^^Eviction moratorium now extended to January 31, 2021.^^
GENERAL
Citywide COVID-19 Updates
Statewide Resource Search
This database allows individuals to search for organizations that provide assistance based on the type of help needed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer these steps to prevent illness, including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and practicing social distancing. You have probably all seen various suggestions of song snippets to sing as you time that 20 seconds.
The CDC located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the issuance of an Order under Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 until December 31st, 2020.
General resources for Cambridge
Vaccination Timeline for Massachusetts
Second Stimulus Package Information
Families will receive $600 with an additional $600 per dependent child under 17 years old, if eligible. This includes US citizens or permanent residents who filed a joint tax return with an undocumented partner. If families are eligible to receive this check and the ones distributed in April through the CARES Act, they can claim the checks when they file taxes this spring. (Scroll to "Undocumented Families" for more information.)
Eviction moratorium now extended to January 31, 2021.
COVID-19 Medical Assistance
Massachusetts is providing resources to pay for COVID-19 testing and treatment for low-income residents, regardless of documentation status and health insurance status. Resources include, but are not limited to, MassHealth Limited which will cover the costs of testing and treatment for COVID-19 and the Commonwealth’s Health Safety Net program which will pay for testing and treatment for COVID-19 provided by hospitals and community health centers.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Apply for unemployment benefits here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Recursos Para Solicitar Beneficios de Desempleo en Español (Folleto y Video)
Resources for Applying for Unemployment (Fact-sheet and Video)
*recursos abajo de la pagina en el sitio/ scroll to the bottom of the page for the info
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PAU)
The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for those who are unable to work because of COVID-19 but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. That includes self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and those with limited work history.
Caution Against Stimulus Check Scams
Travel to/from Massachusetts
Effective August 1, all individuals entering Massachusetts must quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival (via car, train, or airplane) in Massachusetts unless they can prove they are negative for COVID-19. Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.
EMERGENCY FUNDS
Boston Rental Relief Fund
The City of Boston is dedicating $8 million in federal stimulus funds to help Boston residents at risk of losing their housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources are translated in 11 languages at the bottom of the website linked below. You can also find qualification guidelines directly on the Boston website.
United Way One Chelsea Fund
The One Chelsea Fund will provide financial assistance to Chelsea individuals and families to help meet their basic needs. Scroll down to the section "WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED ASSISTANCE?" to request assistance.
United Way Lynn COVID-19 Community Care Fund
The fund will provide financial assistance to Lynn individuals and families to help meet their basic needs. Scroll to the bottom of the page for information on requesting assistance.
United Way Newton COVID-19 Care Fund
The fund will provide financial assistance to individuals and families living or working in Newton to help meet their basic needs. Scroll to the bottom of the page for information on requesting assistance.
Cambridge Community Fund
Available for individuals living and/or working in Cambridge
Fathers' Uplift COVID-19 Family Assistance
Fathers Uplift, Stand Together, and the Family Independence Initiative partnered up to provide temporary financial assistance to fathers and their families.
Statewide Mutual Aid Funds Broken Down by Community
Massachusetts Workers Relief Fund
Available in 8 languages.
Boston Artist Opportunity Fund
The Opportunity Fund provides grants that support meaningful one-time opportunities for artists living in the City of Boston to further develop their careers, and supports artists who want to plan free arts-focused experiences and events throughout the City that provide increased affordable arts and cultural programming for Bostonians in their neighborhoods.
https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/169598/opportunity-fund-4-0
UNDOCUMENTED FAMILIES
Resource Guide
This guide covers areas of assistance including but not limited to food, housing, medical care.
MassUndocufund
Financial assistance for undocumented families
Free Legal Consultations
Virtual Update: Consultations are no longer being held in person. Message “immigrantadvancement@boston.gov” or luidgi.lalanne@boston.gov” or call 617-304-3368 to sign up for these free consultations that are held every first and third Wednesdays of each month. The next session will be on September 16, 2020.
The following site also offer free and virtual consultations:
Rian Immigrant Center (Boston) - Call (617) 542-7654 to schedule a call back.
De Novo (Cambridge): Call (617) 405-547 and talk to someone to make an appointment
HealthCare
Visit the website below for information on free, low-cost, and community healthcare centers for undocumented families.
