childcare
Trying Together has partnered with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to provide information on finding child care. Help is also available by calling Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 at 412-350-3577
Housing
Allegheny Link is encouraging those in need of housing services and supports to call them at 866-730-2368 or contact them via email AlleghenyLink@AlleghenyCounty.us.
Transportation
The Port Authority of Allegheny County returned to taking fares and allowing use of the front doors when we entered the green phase. However, bus capacities are still limited some routes are running reduced schedules.
Internet
Staying connected in quarantine increasingly means being online. If you do not have Internet at home, you may qualify for free or discounted service through Internet Essentials.
Job Hunting
If you file for unemployment, you’ll need to set up an account with PA Career Link, however they have waived the application requirement at this time.
If you are still looking, the easiest way to find local jobs is to type “Jobs near me” into a Google search. If your location services are on, this will scour the web for job listings in your area.
If you are in a low risk group, many of the essential services are hiring. Check your local grocery stores, pharmacy, dollar stores, and big box stores. Think Giant Eagle, CVS, Dollar General, and Target. If you have an automobile, delivery services like UberEats and InstaCart are always looking. And of course, Amazon!
Stay Informed
Governor Wolf’s web site is informative and regularly updated with statewide plans for responding to COVID-19.
The Allegheny County Health Department has up to date information for our area.
Get more information about Northgate School District’s response to COVID-19
Got a resource you think we missed? Let us know at baynelibrary@einetwork.net
Last updated 12/16/2020 by Ellen
