Assistance Resources for COVID-19 Hardships

During the COVID-19 crisis many of us have been facing unexpected hardships. Our neighbors have lost their jobs, are struggling to find food staples for their family, or no longer have access to childcare. If you or someone you know needs assistance in these areas or others, please take a look at the resources linked here. If you are in a position to make contributions to these funds, you can also find more information on giving.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are aware of other local resources, please share in the comments section below.

General United Way Community Resources

Call 211 or visit 211 COVID-19 online

Local Food Bank information:
HACAP Food Pantry
Mobile Food Pantry
Green Square Meals and Food Pantry (Organization’s Facebook Page)
Linn County Food Resources List (Please call the organizations listed for service changes and details)

Apply for SNAP (food stamps)

Childcare Information and Childcare Assistance

Filing for Unemployment Benefits:
Iowa Workforce Development
Career One Stop Information

Loss of Job-based Health Insurance (Information on potential next steps)

Apply for Medicaid or CHIP

Federal Student Loan Information

COVID-19 Relief Fund for Military Veterans

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund

We look forward to seeing you all again!

Initial list and inspiration borrowed from “When No Public Means No Paycheck,” Meg Brown, Library Journal (March 25, 2020), https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=When-No-Public-Means-No-Paycheck .