Many people in our community have been affected by the closings resulting from Coronavirus and might still require assistance for the first time as we begin to reopen. Starting the process of getting help can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be as long as you know where to begin. Stafford has compiled the information below to assist people in navigating some of the available resources. These resources and more can be found by visiting www.staffordcountyva.gov/coronavirus. Furthermore, the Virginia Department of Social Services launched a COVID-19 Resource App (https://covid.virginia.gov/). This app is available for individuals and businesses and is accessible on both Apple and Android phones. It provides information related to all of the topics listed below.
RESOURCE LIST BY AREA OF NEED
Employment Benefits
Unemployment insurance has been made more accessible to the growing number of individuals who have lost their jobs or had hours significantly reduced due to the pandemic. For more information and to apply online for these benefits, visit the Virginia Employment Commission.
Housing
Federal and state protections are now in place to help renters and homeowners unable to make their monthly payments due to COVID-19 . Check out this website for lots of resources - www.stayhomevirginia.com
Renters
The most important thing to do is reach out to your landlord first. Discuss the situation, and if your landlord attempts to lock you out without taking you to court, or if you have questions about your rights, contact your local legal aid by calling 1-866-LEGL-AID or get legal advice from the Eviction Legal Helpline by calling 1-833-NoEvict. Visit www.LegalAidWorks.org for more information. The Supreme Court of Virginia has prohibited new non-emergency evictions for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19 through June 28.
Others
If you are currently experiencing, or at risk of facing (in the next 14 days), a housing crisis you can call the Homelessness Helpline (540) 358-5801. If you are having trouble meeting your mortgage, call your lender. You may be eligible for forbearance or payment deferrals.
Food
To find free food distribution sites organized by local school districts, visit the School Meal Finder. To find other community organizations distributing food text FOOD or C.O.M.I.D.A. to 877-877. For food assistance program eligibility through Social Services, visit CommonHelp.
S.E.R.V.E in Stafford (https://www.serve-helps.org/) provides food assistance, emergency utility assistance, and emergency prescription assistance. (Located at 15 Upton Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
Phone:540-288-9603, Email: s.e.r.v.e.1979@gmail.com)
Health Coverage
The Department of Medical Assistance Services has made changes to support people who are currently enrolled in Medicaid to ensure cost is not a barrier to treatment during this public health emergency. For more information on affordable health insurance options, visit CoverVA.org. To learn more about other health benefits or apply online, visit CommonHelp.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have COVID-19, it is essential to contact your local health department using this website from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH): http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/. Additionally, VDH has excellent resources and support on their website here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/resources-and-support/.
Financial assistance on hospital bills is available for patients of Mary Washington Hospital. To see if you qualify for a financial discount, visit www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/pay-my-bill or call (540)) 741-1041.
For individuals who are currently without health insurance (or are covered by Medicaid) and in need of healthcare, the Lloyd F Moss Free Clinic is available to residents. Call (540) 741-1061 and select Option #1 to find out how to become a patient, or visit https://mossfreeclinic.org.
Prescription Assistance
CVS and Walgreens are providing free delivery of prescription medications to the elderly and other vulnerable populations. FamilyWize offers free prescription discount cards to everyone in our community. Visit the website for more information on FamilyWize.
Child Care
The Governor has issued guidance for child care centers to remain open while aligning with public health recommendations as closely as possible. However, where possible, it is highly encouraged for parents to stay home with children. Temporary modifications have been made to the Child Care Subsidy Program to increase support and flexibility to working parents. To get more information, visit Child Care Assistance.
Behavioral and Health Services
Behavioral and Health Services for information and resources that may be useful through the COVID 19 pandemic crisis. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg offers various supportive services.
Tax Filing
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced the federal income tax filing due date is extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. For more information on free tax filing services, visit www.RUWFreeTaxes.org.
Financial Assistance
If you are a working household facing financial hardship from the effects of closures and missed work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, call (540) 358-5801 to see if you are eligible for Rappahannock United Way’s ALICE Assistance Fund.
