Coronavirus Resources
Please visit this page frequently as we add resource information with active web links that may prove useful to our community.
Updated: March 27, 2020
Want to know how you can help? Many of the resources below also offer opportunities to volunteer. You can also visit the Help Colorado Now website for opportunities to volunteer, as well as links to help if you are in need: https://covrn.com/
A host of information about services and resources in our community can be found by contacting the Pikes Peak United Way. You can do this by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website: https://www.ppunitedway.org/2-1-1/
Comcast is offering Free WIFI hotspots and Internet Essentials free to all new customers (this is 60 days of complimentary service). More information on Comcast services being offered during this time can be found here: https://www.xfinity.com/prepare.
Food Resources in Our Community
For Older Adults
- Mountain Mama Natural Foods on the west side of Colorado Springs is open for a senior hour every Tuesday and Friday from 7:00am-8:00am. Updates are posted on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mountainmamanaturalfoods
- King Soopers locations are offering Exclusive Shopping for Seniors 60 years and Older on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 7:00am – 8:00am.
- Walmart locations are open on Tuesdays for shoppers over 60 from 6:00am-7:00am
- Safeway in Monument (as well as the Colorado Springs location on Academy) has reserved every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00am- 9:00am for senior citizens, and other at-risk members of our community such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.
Many other grocery stores have similar offerings! Check the website of your favorite location to find out more.
- Silver Key is offering their Meals on Wheels service for clients 60 years or older and their food pantry programs. Visit their website for updates on how they are providing services at this time, including additional services beyond meals on wheels here https://www.silverkey.org/update-to-silver-keys-coronavirus-covid-19-response-plan-and-safety-strategy-3-19-20/
- Local business SOCO Heating and Cooling is offering free grocery delivery for all seniors, and was featured on the local news! To request the service call them at 719-551-2232 or email office@socoheatingandcooling.com.
- Expensify is directing charitable funds to assist families receiving SNAP. Find instructions on how to receive a reimbursement here: https://www.expensify.org/hunger
- Mountain Community Senior Services is extending their offering to help older adults with grocery services during this time. Call the hotline 719-488-0076 or find more information here: http://coloradoseniorhelp.com/
- Care and Share has provided updated guidance for SNAP applications and assistance as follows:
“Due to public health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, Care and Share Food Bank will be temporarily suspending all of its in-person SNAP (food stamp) outreach in El Paso and Pueblo Counties until further notice beginning March 16, 2020.”
Questions about SNAP or if would like to apply over the phone, please contact: Jo Stinchcomb at 719-413-4805, OR Kelly Whitcombe at 719-434-5723. You can also email Jo@careandshare.org or Kelly@careandshare.org if you are unable to reach them by phone.
For Students and Others
- Colorado Springs Food Rescue is offering weekly no-cost grocery distribution programs Tuesday through Friday beginning at 3:00pm., and Saturdays beginning at 1:00pm. More information is available on their website including information regarding student resources: http://www.coloradospringsfoodrescue.org/resources-covid19
- Emerge Aquaponics is providing free bags of greens to those in need in response to order related to the pandemic. Pick-up will be at their commercial aquaponic farm in Black Forest, via a drive up stand. Each visitor can receive 2 bags on Fridays from 1:00pm- 4:00pm (or until supplies run out). More information is on their website: https://www.ywamemerge.org/events
- Check back for updates as local school districts provide them
Unemployment
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Claims can be filed online using a computer or cell phone at https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment
- For questions or assistance call 1-800-388-5515
- Typically, the turnaround time for claims is 4-6 weeks, but the online claim system has been inundated with claims. More specific information regarding the Coronavirus impact is here https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus
- Efforts to address the high demand are outlined here https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/news/state-labor-department-implementing-system-improvements-amid-overload
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
- https://ppwfc.org/
- Great resource for information on unemployment, but offices will be closed to the public beginning 3/18/2020, and at least through May 1, 2020. PPWC has encouraged visiting their website or contacting them by phone at 719-667-3700
- Check here for updates on office closures for county services: https://www.elpasoco.com/el-paso-county-adjusts-person-services-due-covid-19/
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
- Resources for businesses needing to make decisions for their employees can be found here https://choosecolorado.com/covid19/
Health Care
El Paso County Health has information about COVID-19 and a list linking to various community resources
- Updates on operation and information about COVID-19 are at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/
- Community Resources (including food resources, guides for small businesses and childcare resources – some link back to resources on this guide) are at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/community-resources-0
- There is also an information hotline staffed by volunteers: 719-575-8888
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Visit this website for information about COVID-19 symptoms and how to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/
- CDC also provides resources for how to manage stress and anxiety during this difficult time (including ways to talk to children) that can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Connect for Health Colorado
- Open enrollment for Coloradans who are not insured from March 20 through April 3, to begin April 1.
- Enroll online at https://connectforhealthco.com/
- Call 855-752-6749
- Find more information here https://connectforhealthco.com/uninsured-coloradans-can-enroll-during-a-special-enrollment-period-in-response-to-covid-19-outbreak/
Mental Health
Deer Creek Road Counseling is providing remote mental health services at this time. Contact TLC at 719-481-4864 for more information about how TLC can help connect you to these services. You can also visit their website for contact information here:
Violence Free Colorado has a list of resources for individuals at increased risk due to domestic violence or immigration status that can be accessed here:
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline
- https://nnedv.org/latest_update/resources-response-coronavirus-covid-19/
- 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224
Mental Health America is another resource to find ways to address stress, anxiety or other mental health concerns related to COVID-19. These resources are listed here:
Headspace is offering free access to meditation-based content called “Weathering the Storm.” They also offer a free trial. Both can be accessed here:
The National Association for the Education of Young Childrenhas specific guidance for talking to kids about COVID-19 and resources to support their learning during school closures:
Childcare
First Responders can find information about the Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative here:
Taxes
Get Ahead Colorado shared that the date to file taxes has been extended to July 15 this year. More information on filing can be found here:
Mortgage Information
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued press releases regarding their efforts to help homeowners