Mutual Aid, Public Services and Organizations Currently Open - NCLT Will Continue Updating This List

Bay Area Resources:

Mutual Aid Networks (find assistance and volunteer):

Direct Financial Assistance:

  • This list of funds includes those giving direct financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic or  providing grants to community organizations supporting basic needs in Northern California. This list was compiled by ReWork the Bay, Asset Funders Network, Walter & Elise Haas Foundation, and San Francisco Foundation and is updated regularly.

San Francisco Support:

Housing:

Benefits/ Unemployment:

  •  All Self-Sufficiency Centers in the country appear open but are encouraging people to check status on or apply for services online. https://www.alamedasocialservices.org/public/index.cfm 
  • Federal Stimulus Package: The federal stimulus package, which is expected to be signed into law on March 27, includes a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals who file a 2018 or 2019 return and earn an income of up to $75,000, or $2,400 payment for couples filing jointly with joint income of up to $150,000. In addition, those qualifying individuals or couples will also receive $500 per child. If your income as an individual is above $75,000 but below $99,000, or as a couple filing jointly above $150,000 but below $198,000, the amount of your check will be lower. Check IRS website for updates. Those who do not usually file taxes can check their eligibility and submit their info here.
  • Unemployment Insurance: If you’ve lost your job or had your hours cut as a result of the crisis, apply online for unemployment insurance at EDD.ca.gov. Check here for eligibility. The federal bill provides an extra $600 per week for up to four months for those receiving unemployment benefits. Under California law, many individuals, like Uber and Lyft drivers, who were treated by their employer as a 1099 or contract worker, are eligible for unemployment insurance, including the additional $600 federal payment because California law has reclassified many of these workers, even if the company that pays the worker has not done so yet. There will also be unemployment benefits for the self-employed; check here for updates.
  • Paid Family Leave: Paid Family Leave provides benefits to Californians who need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner. Click here for more information.

Taxes:

  • Tax Filing: Both the state of California and the IRS have extended tax filing deadlines until July 15. However, if you are eligible for the federal EITC or Cal EITC and California’s child tax credit, filing your taxes before July 15 will help you get the benefit right away.
  • Property Taxes: Late fees or penalties will be waived until May 5, 2021 for COVID19 related nonpayment of property taxes. If facing a hardship, go to your county tax assessor’s website to see requirements and how to apply. Alameda County Assessor’s website is https://treasurer.acgov.org/.

Medi-Cal & Disability:

  • Western Center on Law and Poverty’s Accessing Healthcare after a Disaster
  • Department of Health Care Services, PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS OR DISASTER REMINDERS FOR MEDI-CAL
  • Anyone actually exposed, tested positive or becomes ill can apply for temporary disability and hopefully get more money than regular unemployment: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
  • Disability Insurance Benefits (SDI): If you receive a W-2 from your employer, in most cases you have paid into the State Disability Insurance program (SDI). This program will provide disability insurance payments for those unable to work for more than eight days due to illness (such as COVID) or injury unrelated to your job. Check the Legal Aid at Work website for more information.
  • Medi-Cal/CalWORKs Recipients: Gov. Newsom waived the 90-day annual redetermination reviews for Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal and CalWORKs. So, if you are currently enrolled in Medi-Cal or CalWORKs, rest assured your benefits will continue through June 16. If your Medi-Cal benefits were already terminated, you have to reapply.
  • New Medi-Cal Applicants: The state has expedited Medi-Cal for new applicants, waiving certain paperwork requirements including citizenship docs. Homeless individuals just need to state on application that they are homeless and will be expedited. All applications can be done through the Covered California website.

Health:

Financial Assistance for Self-Isolating County Residents Who’ve Tested Positive for Covid-19 (Alameda County):
  • On August 25th, 2020, the Alameda County Social Services Agency launched the Alameda County Responsibility to Community Health (ARCH) with the purpose of reducing the spread of Covid-19 in Alameda County. ARCH aims to curb spread through financial help to self-isolating County residents who’ve tested positive for Covid-19 and live in designated high-risk neighborhoods. Eligible residents will receive a one-time stipend of $1,250.00 in the form of a VISA cash card. Please view this pdf for contact information, more details, and frequently asked questions.

