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Do you need help getting thru these uncertain times? NEK Resource Guide
Northeast Kingdom of Vermont COVID-19 Resource List If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call your doctor before leaving home. (see health center list below). WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS? Call Vermont's resource line by dialing 2-1-1 with any questions about coronavirus or general questions about help and services in Vermont. For the latest guidance, visit:
REPORT A PUBLIC HEALTH OR SAFETY CONCERN Vermont Department of Public Safety: https://dps.vermont.gov/
StayHomeSafeSectorSpecificGuidance MEDIA RESOURCES
REQUEST HELPDo you or someone you know need help getting groceries, childcare, prescriptions, running errands, transportation to, healthcare, chores, animal care or other things? Torequesthelp – signuphere. VOLUNTEER TO HELPWe all need to help reduce the spread of the virus by staying home. Together, we need to make sure that all community members have what they need to stay home, whether sick or healthy. TovolunteertohelppeopleaffectedbytheCOVID-19 pandemicsignuphere.
→ See here for the latestvolunteeropportunities in the region.
Mask making: To supplement the inventory of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at NVRH and other regional healthcare facilities, please help our community of volunteers who have started to sew masks and gowns. This is in response to the CenterforDiseaseControl'sguidance that homemademasksandgownsareacrisisresponseoptionwhenothersupplieshavebeenexhausted. If you can’t sew but want to donate, we need 1/4” or 3/8” flat elastic and 100% cotton fabric (new and unwashed!). Visit https://www.nekoperationfacemask.com/ for directions and more information. FOOD RESOURCES
Call Vermont's resource line by dialing 2-1-1
Grocery Stores: Many are offering curbside pick and delivery options. Call your local store for assistance. Seelisthere. VRGAwebformto help people find stores providing designated store hours and alternative shopping methods
Large network of volunteers to assist with grocery shopping or errands for those who do feel they can get out for those items. To volunteer or request help contact the NEK Council on Aging helpline 800-642-5119.
Local Farms: Many farms are offering pickup or delivery options. Seelisthere.
Restaurants: See a list of restaurants offering takeout and curbside service at www.nekeats.com/local-restaurants-respond-to-covid-19 Schools Meals: Many schools are providing FREE meals for ALL children aged 18 and under. Call 211 to be connected with the person in their school district who will help their family access food or visit Hunger Free Vermont’s listofschoolmealdeliveryprograms. NEK schools:
Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division EconomicServicesDivision & COVID-19 You can apply for benefits or call to have your questions answered by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1‐800‐479‐6151
3SquaresVT: If you’re struggling to pay for food, 3SquaresVT can help! Visit www.vtfoodbank.org/nurture-people/3squaresvt, call 855-855-6181 or text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 855-11.
WIC: If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under five, WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, and breastfeeding support. Text ‘VTWIC ’ to 855-11 or visit www.healthvermont.gov/family/wic.
Home Delivered Meals for Older Vermonters: For information about pickup and delivery meals for older adults, please call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or 802-748-5182. The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging coordinates this program throughout the Kingdom.
Commodities Supplemental Food Program: Provides free monthly food to lower income older adults. Find out more here.
Food shelves: To find a food shelf near you, visit https://www.vtfoodbank.org/agency-locator
Community Meals: Community meal centers prepare nutritious meals to share with friends and neighbors. Due to the current health crisis community meals have been suspended. Some meals sites are preparing to go meals: Contact the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging to learn about current meal options 800-642-5119 or 802-748-5182. ○
Veggie Van Go: Fresh produce market in partnership with Vermont Foodbank and NVRH. Third Thursday of the month from 10 – 11 at NVRH. For April (and possibly May), it will be held outdoors at NVRH. Please arrive after 9:30 AM, stay in your vehicle and they will bring the veggies to you. Volunteers will be on site directing traffic. BENEFIT ASSISTANCE
Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division: Use ouronlineapplication to apply for 3SquaresVT, Essential Person, Fuel Assistance & Reach Up.You can apply for benefits or call to have your questions answered by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1‐800‐479‐6151
NortheastKingdomCommunityAction is available to help community members access food, fuel, utility, housing, and childcare assistance programs. Call:
NEKCouncilonAging has Information & Referral Specialists to help older Vermonters in need of food and fuel access the resources of our community partners. Call: 1-800-642-5119.
RuralEdge is offering financial counseling to folks who may have lost a job or are concerned about making payments through it’s Home Ownership Center. To talk with a certified counselor call 802-535-3555 or by email at Homeownership@ruraledge.org to make an appointment.
