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COVID-19 Community Resources

COVID-19 Pandemic Information

For information regarding the global pandemic and the latest guidance from Virginia public health officials,

Governor’s Office Guidance: Coronavirus updates
FAQ for workers
Virginia Chamber COVID Resource Center
Virginia Employment Commission
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources. Reference here.
For unemployment benefits, individuals can apply online. The Governor has waived wait times and called for expedited processing of claims.
To determine eligibility for any and all social services programs, individuals can apply via CommonHelp or by phone at 1-855-635-4370. They are processing claims for assistance.
Virginia Career Works centers have limited access right now.
COVID-19 Resources | Virginia Employment Commission
COVID-19 Virginia Resources

Comcast COVID-19 response offers free WiFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time.
Spectrum Internet Assist for households on a low income
AT&T COVID-19 response offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families.
Verizon COVID-19 response no special offers, but following the FCC.
Cox – Connect2Care
FCC Broadband Benefit

What students can do in the wake of a natural disaster.
How to cope emotionally in the wake of a disaster.
Print and social media materials for the CDC’s Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign, which can be printed and hung around campuses and/or posted online.

Food, Housing, Goods, Transit, Health, Money, Care, Education, Work, and Legal

211 – Virginia
Find Help Website – Enter your zip code or city and be directed to resources in your community.
Virginia Department of Social Services
- SNAP
- TANF
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS)
- FAMIS Moms
- FAMIS
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

Utilities

Utilities – State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an order directing utilities it regulates, such as electric, natural gas, and water companies in Virginia, to suspend service disconnections for 60 days to provide immediate relief for any customer, residential and business, who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Virginia Natural Gas – Energy Assistance Programs
Washington Gas Emergency Assistance/Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Power

Dominion Energy Temporarily not shutting off power for nonpayment. Reconnecting residential customers whose services were shut off.
American Electric Power AEP Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.
Atmos Energy has temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections.

Unemployment

No waiting for unemployment benefits. Governor Northam has directed the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible.
Enhanced eligibility for unemployment. Workers may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19.
Fewer restrictions. For individuals receiving unemployment insurance, Governor Northam is directing the Virginia Employment Commission to give affected workers special consideration on deadlines, mandatory re-employment appointments, and work search requirements.

Internet/Phone

Education

Google is offering free virtual tours of more than 1,200 museums across the globe through its Arts and Culture platform.

Bedford County COVID-19 Hotline (540) 587.0720 (Hotline open 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday)

What's Happening at Goodwill^®