COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Resources
The PCC team is reaching out to partners to understand the needs inflamed by the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the resources available to help. We present the following as a running list of resources that may be of support to students seeking assistance for basic or school-related needs during this unprecedented moment.
The PCC team is reaching out to partners to understand the needs inflamed by the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the resources available to help. We present the following as a running list of resources that may be of support to students seeking assistance for basic or school-related needs during this unprecedented moment.
Resources
-
Comcast: Read full statement here
Free internet for 60 days + Unlimited data for 60 days- All Xfinity Hotspots are open and free
- New customers can set up new service w/free 60 days of service (Must call Comcast or get started at the link above)
- Current customers can have monthly charges & fees waived
- Unlimited Data during the epidemic
AT&T: Read full statement hereThe cable, phone and media giant is suspending the termination of wireless, home phone or broadband service when customers can't pay their bills because of coronavirus disruptions. The company is also waiving related late fees. Like Comcast, AT&T is also providing free access to its public WiFi hot spots.
Verizon: Read full statement hereVerizon said it is waiving late fees and suspending service termination for customers "negatively impacted by the global crisis."
T-Mobile: Read full statement hereThe mobile phone service provider is providing unlimited data to all current customers who have plans with data for the next 60 days. It will also provide additional data to mobile hotspot users.
Spectrum: Read full statement hereSpectrum to offer students free internet amid COVID-19 pandemic:
- All Spectrum Hotspots are open and free
- Current customers won’t have their service terminated
- Partnering with school districts for free internet hotspots
-
Adobe for Students and Professors
Free Adobe creative for students – Full Suite for 60 days
Microsoft: Read the full statement here
Microsoft has responded to COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, and the increased number of work-from-home policies it's inspired, by making its paid collaboration tool, Microsoft Teams, free for six months.
RedShelf
The Chicago-based company RedShelf is providing free access to digital textbooks (to students from nonprofit, semester-based colleges and universities) through May 25.
Scribd
The e-book and audiobook subscription service is offering its library of e-books, audiobooks, magazine articles and more to anyone, for free, for the next 30 days.
ScholasticScholastic Learn At Home is a free, online learning hub to encourage students to keep learning while they are out of their normal school schedule due to Covid-19 crisis. their regular school schedules are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
SUPPORT
Online Learning Research Center
The new website includes support for students looking to improve their online study skills.
Aira - Accessibility Assistance
The technology company Aira is offering free minutes to college students to combat inaccessible instructional materials. Aira specializes in assisting people who are blind or low vision with visual information via app or live support. If you or a student you know could benefit from this, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Pandemic EPT SNAP Benefits Available to Eligible Families
Families with school age children receiving SNAP benefits, signed up for free or reduced-priced meals or attending a community eligible school or district may be eligible for pandemic EBT SNAP benefits to replace school meals missed by children.
Click here for more.
Chicagoland AreaGreater Chicago Food Depository
For food assistance, with few exceptions, partner agencies and programs in the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network are open.
Brave Space Alliance
Read more here
The South Side-based LGBTQ organization Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans South Siders, prioritizing people who are sick, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, undocumented Black, Brown, or Indigenous.
NationalFeeding America
For food assistance, find a local food bank here.
Free meals for children: Evanston
Read more here
Grab-and-go breakfasts & lunches are available for children ages 1 to 18 on Mondays in Evanston. There are no residency or income-based restrictions to participate in the program. At that time youth may pick up five days worth of meals at a time. -
IllinoisUnemployment Benefits May Be Available
Unemployment benefits may be available to people out of work because they have been diagnosed with COVID19
Chicago Mutual Aid Network Helping During COVID19 Crisis
Read more here
Chicago college students negatively affected by the pandemic & seeking financial assistance can learn more about Chicago mutual aid network's Chicago COVID-19 Hardship and Help Page.The page includes information regarding food availability, at-home support, e-learning, and virtual field trip resources
Logan Square Mutual Aid
The neighborhood satellite of the Chicago Mutual Aid Network is connect residents in need of help with anything from paying rent to arranging child care with neighbors who are willing to help.
National
Citi, Truist, and Others Financial Assistance
Financial institutions including (but not limited to) Citi, Truist, Wells Fargo, and PNC urge account holders impacted by COVID19 to contact them immediately if they are experiencing financial difficulties.
Financial Assistance for Restaurant, Services workers and moreOne Fair Wage is providing free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers & other tipped workers & service workers — who are impacted by the COVID19 crisis.
Financial Aid Information Regarding Covid-19
Department of Education Response
Here is an article on how the Coronavirus has made an impact on federal financial aid but also what #highered & the Department of Education are doing in response. #students #COVID19Federal Student Aid Information
Here is federal student aid information via @FAFSA for students, borrowers, and parents in light of impacts due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Housing and Homelessness Assistance
Homeless Shelter Directory
The Homeless Shelter Directory provides information on homeless shelters and other services for those in need in the Chicago area.
Rental Assistance Program
Read more here
Through Chicago’s Rental Assistance Program, Chicago residents facing eviction and possible homelessness due to the impact of Covid-19 may be eligible for relief.The South Side-based LGBTQ organization Brave Space Alliance is operating a crisis food pantry for queer and trans South Siders, prioritizing people who are sick, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, undocumented Black, Brown, or Indigenous. - Women Employed – COVID19 Resources List
Visit list here
PCC partner Women Employed has compiled a list of resources that includes information on domestic violence support, paid sick time, worker relief funds, and more.
Illinois Action for Children – COVID19 Resources List
Read more here
The page includes information regarding food availability, at-home support, e-learning, and virtual field trip resources
City Colleges of Chicago - COVID19 Resources List
Read more here
The page includes information on local and national crisis hotlines, online recovery support, and financial resources.
City of Chicago – COVID19 Resources Website
Read more here
The City of Chicago’s response website includes resources for general information, utilities and housing resources, food resources, and more.
CDC Resources for Mental Health
Click here for a list of resources from the CDC.
Utility Assistance
Read more here
ComEd Taking Steps to help Communities During Coronavirus Pandemic
Emergency Child Care
https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/
Illinois parents seeking emergency child care during Covid-19 can contact Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies at (888) 228-1146 or visit here for more information.
South Side Weekly - COVID-19 South Side Community Resource Guide
Read more here
The publication has an extensive list of Covid-19 resources with a focus on South Siders. Information includes public health resources, emergency food assistance, legal aid, and more.