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
The stimulus package signed in December 2020 allows US citizens or permanent residents who filed a joint tax return with an undocumented partner to receive receive a check worth $600 with an additional $600 per dependent child (under 17 years old), depending on their annual income. The new stimulus package also allows people to claim unreceived stimulus checks when they file their taxes this spring. The change in stimulus check eligibility is retroactive meaning families can also claim the $1,200 checks not received during the first round of stimulus checks in April, when they were initially ineligible.
To clarify: Undocumented folks who don't have Social Security numbers remain ineligible for the new set of stimulus checks.
HOUSING
City Life Vida Urbana
Housing rights and resources for families facing eviction
English: 617-934-5006
Español: 617-397-3773
Metro Housing Boston
Homelessness & Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance
Emergency Housing
Housing Laws & Guidelines
Boston Rental Relief Fund
Applications are open for this relief fund for income-eligible families who do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits. These funds will go towards helping families pay their rent. The application is available in 11 languages including Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, Somali, Portuguese, and more.
HIGH SCHOOL
^^BPS: All classes will shift to virtual learning beginning October 22, 2020.^^
Click here to learn more about this decision.
Boston Public Schools Coronavirus Updates
BPS Chromebooks Request Form
Breakfast and Lunch Pick-up locations:
BPS P-EBT Food Assistance:
Every BPS family will receive financial assistance for food due to the COVID-19 pandemic, available under a new federal program, P-EBT. Families will receive $28.50 a week for each eligible child..
Chelsea High School
Free breakfast and lunch week days to youth at 7 different locations: https://www.chelseaschools.com/cms/lib/MA50000536/Centricity/domain/1339/central%20office/Emergencyfoodprogramflyer.pdf
Chelsea Chromebook Distribution
https://www.chelseaschools.com/cms/lib/MA50000536/Centricity/domain/1339/central%20office/20-21/Screen%20Shot%202020-09-02%20at%205.34.09%20PM.png
Malden Public Schools
A central location for updates and information around the reopening of school in the fall: https://maldenps.org/reopening/
For Malden Information on Meal and Chromebook Distribution
Virtual learning resources (includes supports for families):
https://medium.com/nellie-mae-education-foundation/learning-resources-during-covid-19-fcb21accd1c1
CovED- A resource to connect low-income K-12 students for one-on-one mentoring and tutoring with undergraduate and graduate students. http://www.coved.org/
PCs for People
This organization offers discounted rates on laptops, PCs, and accessories to low-income families. You can read more about the eligibility requirements by following the link.
Computer With Causes- Apply for a Free Computer
This organization accepts laptops and PCs, refurbishes them, and gifts them to those with demonstrated needs.
Boston Youth & Community Centers
Boston Meal Sites for Youth & Teens
Free breakfast and lunch meals provided to all Boston students beginning Tuesday, March 17: https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-access/map-meal-sites-boston
Info on Subsidized Housing for BPS Students
Comcast
Comcast is offering two free months of internet to any new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and emergency measures associated with COVID-19. You can learn more here.
MBTA Service Updates
Food Assistance:
Map of COVID-19 food resources in Boston https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-access/map-covid19-food-resources
All Stop and Shop open 6am – 7:30am as of March 19 for adults ages over 60 : https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/stop-shop-to-set-aside-hours-for-older-shoppers-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/2092075/
Free Meals Sites for Adults (includes locations and times) https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/04/20/no-one-goes-hungry-in-boston-new-free-meals-program-launches-for-adults/
Market Basket also open early Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5am-7am for adults ages over 60: https://whdh.com/news/market-basket-to-hold-senior-only-shopping-hours-to-protect-older-customers-from-getting-coronavirus/
Bread of Life open Tuesday – Friday serving Malden, Melrose, etc. : https://www.foodpantries.org/li/bread_of_life_food_pantry_02148
Boston area : https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/boston_food_banks.html
Food resources and gift cards available : https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/15/metro/heres-how-you-can-donate-organizations-helping-people-affected-by-covid-19-shutdowns/
YMCA food pantry still open: https://ymcaboston.org/ygbcoronavirusresponse
SNAP and Cash Benefits: https://www.masslegalservices.org/DTA-COVID-19
Supplies & Toiletries:
Can call Salvation Army to see if they have donations available
Activities for students
Wellness:
Free or low cost online classes led by people of color, womxn, and queer folks: https://www.instagram.com/p/B92Dl2ilbp8/?igshid=1952e63p5tz7l
Cooking classes:
Held by Massimo Bottura (3 Michelin-star Italian chef) on Youtube Live
Meditation:
20 minute meditation sessions with Jay Shetty on Youtube Live starting Friday, March 20th at 12:30pm everyday
Support on meditation and processing through Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/covid-19?j=754610&sfmc_sub=128883556&l=2808_HTML&u=34148742&mid=7237448&jb=384
Podcasts and audiobooks:
Students can find these on Overdrive, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the host websites
Download "Castbox" has endless Podcasts and audiobooks available, some recommendations are:
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
True Stories of Good People
The Happiness Lab
Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Missed in History Class
The Penumbra Podcast (I'm shameless bye) - for fiction/sci-fi
Wait Wait Don't Tell Me - for game show vibes/dad jokes and celebrity guests
Conversations with People that Hate Me - Dylan Marron talks to people who send him hate mail and try to get to a normal human connection
What A Day - a daily podcast that helps to condense the day's news, also hilarious
My Brother My Brother and Me - for stupid, stupid humor
Code Switch
NPR's TED Radio Hour
Audiobooks, ebooks:
Students can download "Overdrive" onto their phones or use the website. They just need their library card to sign in and can request ebooks and audiobooks.