General Food Assistance:

  • CalFresh: If you qualify for and need CalFresh food assistance benefits (the state’s food stamp program), applications can be done online, at GetCalFresh.org. If you are already receiving CalFresh, you will keep your coverage through May and won’t need to be recertified.
  • Main Alameda Food Bank. Hotline is 510-635-3663. 
  • List of Alameda County food banks: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/alameda_county_food_banks.html
  • Meals on Wheels has reported that starting 3/23 they would be limiting deliveries to Mondays and Thursdays only, but clients will still be receiving the same amount of meals in total.
  • Expensify.org is matching $50 towards SNAP grocery purchases

    1. Purchase food as normal with your SNAP card
    2. Download Expensify on iOS or Android, for free
    3. Join the Expensify.org/hunger policy
    4. SmartScan the receipt, which will tell us how much you paid and show that it was paid for with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card
    5. Submit it to [email protected]
    6. Set up your bank account to receive the funds
    7. So long as we have funds available, we will reimburse up to $50 per family (one time), the very next day.
  •  Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center 3301 E. 12th St. 2nd Floor

The Fruitvale- San Antonio Senior Center will be closed until April 5th. We will continue food distribution for our Senior Center clients from 11-1 PM Monday-Friday. Call 510-535-6123 to reserve a lunch, walkins OK too, must be able to fill out intake form.

Oakland:

  • East Oakland Collective is offering supplies and food for seniors, unhoused folks, people with compromised immune systems. Please contact EOC for availability of supplies and food at 510-990-0775 or [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zMHKrhAgn/
  • In Oakland, Project Open Hand still serving and delivering meals
    https://www.openhand.org/
  • La SantaTorta Food Truck; 333 Broadway; Free hot meals 12-2p
  • Telegraph Community Ministry Center, 5316 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, (510) 961-4385, telegraphcenter.com
    • Free groceries, clothes, baby provisions (diapers, formula, etc.)
      Wed. & Fri. 10-12, and 2nd & 4th Wed. evenings 6-7:30PM
    • To donate clothes, baby provisions: contact them
    • Free hot breakfast (“Manna From Heaven” Program) Wed. thru Sun. 6 AM-8AM
  • College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave., Oakland, is providing cooked meals (vegetarian and meat) in to-go boxes Fridays 6-6:30 PM

Berkeley & Albany:

  •  Berkeley Food Network On-Site Food Pantry; 1925 Ninth St.
      1. Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 2pm; Monday and Wednesday 5 – 7pm; First and third Saturdays 10am – 12pm
      2. Hours may change, so check back for updates. You can also call 510.616.5383 for updated hours information.
      3. The Berkeley Food Network’s on-site pantry will remain open during this period of COVID-19 containment as long as we are able to source food. Anyone in need of free food is welcome to visit. BFN’s food distributions are open to Bekeley and Albany residents only.
      4. https://berkeleyfoodnetwork.org/bfn-on-site-pantry-remains-open-during-covid-19-containment-period/
  • Most Berkeley Farmers Markets Stay Open https://sfist.com/2020/03/16/most-sf-farmers-markets-to-remain-open-as-essential-services/
      1. South Berkeley (Adeline & 63rd): Tuesdays,: 2-6:30p
      2. North Berkeley (Shattuck & Vine); Thursdays 3-7p
      3. Downtown Berkeley (MLK & Center): Saturdays, 10-3p
      4. Montclair Village: Sundays, 9a-1p
  • North Berkeley: Senior Center Lunch Pick-Up Service: 1900 Sixth St. M-F 11a-12p
  • South Berkeley:
    • Senior Center Lunch Pick-Up Service: 2939 Ellis St. M-F 11a-12p
    • Packaged food drop-off in front of The Long Haul (3124 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley) Tuesdays 6:30-7:00 PM (not an exact time as Jon, the sole volunteer, does this as a free-lance service). Items are freely available to be taken once dropped-off and includes vegan and vegetarian food options too.

Market amended hours, some with hours for ‘at-risk’ community:

    1. Albertsons/Safeway/Vons/Lucky/Andronicos (all Albertson’s company stores – check the link): At a minimum, the company will reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. for those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated.
    2. Trader Joes: As of 3/16/2020 hours are 9:00AM – 7:00PM
    3. Target: Starting Wednesday (3/18/2020), the retailer will “reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests,” Target said, adding it is “encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this time frame.” All Target stores will close at 9:00PM. 
    4. Whole Foods: Starting Wednesday (3/18/2020), all Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.
  • Seniors & People with Disabilities: Volunteers will help you buy groceries and bring them to you if you fill out a form here

Restaurant Free Meals:

  • Emeryville: Chevy’s is offering free meals to children 12 and under; 1890 Powell St,
  • San Leandro: Cinco’s Taco Bar is offering free kids burritos when you buy any regular item @ 15100 Hesperian Blvd, Ste 308

School Specific Food Resources 

Oakland: 

Twelve schools in Oakland will open for “grab and go” breakfast and lunch meals for students, who would also be able to pick up multiple days worth of food to take home, OUSD said. The meal programs will be open Monday and Thursday between 8 a.m. and noon at the following schools:

Northwest/West Oakland: Sankofa Elementary, West Oakland Middle School, Hoover Elementary

Central Oakland: Oakland High School, Garfield Elementary

East Oakland: Bret Harte Middle School, Life Academy/United for Success, Coliseum College Preparatory Academy, Madison Park Upper, Fremont High School, Castlemont High School, Elmhurst United Middle School

Berkeley:

BUSD: Nutrition Department is serving FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH as take-away meals for school-age children 18 and younger.

