Editor’s Note: Need to find a resource while Coronavirus is affecting Washington State? Know of a resource others should be aware of? We’re getting organized with all that information, and it’s thanks to Eric Wilson-Edge.
Eric has written a number of stories for Grit City Magazine already, both online and in print. He’s a fantastic writer who’s passionate about our community. Combine that with his newsroom background, and he’s the perfect person to not only put together the following list of information that’s already out there, but help organize what else is to come.
Here are two things to know:
- The following is a list of resources Eric and a small team of volunteers have gathered thus far.
- They’re asking people to help them out by adding information via this Google Form.
- The plan is for this spreadsheet to be updated once per day with the latest additions.
- If you have questions or corrections regarding this list or the linked document, you can email Eric at wwcoronaresources@gmail.com.
- General questions about the outbreak or specific resources listed here should be sent to the corresponding authority.
General Information (links to articles in red)
What are the unemployment benefits available if I’m impacted by the coronavirus?
Excellent piece from KNKX with great information and helpful links about unemployment benefits in Washington.
Unemployed Due to Coronavirus Pandemic? Here’s Where to Get Help
Very informative article from the United Way of King County about unemployment, insurance and other resources.
Free Live Broadcasts of Seattle Symphony
Seattle Symphony is offering free live broadcast of its performances.
Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, anyone who signs up for Internet Essentials will receive two free months of Internet service. We are also increasing the speed of the program to 25 Mbps downloads, and 3 Mbps uploads for all new and existing customers.
Internet companies won’t disconnect people for unpaid bills for 60 days, FCC says
NBC News article that talks about the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” which asks connectivity companies to postpone termination of services for the next 60 days on homes or small businesses because of an inability to pay bills because of the outbreak.
Amazon is part of a pilot run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accept SNAP EBT online in select states. Currently, customers with a valid SNAP EBT card in the states of NY, WA, and select regions of Iowa and Oregon can use their SNAP funds on Amazon.
Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch
Experience the best museums from London to Seoul in the comfort of your own home. Great article from Travel and Leisure Magazine.
U.S. Labor Department allows unemployment benefits for Coronavirus
Reuters article that talks about moves the Labor Department made to allow states to include coronavirus in their unemployment benefits.
Trump gives people with student loans a break amid coronavirus
NBC article that talks about the decision to waive the interest on all federal student loans.
Mortgage Relief Options Are Available To Homeowners Affected By Coronavirus Safety Measures
Forbes article that discusses options for home owners.
PSE will not be disconnecting customers during this time.
PSE received approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for a waiver that allows PSE to waive late fees.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Information about how different types of insurance coverage may be affected by coronavirus in Washington state.
Coronavirus Resources: Teaching, Learning and Thinking Critically
Regularly updated page with ideas for working, at school or at home, with content from The Times and other reliable sources about this global pandemic.
Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free (Forbes Magazine)
Students or teachers who fill out an online form using their school email addresses and are then verified by Zoom will have any accounts associated with that school’s domain also gain unlimited temporary meeting minutes.
King County
List of school buildings where K-12 students can get free meals.
These folks will help with just about anything included groceries and prescription pick up.
Pierce County
List of school buildings where K-12 students can get free meals.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Includes demographics about people who have tested positive.
Great blog from the health department.
Insightful piece from The News Tribune about how the pandemic is impacting area nonprofits.
Includes information about online worksheets for students and other online resources the library offers.
TMAC does all sorts of great things like delivery groceries to people who can’t get around.
Lincoln High School Community Resource Center
LHSCRC provides resources to Lincoln High School students and their families.
Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank
Great local food bank that does deliveries.
Kids 12 and under can eat free! Purchase of adult entree is required.
Thurston County
Timberline Regional Library Reference Databases
Includes information about online resources the library offers.
Thurston County Health Department
Provides regular updates on the spread of the virus within the county.
Dedicated coronavirus page for the Olympia School District. Includes list of school buildings where free meals will be distributed.
Dedicated coronavirus page for the Tumwater School District. Includes list of school buildings where free meals will be distributed.
Again, if you know of another resource please help us out by adding that information via this Google Form. Stay safe and sane out there, everyone.
Go here to check out the latest additions to the resource list.
Stay safe and sane out there, everyone.
