COVID-19 RESOURCE LIST FOR ESSEX CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
For People Needing Help Meeting Basic Needs:
Attached is a comprehensive list of resources available to people - it will be updated as new programs are stood up - https://humanservices.vermont.gov/help-and-resources/covid-19-information
Food:
Many school districts are delivering and/or providing food to children. Some school districts are not requiring that the child qualifies for free/reduced lunch. Parents with children should be encouraged to reach out to their school districts.
Free food at Mark BBQ in Essex on Weds for those in need. 802-495-1480
Feeding Chittenden: https://feedingchittenden.org
Aunt Dot’s Place: 802-857-8208; https://www.auntdotsplace.com; 51 Center Road, Essex Food and other essential supplies are available.
Hours of operation are:
Tuesdays 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Thursdays 9 AM – 11 AM
Saturdays 9 AM – 11 AM
Hunger Free Vermont:https://www.hungerfreevt.org/news/coronavirus
Essex Jericho Underhill Food Shelf - call St. Pius X Parish office 8028785997
Heavenly Food Pantry: 2nd Monday (5:30-7:30) and 4th Thursday (2-6 pm) 802-878-5745
The Heavenly Food Pantry, located at the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Essex Junction, is dedicated to feeding those in the local community. We are having a planned food distribution on Thursday, March 26, from 2:00 until 6:00 for anyone living in Essex, Essex Junction and Westford who needs help during this troubling time.
Economic Assistance:
Utilities:
https://greenmountainpower.com/covid-19/ (Green Mountain power- will waive/look at bills for financial hardship during this time)
https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 ( New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply by April 30, 2020.)
Comcast will be running https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 (Comcast- Internet Hot spots, increase in Data/ waive)
Economic Services:
This is the department that administers state benefits. Applications can be completed online or by phone. Benefits include: 3SquaresVT (food stamps), fuel assistance, and emergency assistance. If your financial situation is impacted by COVID-19, consider accessing this resource to see if you may become eligible for state benefits. https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/benefits
Department of Labor:
The Vermont Department of Labor administers Unemployment Insurance for Vermonters. This is the website that you should consult to access unemployment benefits if your employment is impacted by COVID-19. https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance
Child Care:
Essential personnel are still eligible to bring their children to group child care settings. The state of Vermont has also expanded assistance payments to people who cannot pay childcare due to COVID related employment loss/drop-in hours. See https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/covid-19
UVM has students who are willing to drive up to 20 minutes to provide volunteer care - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1WtXhniBjOFAM8VAZz6FwTLebXfzikqalpvvhKF8mS3lYBA/viewform
Housing:
ESD has extended housing benefits to vulnerable populations- see https://dcf.vermont.gov/dcf-blog/covid19-housing-supports
ESD has made available housing resources for people with no housing who need to self-isolate - see https://www.getahome.org/news/responding-to-covid-19-harbor-place-becomes-isolation-motel?fbclid=IwAR02v8tQmE1WkqcQVp_d5_FL9n5u0IOrJBDFIdaGaB4sRu9HDOlTPluhlQM
For People Needing Help Meeting Spiritual Needs:
1. USCCB – US Bishops respond to Coronavirus
2. List of prayer intentions for our parishes (these are prayed over in our daily Mass). Updated weekly.
3. Keeping Sunday Sacred (Diocesan PDF)
For People Wanting to Donate/Make a difference:
Monetary Donations for Food/Supplies: https://feedingchittenden.org