Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We do hope this post finds you well. I know for those of you reading this message, your day-to-day routine has most likely been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 virus.

Depending on where you are located, there may be additional safety measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus, such as working virtually from home. If you’ve never done this, it may feel foreign to you. Whatever is happening in your area or workplace, it’s important to stay connected.
 
Over the past few days, we’ve received calls and emails from many our clients, some indicating they are at risk of losing their job or being laid off. We also had clients who were unsure where to go for assistance or were alone and just needed to connect with someone.

As a result, the team immediately connected (virtually). Our goal? To put together information and resources to help alleviate the fears and concerns expressed by our clients. We know that many of you are in the same situation. We thought it would be helpful to share these resources, including the language we used in our message to our clients.

Please feel free to use ANY of the messaging below (in other words, feel free to copy!) as you connect with and share resources with your clients.
 
How to Protect Yourself and What to Do if You’re Sick
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers specific steps to take to protect yourself, including what to do if you think you are sick. They also offer tips on travel, schools and childcare, businesses and employers, and community and faith-based organization.

You can visit their site HERE.
 
Information on Unemployment Insurance
If you are working, the federal government is allowing new options for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits related to COVID-19. You can obtain state specific information HERE.

Select your state to find out details on their unemployment insurance program. If you need help, contact your Career Specialist (insert the name of your job title here!).
 
Coronavirus and Individuals with Disabilities
Forbes offers an article on five points to consider about how the coronavirus outbreak affects individuals with disabilities. There is some great information contained in the article. You can access the article HERE.
 
Kids at Home from School
Scholastic has released free daily courses for kids at home due to the COVID-19 school closures. They’ve set up a Learn From Home website targeting PreK and Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3 to 5, and Grades 6+. Each section has one week of content for students with more content on the way.
 
COVID-19, Work and Your Benefits
If you are currently working and are at risk of layoff or losing your job, we would encourage you to schedule an appointment with:

• For those receiving Social Security benefits, contact your agency’s work incentive specialist or your local Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project

• Your local Unemployment Insurance contact

You can also connect with your Case Manager with any non-benefit related questions. We are here to help!
 
We’ll be sharing more information as the need arises. We hope these resources are helpful as you continue to serve your clients. This is a great opportunity to connect and let your clients know you are here and that you care.

We at Human Solutions look forward to continuing to serve you. Remember to do your best to stay informed, aware and helpful. We are all in this together.