The COVID-19 pandemic is drastically affecting individuals, families, businesses, public agencies and nonprofit organizations across our community. As the pandemic and its effects continue to evolve, the need for help is – and will continue to be – staggering. In this uncertain and unprecedented time, we are inspired by the response across our community. People and organizations are stepping up to care for one another, providing relief and resources for those hit hardest by the pandemic. Below, we have compiled a growing list of resources and updates in response to the crisis. Puede encontrar la información en español aquí. If you are aware of a resource not included on this list, please feel free to mention it in the comment section below. Please help spread the word about these resources to those in need!

Financial & housing assistance: 

• Cleveland City Council has announced plans to take legislative action with the goal of suspending evictions for at least 60 days for people experiencing economic hardship caused by the novel coronavirus. 
• Cleveland Water and Cleveland Public Power (CPP) have temporarily stopped disconnection of residential services for non-payment. If you have recently been disconnected for non-payment, please call Cleveland Water at 216-664-3130 or CPP at 216-664-4600. 
• Cuyahoga County has suspended work activity requirements for people who receive food stamps and federal cash assistance. All county assessments and on-site visits related to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are suspended until further notice. For more information about work requirements, a voice mail message can be left at 216-987-8656 for TANF, and 216-987-6820 for SNAP.
• Cuyahoga County is taking steps to address coronavirus in homeless shelters. Learn more here.
• Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority is avoiding evictions and expanding programs for residents during the pandemic. Learn more here.
• The Greater Cleveland RTA has guaranteed two weeks paid leave to employees who are quarantined or isolated due to coronavirus. 
• Geauga County Job & Family Services has resources and information available on their website here.
• HFLA of Northeast Ohio is offering emergency, interest-free loans to people affected by the coronavirus. Loans of up to $1,500 are available for purposes including, but not limited to, lost wages, childcare costs due to school closures, and medical costs. Learn more and apply here, or call 216-378-9042. 
• The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services’ SharedWork Ohio program is a voluntary layoff aversion program that allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Learn more about the program here. 
• The Ohio Development Services Agency’s application for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program has been accepted. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency. Nonprofit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Learn more here.
• Lake County Job and Family Services has resources and information available to access from home. Visit their website here. Puede encontrar la información en Español aquí.
• Painesville City has temporarily stopped the disconnection of residential services for non-payment during the month of March. If you have questions about your connection, contact 440-392-5797. 
• The State of Ohio has extended unemployment benefits to workers in quarantine and employees of businesses that temporarily shut down due to coronavirus. Learn more here. 

Food resources: 

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland is distributing pickup meals on weekdays at a number of their club locations. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
• Chardon Local Schools will be offering meal services and other resources for families during the school closure. Please visit their Facebook page for the latest.
• Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District has a meal distribution plan in place for students during the school closure. Find information here.
• Cleveland Metropolitan School District is offering free meals for all children in the city of Cleveland ages 18 and younger as well as shuttle service to and from the 22 meal pickup sites. Schools will also provide instructional material for students to use during their time off. Learn more here. 
• Detroit-Shoreway business owners have come together to provide meals to the community. Learn more here.
• East Cleveland City Schools are offering meals and other resources to students during the school closure. Find information on Facebook here.
• Geauga County Department on Aging will continue its home delivered meals program and will be offering Congregate Meals “to-go” at each of its senior center locations. Learn more here. 
• The Geauga County Hunger Taskforce supports independent food pantries and other resources for area residents in need. Call 440-285-2261 or visit their website here.  
• Geauga County Jobs and Family Services is offering help to anyone in need of food during the crisis. Please CALL Sara Shininger at 440-285-9141, ext. 1263 and they will make arrangements to get you the food you need. More information is available on the website here.
• Greater Cleveland Food Bank works with partners across the community to deliver and distribute food to residents in need. Access food programs here, or call 216-738-2067. 
• Maple Heights City School District is offering free student meals during the school closings. Find information on their website here.
• The Lunch Box, Painesville City Local Schools‘ mobile food service program, will distribute pre-bagged lunch and breakfast meals to all children under 18 while schools are closed. Please visit their Facebook page for more information. 
• Parma City Schools offers a listing of local food pantries, including meal delivery options, here.
• The South Euclid Lyndhurst School District is providing free breakfast and lunch for all PreK-12 students. Get the details here.
• United Way of Lake County offers a listing of area food pantries by city. You can find more information here. 
• Warrensville Heights City School District is offering meals and other resources to students during the closure. Find information here.
• Willoughby-Eastlake School District is offering meals and other resources for families during the crisis. Learn more here.

Civic engagement: 

• The U.S. Census Bureau is monitoring the coronavirus situation and modifying its operations accordingly. Completing the census form online is highly encouraged. You can learn more here. 
• Vote by mail: Following the suspension of the March 17 primary election due to the current public health emergency, you may request an application from your county board of elections to vote by mail:

• • Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
  • Geauga County Board of Elections
  • Lake County Board of Elections 

Other resources:

• Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU)’s Resource Center has valuable articles, webinars and information for nonprofits during this challenging time. The Resource Center also gives nonprofits the opportunity to connect with probono experts at its member companies and generous community members. Nonprofits that have specific needs can fill out this survey so BVU can connect them to volunteers.
• Cleveland Leadership Center is working to keep its Legacy Leaders and alumni connected with each other and the needs of various civic and philanthropic organizations. If you know of organizations that need assistance, please submit them here. 
• Cleveland Public Library and Cuyahoga County Public Library are offering free WiFi access in their parking lots and plan to expand online offerings including audio and video content for streaming. Cleveland Public Library has created a list of resources to keep children engaged in learning while schools are closed. 
• A number of internet providers, including Spectrum and Comcast, are offering free WiFi for families of students in need.
• Lifeline Lake County is working with partners to address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about local resources and changes to agency services, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit their website here.  
• Neighborhood Connections is exploring ways to combat social isolation while following social distancing protocols. Visit their website and sign up for their e-newsletter for updates. 
• Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless has launched an emergency fund to help the homeless and other vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more here. 
• Virtual art experiences are being produced by local organizations, including The Cleveland International Piano Competition, Northeast Ohio Singers Share, Virtual Shows CLE, and local art museums. Learn more here. 

How you can help

If you’re in a position to help others and looking for ways to make a difference:

• Make a contribution to the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund here. Donations of any amount are welcomed, and all contributions are tax deductible.
• Continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations that have benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those that have had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings.
• Get in contact with any foundation with which you already have a relationship. Now is the time to double down for our community.   
• Volunteer with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. There is a critical need for volunteers as demand for food surges. Learn more here, or call them directly at 216-738-2069 for up-to-date information.
• Find additional ways to share your time and resources with local nonprofits during this challenging time via BVU’s Resource Center. 
• Sign up to become a Say Yes Cleveland mentor. With recruitment efforts impacted by the pandemic, College Now Greater Cleveland is racing to find the final 100 volunteer mentors needed to match each of its scholarship recipients with a mentor. Learn more here.