Students can download "Libby" onto their phones. The just need their library card to sign in and can request audiobooks and listen to them on their phone
Reading suggestions by genre by a few Summer Search staffers (feel free to add your own recommendations) -- LINK ONLY WORKS FOR SS STAFF, will need to download to send to students
Workouts:
Everybody Fights – streaming workouts live via Instagram ; free month with CHOOSETOFIGHT code
Move With Us- In-home and online physical activities.
Learn a new language, professional skills, watch documentaries, etc.:
Help Steps: https://www.helpsteps.com/hs/home/#/
Black Culture Virtual Get-Togethers: https://www.movement.fm/city/la
POST-SECONDARY
ACT and SAT Test Optional Schools for Applying in Fall 2020
Student Persistence Fund
As a member of our post-secondary program, you can apply to our Persistence Fund. This fund is intended to for emergency related needs such as a flight home, books, an unexpected tuition bill gap, mobile routers and more. Please reach out to Kara at kkomprathoum@summersearch.org if you have any questions. You can also find the complete the application here.
College Student Emergency Relief Fund
The Leadership Brainery is offering financial assistance to students of color, first-generation students, and/or LGBTQ+ students experiencing homelessness or hardship because of COVID-19. Students must attend schools in the Greater Boston area.
Campus Websites
Some universities have a webpage devoted to the institution’s response to COVID-19. Read messages from your school and follow the website to keep-up with latest updates at your school.
Summer Search Boston Wix
We will share updates via Summer Search’s Wix website where you can also find information about scholarships, internships, etc.
Free Education Resources
Companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/
PCs for People
This organization offers discounted rates on laptops, PCs, and accessories to low-income families. You can read more about the eligibility requirements by following the link.
Computer With Causes- Apply for a Free Computer
This organization accepts laptops and PCs, refurbishes them, and gifts them to those with demonstrated needs.
Microsoft Office 365
Use your email address to unlock access to Word, Teams, OneNote, Excel, and other Microsoft programs for free. This is not a trial subscription. It is valid as long as you have your school email address.
Comcast
Comcast is offering two free months of internet to any new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and emergency measures associated with COVID-19. You can learn more here.
U-Haul
U-Haul is extending 30 days of free self-storage at U-Haul owned and operated facilities to help college students impacted by unforeseen schedule changes at their universities. The free month applies to new customers with college IDs and is a limited-time offer, subject to availability. Click on www.uhaul.com/storage to find the store nearest you. Contact the store by phone or visit in person to take advantage of the offer. Click here for more information.
Moving Off Campus + Storage Resources + Related Discounts
This article from Moving Buddha has rounded up a list of services with discounts to help make your move a little easier on your pockets. To make things easy, they have arranged the discounts into demographic categories, so you can sift through the list, or just head straight to the discounts for your demographic.
FINANCIAL AID
uASPIRE Support Resource
This document includes resources for students, families, and educators on key questions and procedures regarding financial aid and the impact of COVID-19 now, and in the months ahead. Refer back regularly for updated information.
Verification Process
The IRS is not currently able to process paper forms or take any orders for forms to be mailed. This means that people are not able to request their tax transcript by mail, or request the Verification of Non-Filing Letter by mail. Instead, there are electronic options offered by the IRS, such as the "Get Transcript Online" feature. We encourage students to contact the college(s) as necessary, to see what their process is.
Appealing a Financial Award Letter
A guide that walks you through understanding the appeal process, documents you may need, and how to write the appeal letter.
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