Pick-Up Locations: Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Longfellow Middle School, Willard Middle School, Berkeley High School, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Schedule: 

    • Tuesday, March 17 – Friday, March 20 (Daily)
      • Time: Open from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to pick up both breakfast and lunch
      • Note: Friday pickup includes Friday lunch and Monday breakfast 
    • March 23 – 27 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
      • Time: Open from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to pick up multiple meals

Hayward:

General Relief:  

Mental Health Resources:

  1.  Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
    • Description: 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Callers do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. Translation services available.
    • Contact: 1-800-309-2131
    • Hours: 24/7
  2. Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
    • Description: Crisis text line. Texters do not have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. Translation services may be available.
    • Contact: Text “SHARE” or “SAFE” to 20121. Standard message rates apply.
    • Hours: 7 days per week, 4pm-11pm
  3. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    • Description: 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Callers do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. The lifeline will route you to the nearest crisis center based on your area code. Translation services available.
    • Contact: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
    • Hours: 24/7
  4. Trans LifeLine
    • Description: Peer support for trans folks. Callers do not have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings to call. This hotline does not participate in non-consenual “rescues”. All operators are trans identified.
    • Contact: 877-565-8860
    • Hours: 24/7 
    • Program: Family Paths
  5. Family Paths – Parent/Caregiver Support and Resource Hotline. Confidential talk line and resource connection for individuals experiencing parenting stress or in need of support.
    • Contact: 800-829-3777
    • Hours: 24/7
  6. NAMI hotline: Peer support information line for 800-950-6264
  7. SF Peer Run Warm Line, which serves the entire State of California: 855-845-7415
  8. ACCESS – 800.491.9099

Domestic Violence/ Assault:  

  • Family Justice Center, closed for in-person meetings but clients may talk to advocates or attorneys by phone:(510) 267-8800
  • Victims of Crime Unit, located within Family Justice Center is closed for in-person meetings but is still sending and accepting applications by phone and mail.
  • Bay Area Women Against Rape 24-Hour Hotline, English and Spanish:(510) 845-7273

Addiction Services:

    1. BAART Addiction Program Oakland (Methadone Clinic) Open Regular Hours.
    2. HEPPAC Needle Exchange sites seems open (TBD)
    3. COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Programs: https://harmreduction.org/miscellaneous/covid-19-guidance-for-people-who-use-drugs-and-harm-reduction-programs/
    4. Alcoholics Anonymous runs a 24 hour hotline for anyone needing help related to addiction/alcoholism:

Utilities & Communication:

  • PG&E and our local Community Choice energy providers have suspended shutoffs during the crisis. Also, most cellphone carriers and internet providers have signed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pledge to provide certain benefits during the COVID-19 emergency. The pledge requires companies to keep providing service to people unable to pay their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic, waiving certain fees, and easing data restrictions to allow consumers to freely use data during the emergency. Find out here if your company signed.
  • CARE Program: Due to COVID-19, California has opened the statewide CARE energy bill discount to more PG&E customers. If you recently lost your job (or are furloughed), and/or are a low income household, you may qualify for a nearly 35% discount on your electricity bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. Visit ebce.org/care for more information.

Immigration:

Resources for Undocumented Californians (Spanish) 

Transit:

  • AC Transit, VTA, County Connection and SamTrans are offering free bus rides in the wake of the pandemic. Please note that to protect drivers, passengers are asked to board via the rear doors if they don’t need the ramp. 
  • Parking Enforcement: Many cities in Alameda and Contra Costa County have suspended parking enforcement. Go to your city’s website to see what your city has done on parking enforcement, extending business license deadlines, and more.

Small Businesses/Worker Cooperatives:

  • See information above from the COVID19 Emergency Assistance Workshop held on April 8, 2020 – includes federal, state and local resources for small businesses, small nonprofits, worker cooperatives, incorporated entities, self-employed and artists/arts organizations.
  • ICA Fund Good Jobs Support: The ICA Rapid Response Liquidity Fund, which will provide critical emergency capital paired with expert guidance from ICA’s team and network of advisors. If you are an entrepreneur in the Bay Area in need of emergency funding, tell us about your capital and advising needs and sign up for more info and updates about the Fund.
  • US Federation of Worker Cooperatives is updating available resources on their homepage: https://www.usworker.coop/home/

Students:

  • Student Loans: As of March 20, 2020, the federal government has temporarily suspended the interest it collects on student loans, and federal lenders are letting borrowers suspend their student loans and loan payments without penalty for the next 60 days.

Artists:

New Centralized Covid-19 Website for CA Government: 

https://covid19.ca.gov/

This site includes links to apply for unemployment, disability, family leave, and other service updates. Also has updated numbers of Covid-19 cases.