NorthernCountiesHealthCare is asking patients to call our Community Resource Coordinator Team at (802) 748-9405 x1042 or e-mail crchelp@nchcvt.org
Need help finding a healthcare provider? Connecting with services or support groups? Not even sure what services you qualify for or how to access them? The CommunityHealthWorkersofCommunityConnections will take the time to talk with you to determine which social and community services you need, and then help connect you to the right people at the right services. The Community Health Workers are uniquely familiar with the many agencies, organizations, and individuals in the area. They know who to call to get you an appointment, health information, legal services, medical transportation assistance, or a place to live. HOUSING NEEDSCall Vermont's resource line by dialing 2-1-1
Agency of Human Services-Economic Services Division EconomicServicesDivision & COVID-19. You can apply for benefits or call to have your questions answered by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1‐800‐479‐6151
RuralEdge has subsidized and fair market rental units. Please call: 802-535-3555. Applications are also available online.
NEKCA has transitional housing and shelter supports for single adults and housing for precariously housed families during this pandemic. NEKCA also has a landlord list for people in need of rental housing. To find out more, contact 802-829-2450.
Northeast Kingdom Youth Services support youth in the NEK overnight shelter for runaway/youth and after-hours crisis line call 802-748-8732.
Umbrella has a 24-hour hotline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Please call the hotline for support and if you are fleeing domestic/sexual violence to determine eligibility for housing/shelter assistance. In Caledonia and southern Essex counties call: 802-748-8645. In Orleans and northern Essex counties call: 802-334-0148.
NEK Council on Aging can assist with assessing housing options relative to the person and assist in completing applications. For more information, contact 800-642-5119 HEATING ASSISTANCE:Crisis Fuel from Department for Children and Families: You may call 1-800-479-6151 toll-free — on weekends and holidays — to apply for emergency heating assistance. You can only do this starting the last Saturday in November until the first Sunday in April. It is best to do this as early as possible, as funds do run out. HEALTHCARECovid Testing now available (all by appointment, call your doctor to schedule):
Health Insurance: VT Health Connect has a Special Enrollment Period. If you don’t have health insurance, sign up with Vermont Health Connect by April 17 at www.vermonthealthconnect.gov or 855-899-9600.
NEK Health Centers - please call first:
Dental Care: People needing to discuss urgent dental care should call their dentist. Community members without a dentist may call the Orleans Dental Center to discuss urgent or emergency care at (802) 754-6973.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assualt Support: Umbrella has a 24-hour hotline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for safety planning, options counseling, legal advocacy, and other supports. In Caledonia and southern Essex counties call: 802-748-8645. In Orleans and northern Essex counties call: 802-334-0148.
Mental health, substance use, or intellectual and developmental disability needs: Northeast Kingdom Human Services crisis services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for. Call (802) 334-6744 in Derby or (802) 748-3181 in St. Johnsbury. Additional information at: www.nkhs.org/covid-19. Call 749-1111 from anywhere in VT.
Support groups: Kingdom Recovery Center offers peer support over the phone support or by Zoom meetings for individuals and family members affected by alcohol, drugs, or other substance use disorders. Call 802-751-8520 for more information. BAART offers medically assisted treatment for individuals seeking recovery from an Opiate addiction. Call 802-748-6166 for help. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings online at www.aavt.org. Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) have set up a Behavior Support Line for parents needing help with their children during this time at home. Currently it is being staffed from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with hopes to expanding it to 24/7 coverage. You will be asked to leave your number and you will receive a call back within 15 minutes. The telephone number to access these services is (802) 749-1111.
The Crisis Textline offers 24/7 emotional help. Text: “VT” to 741741
Crisis, case management and therapy: Lamoille County Mental Health provides comprehensive community mental health, children, family, and person-centered developmental disability services. LCMHS continues to provide services to the community and can be accessed via telephone. Services offered include crisis, case management and therapy. If consumers have the internet capacity, we are also offering tele-health services. Monday through Thursday 8am – 4:30pm, Friday 8am – 3:30pm Phone number: 802-888-5026 After-hours crisis services: 802-888-8888
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Vermont Suicide Prevention Center: Text VT to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
TRANSPORTATIONEssential Service Transportation: Rural Community Transportation (RCT) coordinates travel for residents to their non-emergency medical appointments and to access essential services such nutrition needs as grocery shopping or community dining sites. All riders must call (802) 748-8170 to request a ride.
