COVID-19 Community Resource Guide
· Franklin
o Health Department phone: (850) 653-2111 and website: http://franklin.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help.
o Utility Help: Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Gadsden
o County Health Department phone: 850-875-7200: and website: http://gadsden.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help.
o Utility Help: Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Jackson
o County Health Department phone: 850-526-2412 and website: http://jackson.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help. Jackson County School District - Curbside or drive thru meals will be available each day March 16 through March 20 between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Children up to 18 years old must be present. Meals will not be provided during the week of spring break (March 23-27).
o Utility Help: Gulf Power - Suspending collections through the end of March
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Jefferson
o County Health Department phone: 850-342-0170 and website: http://jefferson.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help.
o Utility Help: Jefferson Utilities will cover the processing fee for all online and over the phone payments. Payment may be made by credit card, debit card or checking or savings account.
Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043.
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Leon
o County Health Department phone: 850-404-6300 and website: http://leon.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help. Leon County Schools - In partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend supplemental food kits will be distributed starting March 23, each day from 10:00am to 1:00pm at 14 schools across the county. Check Leon County Schools Facebook page for more details.
o Utility Help: City of Tallahassee Utilities - One-time cash grants and financial assistance payments are provided for eligible customers from a program known as Project Share. Call 850-222-2043 or 850-891-4968.
The Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) is designed to meet the emergency needs of residents of Leon County by providing financial assistance with rent/mortgage and utilities to avoid disruption in a household living circumstance The DEAP program provides temporary emergency assistance and is not on-going public assistance. Maximum Payment Amounts for rent/mortgage are up to $400 and $200 for utilities. Contact the Leon County Human Services and Community Partnerships at (850) 606-1900 to get more information on DEAP.
Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
o Transportation: StarMetro and Dial-A-Ride will modify its regular weekday hours to end at 8:00 p.m. and will no longer transport more than 15 passengers at a time.
· Liberty
o County Health Department phone: 850-643-2415 and website: http://liberty.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help. Liberty County School District - A box of essential food items for the week will be distributed at W. R. Tolar and Hosford Elementary & Junior High. (Highschool students can pick up food from Tolar or Hosford). Parents will drive through the student pick up area and remain in their cars. Items will be provided for each school age student in the family under the age of 18. No distribution is available the week of Spring Break, due to federal guidelines. After Spring Break, food for the entire week will be distributed each Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. This will include both breakfast and lunch items.
o Utility Help: Gulf Power - Suspending collections through the end of March
Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Madison
o County Health Department phone: 850-973-5000 and website: http://madison.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help. Madison County School District - Beginning Monday, March 23, a “grab & go” school lunch will be available for ALL students. Lunches may be picked up at the designated locations between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Students may receive the meal at the nearest location. They do not have to go to their attendance school. The student must be present to receive a meal.
o Utility Help: Suwannee River Economic Council of Madison County - provides utility payment assistance for Madison county. For more information please call (850) 973-6709.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Taylor
o County Health Department phone: 850-584-5087 and website: http://taylor.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Panty feature to locate help. Taylor County Schools - Taylor County Elementary School will serve as the distribution center for "drive through" lunch and breakfast. It takes place March 24-26 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Students must be present to receive a lunch. Steinhatchee School is working with Boys & Girls Club of America to provide to-go lunches for students Monday to Friday, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
o Utility Help: Suwannee River Economic Council of Madison County - provides utility payment assistance for Taylor county. For more information please call (850) 973-6709.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
· Wakulla
o County Health Department phone: 850-926-0400 and website: http://wakulla.floridahealth.gov/
o Food Sources: Summer BreakSpot - Meals for children up to 18 years old. To find a location near you, visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
Feeding the Gulf Coast - Assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use their website's Find Panty feature to locate help. Feeding Florida - Find food in Wakulla County. Wakulla County Schools - Meals will be delivered to students at all regular bus stops beginning Monday, March 23. You will also be able to pick up meals at the student drop off location at Wakulla High School between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 am.
Check Wakulla County Schools Facebook page for updates.
o Utility Help: Utilities have not been deferred by Talquin Electric.
Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043.
The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
o Internet and Phone Services: Part of the so-called “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, COX and many more have agreed that for the next 60 days that they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.
Infant Supplies
Healthy Start – will provide daily supplies based on their client’s need, which includes wipes, formula and toilet paper.
Job Seeker Information
· Unemployment Claims/Benefits: (800) 204-2418 or www.floridajobs.org
· Governor DeSantis directed DEO to Waive Job Search Requirements for DEO Reemployment. For more information, click here.
· Search: www.employflorida.com
Financial Assistance
· The Big Bend Homeless Coalition - focused on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals in the area. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent are available from the non-profit agency. Services are available across the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Jefferson. For more information please call (850) 576-5566.
· Catholic Charities - supports Madison & Taylor county and others in the region. They administer several emergency assistance programs for the low income. Resources are only offered as funds are available. Emergency rental assistance for people facing an eviction. Utility assistance is offered to families facing imminent disconnection. Families with young children and/or senior citizens receive priority. For more information please call (850) 222-2180.
· Suwannee River Economic Council of Madison County - provides utility payment assistance for Madison and Taylor county. For more information please call (850) 973-6709.
· The Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) - is designed to meet the emergency needs of residents of Leon County by providing financial assistance with rent/mortgage and utilities to avoid disruption in a household living circumstance The DEAP program provides temporary emergency assistance and is not on-going public assistance. Maximum Payment Amounts for rent/mortgage are up to $400 and $200 for utilities. Contact the Leon County Human Services and Community Partnerships at 850-606-1900 to get additional information on DEAP.
· Department of Children and Families (DCF) Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) - This is a statewide housing and rental assistance program. Get help, including security deposit assistance as well as assistance with first month's rent. The state will issue cash grants for these expenses. For more information please call (850) 488-3790.
· Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) - CACAA offers a number of financial assistance programs, including rent and utility assistance, deposits, and eviction prevention. CACAA operates in Calhoun, Gadsden, Gulf, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. For more information please call (850) 222-2043.
· Tallahassee Salvation Army - administers basic needs assistance. The program provides clothing, free groceries, meals, and other essential household items to individuals and families in need. Some very limited funding may help with electric bills. For more information please call (850) 222-0304.
Educational Resources
TedEd has free videos and educational resources for parents and educators – https://ted.ed.com/
Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures for Pre K – 9th grade - https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home--free-resources-for-school-closures.html#
The Florida Department of Education has created a useful list of resources here - http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/resources-families.stml
School Districts
· All public and private K-12 and career and technical center campuses are closed through April 15, 2020.
o Schools are encouraged to operate virtually or through other non-classroom-based means to the greatest extent possible to implement distance learning.
o School districts should be prepared to extend their educational calendars through June 30, 2020, to the extent feasible and necessary.