COVID-19 Support for Families
Support Resources for Families
Community resources are available below for families who need extra support during this time.
Internet Resources and Utilities
Support for Families
Internet/Phone
Kids Connect Program: partnership with Sac City Unified, City of Sacramento and Comcast to provide eligible Sac City Unified families with free internet at home for six months.
- XFinity Wifi Hotspots across the country open and free. Many of these hotspots are in neighborhoods and might be accessible from your home.
- Comcast Internet Essentials: 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. Xfinity has also paused data plans, late fees, and disconnects for the next 60 days.
AT&T: AT&T has opened all public WiFi hotspots and will not charge customers for any late fees or overages. AT&T access is offering two months of free service to new Access customers who order by April 30, 2020. $5/mo or $10/mo thereafter, depending on your speed.
Consolidated Communications Free Hotspot Access: Families can call 1.844.YOUR.CCI to gain free access to Wi-Fi hotspots
Verizon Wireless: Verizon is offering two months of waived internet and voice service for Lifeline customers and low income households starting April 3, 2020.
California LifeLine Program: this government assisted wireless service provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible low income families and individuals. Qualified customers can receive a free cell phone along with unlimited free minutes and free texts every month.
If you experience difficulty accessing the link above, please see other reduced cost internet access options.
Sacramento City Wifi Bus Service – see schedule for various locations
Utilities
PG&E: suspend non-payment power shutoff: (877) 704-8470
SMUD: to suspend nonpayment power shutoff
Community economic relief helps with bills, rent and food: call (866) 211-9966
Sacramento COVID-19 Mutual Aid 2020: mutual assistance form where you fill out your needs and can help others fill their own. Visit Google Sheet
Sacramento Regional Transit: temporarily reducing service to a Sunday schedule seven days a week
Food and Supplies
Support for Families
Food and Meals
NEW! Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) – See Flyer (English | Spanish | Chinese) and FAQ. Families can receive up to $365 per child to spend on groceries in addition to pick up meals from school through a new program called Pandemic EBT or P-EBT.
CalFresh for Families – See Flyer: English | Spanish, Online Application and FAQ
Food pantries and free food banks in Sacramento
Sacramento Food Bank Locations
Expensify.org/hunger: with its ability to reimburse volunteers directly in real-time, expensify.org is uniquely positioned to help families in need immediately. They are matching SNAP grocery purchases up to $50 per family.
Chevy’s Fresh Mex: offering free meals for kids 12 & under
Kiki’s Chicken Place: offering free meals to grades K-8
Gardening and Cooking Resources
Gardening and Fresh Produce Resources: www.instagram.com/findoutfarms
Food Literacy Center: free online cooking classes
Ask A Master Gardener - our program is still “open for business” to answer your gardening and pest management questions. Email: mgsacramento@ucanr.edu
Health Resources
Support for Families
Health Insurance Navigation or Coverage
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Healthcare Page
Sacramento Covered: (866) 850-4321
Health Services
Sacramento County Department of Health Services
Sacramento County Public Health Hotline -Sacramento County Public Health has a COVID-19 hotline available at (916) 875-2400 for Sacramento County residents.
Sacramento Area Community Immunization Clinics - Download Flyer
Staying Safe & Getting Vaccinated During the Pandemic
Mobile Testing Site Open to Public (Updated 5/6/20) - Anyone 18 years or older living in Sacramento County can now get tested for COVID-19 simply by completing the screening survey. Once the screener is completed, participants will be eligible for an appointment at the Mobile Testing Site at Cal Expo. It is no longer symptom driven. This testing is free. Website: https://www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/eligibility/
Mental Health, Crisis or Emergency
Supporting the Safety and Well-being of Children and Families during COVID-19
SAMHSA – Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990; 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
Sacramento County Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline: 24hrs/7days; (916) 368-3111
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
The Source: crisis support for youth under 21 & their caregivers. Call or text 916-SUPPORT (787-7678); 24hrs/7days
Mental Health Urgent Care: (916) 520-2460
Sacramento Crisis Nursery: (800) 780-2294
Family Justice Center: (916) 875-4673
Community for Peace: (916) 728-7210
WEAVE: (916) 920-2952
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Resource List
Bike and Pedestrian Safety Newsletter
May is National Bike Safety Month! Here are some important safety tips for families.
Additional Resources
Support for Families
Child Care
City of Sacramento Child Care: search “essential childcare “ for links to sites with open spots and registration)
City of Sacramento Child Care Resource For Essential Workers: for first responders, health care workers and essential City of Sacramento employees. The program is for children ages 5-12.
YMCA’s Emergency Childcare Sites – priority is being given to medical staff and first responder’s families to keep them working
Sacramento County Public Health Hotline -Sacramento County Public Health has a COVID-19 hotline available at (916) 875-2400 for Sacramento County residents.
Storage for Students
Unemployment/ Job Benefits/ Leave Information
La Familia Counseling Center: (916) 452-3601 – Assistance with enrolling in unemployment benefits, must schedule an appointment
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Employment Page
Benefits to Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Unemployment Insurance for Lost Hours/Pay/Wages
Paid Family Leave Due to Coronavirus
DACA/ Citizenship/ Immigration Resources
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
Sacramento State Dreamer Resource Center: offering virtual appointments and over the phone. Assistance with DACA renewals, citizenship petition and other immigration related needs