Grocery delivery assistance: the NEK Council on Aging has a large network of volunteers to assist with grocery shopping or errands for those who do feel they can get out for those items. To volunteer or request help contact our helpline 800-642-5119. PHARMACYFREE Prescription Delivery: Walgreens and KinneyDrugs are offering FREE prescription delivery. Visit their websites or call for more information. HAND SANITIZER
FREE WIFIInternet access: Comcast, VTel, Charter Communications, and other providers are offering discounted rates to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have internet through the company. SeeoptionsforInternetlist
Discount internet options for remote learning here.
Map of WiFi access from public parking lots: These spots are accessible all hours from a parked vehicle: www.publicservice.vermont.gov/announcements/public-wifi-hotspots-vermont
FINANCIAL RESOURCESBanking: Take advantage of online banking, mobile banking apps, including mobile deposit capture, ATMs and drive through tellers.
Benefits programs:
Emergency loans:
Utilities: The Vermont Public Utility Commission ordered a temporary moratorium on involuntary natural gas, electric and telecommunications service disconnections. This means that if you are not able to make your payments for natural gas, electricity or land-line telephones, you will not be shut off. However, charges will still accrue during this time. You will have to make up the payments at a later date.
Farm help: NOFA-VT is offering payment to experienced milkers to help step in when farmers get sick. This relief is available to ALL dairy farmers and farm workers. Email bill@nofavt.org to learn more.
Taxes: Follow thislink to find out what you need to know about filing and paying your taxes this year.
Grant programs:
Federal Emergency Relief PackageWhat You Need to Know about Direct Aid to Individuals:
EconomicImpactPaymentInformationCenter
How to Receive Your Economic Relief Check: Seeifyouareeligibleforaneconomicimpactpayment
If you are income eligible, you will receive a payment. No action is required on your part. If the IRS has your direct deposit information, it will be deposited into your bank account. The IRS will soon make a website available to update your direct deposit information to speed up delivery of the payment, otherwise you will receive a check in the mail. Please note: if the IRS does not have your bank information, it may take several months for you to receive a check.
If you are normally not required to file a federal return and you are a Social Security beneficiary who receives a SSA-1099: You also will receive a payment and no action is required on your part. It will be directly deposited into your bank account – or you will receive a check in the mail.
If you are normally not required to file a federal tax return and you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with no other types of Social Security benefits: You may receive a notification from the Treasury for the additional information you will need to file to receive your check. The IRS is encouraging anyone who has not filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file a simple tax return as soon as possible and to include direct deposit information on the return. The IRS will be issuing details on what additional actions SSI recipients need to take in the coming days. Visit the following IRS website for updates: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
If you are normally not required to file a federal tax return and currently qualify for public assistance programs: For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid — at this point in time — you will not automatically get the check. You will need to file a tax return for 2019. Visit the IRS website for updates on when the simple tax return will be available: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
If you are required to file a tax return and have not for 2018 and 2019: You can file for free using IRS' Free File program here: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/ As stated, the IRS is developing a simplified tax return form that will be available on the IRS website soon to make this process even easier.
FOR MORE INFORMATION - The IRS has created a special page on their website with the latest official updates on the disbursement of the economic relief checks and other tax-related coronavirus relief programs. You can find the page here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
ESTABLISHING YOUR CLAIM: If you are laid off from your employer and need to file for Unemployment Insurance benefits, orestablishanunemploymentclaim.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Employment Opportunities: Visit Vermontjoblink and create or log into your account to search and apply for work. Businesses featured below and more, are hiring. Contact your local VermontDepartmentofLaborResourceCenter for remote assistance updating your resume, writing a cover letter and/or submitting your application. BUSINESS RESOURCESGUIDANCE
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development guidance, including essential business information, technical assistance resources, and financial resources at accd.vermont.gov/.
Vermont Department of Labor guidance, including information on the potential impact on unemployment insurance benefits, employee sick-time, paid leave, and other issues at labor.vermont.gov/. EmployerVirtualTownHallSeries.
Main Street Alliance resource list for small businesses at www.smallbizcovid19.com/resources.
SMALL BUSINESS LENDERS Community Capital of Vermont, Flexible Capital Fund, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Community Investment Corporation, Opportunities Credit Union, Vermont Community Loan Fund, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Vermont State Employees Credit Union, and local banks.
COACHING & MENTORING
Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) provides business financing, technical assistance, training and education, grants, and other support to businesses in the region. See www.nvda.net.
