COVID-19 Relief Funds And Resources For Families In Need
Tenant Rights
Please note that the California Apartment Association has issued guidelines urging landlords to freeze rents and halt evictions for tenants affected by the corona-virus and waive late fees through May 31. Also, several banks and credit unions had agreed to a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments. This does not mean that rent is not due at all. Instead, this means that you between now and May 31st your landlord cannot move forward on evictions. This moratorium means that you are not required to pay rent during COVID-19 due to the inability to pay. However, you will be obligated to pay rent at a later date.
Please be sure to write a letter to your landlord explaining your hardship and need to delay rent payment. If you need support in writing a letter to your landlord, you can use this template and personalize the letter as you need: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ieVjgIV3SI7nYvpQQvvHb4XXELkJoZ_m/edit
Housing/Rental Support
· City of Berkeley has funding available to support you in paying your rent as a means to avoid eviction. To learn more about the Housing Retention Grant, visit: https://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=129482). If you are a current Berkeley resident on the verge of losing your home and you need rental support, please call the East Bay Community Law Center at 510.548.4040.
To get resources for unhoused/homeless individual and families, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jA_VTc6kgMJKulAWb9ZpvoGOr6x8HemFhVV0PqEXtYo/edit
Education and Learning Resources
· Berkeley Unified has a limited number of Chromebooks for students in need. Priority is given to low-income families (those who qualify for free/reduced price lunch). To claim your Chromebook for your child/children, please visit https://www.berkeleyschools.net/connecting/ , call 510.644.8931 or email chromebook@berkeley.net.
· Need support in homeschooling your child/children, here is a website with educational resources: wideopenschool.org
· Do you have a pre-school child or children at home and would like some great kindergarten readiness interactive support? You can visit this site for great FREE circle time for you children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUFiM80sWpA
· Healthy Black Families, Inc. will be offering online “Play and Learn” sessions for children ages 5 and under. Please look out for an announcement about that soon.
· For students or families that need internet, please visit the link below for how to access free internet: https://www.ktvu.com/news/media-companies-to-offer-free-internet-to-low-income-families-during-coronavirus-crisis
· Do you have a BUSD student and in need of assistance with writing assignments? If so, you can contact the Writer Coach Connection: https://www.writercoachconnection.org/
Financial Assistance and Food Resources
· According to a recent press release by Governor Newsom, utility companies, landlords, and other entities are to avoid penalty fees due to financial inability to pay as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Please be sure to call your bill collectors to request payment delays so as to keep your account in good standing.
· SBA is offering financial assistance to small businesses. To learn more, click here: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
· FREE food distribution for BUSD students: https://www.berkeleyschools.net/2020/03/revised-breakfast-and-lunch-distribution-schedule-horario-modificado-acerca-de-la-distribucion-de-desayuno-y-almuerzo/
· FREE food distribution for OUSD students: https://www.ousd.org/covid-19studentmeals
· Need additional support in getting food? You can seek support by adding your contact information here:
Health and Wellness Resources
· Physical Health: Our healthy eating and nutrition education programming has been made available online. Current program participants will continue to receive this online content. If you are interested in being part of this, please email info@healthyblackfamiliesinc.org.
· Emotional/Mental Health: FREE 1-on-1 virtual talk sessions are available for individuals who would like to release frustration an anxiety during this time. To schedule a session, please contact Sitar Mody at (510)213-8001 or sitarmody.tnrp@gmail.com.
· Navigating Birth During COVID-19: On April 16th at 12:30pm PST, Health Black Families, Inc. will be hosting a virtual town hall on ways to support expecting Black moms during this time. Save the date! A special invite will be sent in a follow-up message.
· Health Information for Women and Families: The California Department of Public Health has a wealth of information for women and families, especially during COVID-19: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/Pages/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Women-and-Families.aspx