Northern Community Investment Corporation (NCIC) offers local businesses technical assistance, financial management, marketing support, and business loans. See www.ncic.org Direct lending questions to Mark Butterfield, mbutterfield@ncic.org, 603-991-0236 or business support to Jon Freeman, jfreeman@ncic.org, 802.535.7229.
SCORE offers free business mentoring and education at www.score.org/.
Center for Women & Enterprise offers no-cost business counseling and online workshops for entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses at https://cweonline.org/. They are offering weekly online ‘BrainTrusts’ that allow entrepreneurs to connect with each other and strategize solutions for each other’s businesses. MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY RESOURCESMental Health Resources: 24/7 emotional help Crisis Textline Text: “VT” to 741741 or call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Mental Health, Substance Use, or Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services: Northeast Kingdom Human Services crisis services continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (802) 334-6744 in Derby or (802) 748-3181 in St. Johnsbury. Additional information at: www.nkhs.org/covid-19
Support Groups: Kingdom Recovery Center offers peer support over the phone support or by Zoom meetings for individuals and family members affected by alcohol, drugs, or other substance use disorders. Call 802-751-8520 for more information. BAART offers medically assisted treatment for individuals seeking recovery from an Opiate addiction. Call 802-748-6166 for help. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings online at www.aavt.org. Additional resources at Onlinerecoveryresources/ meetings
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assualt Support: Umbrella has a 24-hour hotline for survivors of domestic and sexual violence for safety planning, options counseling, legal advocacy, and other supports. In Caledonia and southern Essex counties call: 802-748-8645. In Orleans and northern Essex counties call: 802-334-0148.
PathwaysVermontSupportLine: Reach out to your neighbors, connect with your chosen family, and call or text the Pathways Vermont Support Line. Open from 3 PM to 6 AM. Connect with an operator by dialing (833) VT - TALKS / (833) 888 - 2557
Parent Support Line: This line is a dedicated warm line for parents and guardians to access when having difficulty managing their children’s behaviors at home. It is staffed by NKHS’s Children’s Department clinicians. Call 802-749-1111.
Additional resources: - http://youfeellikeshit.com/ (simple but effective website for those experiencing anxiety around COVID-19) - Vermont Telephone Recovery Support line: 802-808-8877 - CDC Managing Anxiety and Stress with COVID 19 CDC - Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak WHO - National Alliance Mental Illness NAMI NAMI - Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) TheNationalChildTraumaticStressNetwork - Narcotics Anonymous meetings online: https://www.neveraloneclub.org/ - Telehealth Services (via phone or video) at St. Johnsbury Psychology Associates (stjpsychology.com) and other therapists in the area. - Call to schedule Telehealth Behavioral Health Services for patients of Concord Health Center (802) 695-2512), Danville Health Center ((802) 684-2275), Hardwick Area Health Center ((802) 472-3300), Island Pond Health Center ((802) 723-4300), St. Johnsbury Community Health Center ((802) 748-5041) - Build and Maintain Mental Health https://nekprosper.org/build-and-maintain-mental-health/ - CraftsburyMentalHealthResourcesBooklet lists therapists and other mental health resources in the NEK.
- CraftsburyMentalHealthResourcesGroupwebsite has a wealth of information about suicide help/prevention and mental health and wellbeing. FAITH GROUPS
WASTE MANAGEMENTNEKWMD can connect individuals with companies that offer pick up in their area for the 49 towns served by NEKWMD. Call 802-626-3532 or 1-800-734-4602. Drop off services for recycling centers have changed. See updates at nekwmd.org.
A complete list of registered haulers can be found at http://nekwmd.org/pdf/haulerlist.pdf EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES- 100 Activitiestodoathomeduringschoolclosures - Anti-Oppressive/Anti-RacistHomeSchoolOptionsDuringQuarantine - EducationCompaniesOfferingFreeSubscriptionsduetoSchoolClosings - 12 museumsthatoffervirtualtours - COVID-19 SocialDistancingwithFamilies - HomewithKids? AdvicefromaHomeschoolMom - CincinnatiZoobringstheanimalstoyou! - CalAcademyEducatorsLessonPlans - FairbanksMuseum & PlanetariumVirtualClassroom - ECHOScienceandStories series updated weekly through April - Education Reimagined DistanceLearningResourceCenter - Free loan of ebooks and audiobooks here LIBRARIES
LEGAL RESOURCE:If you are having a legal or benefits problem related to the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, contact Vermont Legal Aid at 1-800-889-2047 or www.vtlawhelp.org/coronavirus-updates
HOW TO DONATE TO COVID-19 RESPONSE FUNDS:
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