In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have put together a resource list to assist you in finding resources that you may need.  We will update this as often as possible. Please keep checking social media and agency websites to get the latest updates and we will try to keep up on our WCA Facebook page as well. Be safe and be well!

RESOURCES

As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.

Westmoreland County Vaccine Information

  • Click here for all the latest information about the vaccine in Westmoreland County — availability, FAQs, opt-in to email/text alerts, etc.

PA 2-1-1

  • PA 2-1-1- Southwest is part of the national 2-1-1 Call Centers initiative.   For everyday needs and in crisis situations and for a full list, you can search your topic at www.pa211sw.org or call 2-1-1
    COVID-19 specific information – – – http://pa211sw.org/covid-19/
  • United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 are making it easier for Pennsylvanians to connect to resources to help households struggling with a loss of income due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    ? In addition to calling PA 211, Pennsylvanians can now text PACOVID to 898-211 to opt into a text message campaign with links to vetted sources of factual information.

    ? For more information, visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp

     

Apply and Manage Services in Pennsylvania

  • COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information. www.compass.state.pa.us

 

COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND THERAPISTS

Click the wording below or you can click here to go directly to the website.

COVID-19 Resources for Social Workers and Therapists

CONNECTIVITY RESOURCES

Free Home Internet

Extended Data Caps

  • AT&T is providing unlimited data to all current users for home internet and mobile
  • T-Mobile is providing unlimited data on all mobile plans
  • Sprint is offering unlimited data and 20 GB of mobile hotspot data to current customers (check for timing of implementation of hotspots)

 

TRANSPORTATION

  • The Westmoreland County Transit Authority is taking actions in response to the COVID-19 crisis to help keep our most vulnerable populations and our citizens safe.
  • In addition to enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, GO Westmoreland can provide transportation for senior citizens and disabled individuals. Under normal circumstances, this is a shared-ride service, but they are now allowing senior citizens to request ‘solo’ rides as long as we can accommodate them. We are also allowing all GO Westmoreland riders to schedule trips, just to pick up items (15 minutes or less at a location) and return home.
  • For updates visit: www.westmorelandtransit.com as well as their Facebook Page.

 

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call our Crisis Hotline: 1-800-836-6010.  Crisis Mobile referrals are still being accepted; however, requests are being prioritized at this time. Please continue to call and discuss your concerns with the Crisis Hotline staff.
  • From SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – – The Disaster Distress Hotline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by the #CoronaVirusPandemic
  • Crisis Text Line (https://www.crisistextline.org/) Service is free, available 24/7, and connects texters to trained crisis counselors
    • United States: Text HOME to 741741
    • PA: Text PA to 741-741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​:​ ​1-800-273-TALK (8255)   Trevor Project LifeLine for LGBQT+ youth
    (​https://www.thetrevorproject.org/​)

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • Blackburn Center Hotline – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1888-832-2272 or 724-836-1122. Their hotline is always free of charge, confidential, and can be anonymous.  www.blackburncenter.org
    • Abuse can come in many forms — from emotional to physical to sexual — and it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, religion, race or income level.  Remember that each type of abuse is serious, and that no one deserves to experience it in any form.

 

FOOD INSECURITIES

  • Westmoreland County Food Bank (WCFB) Pantries are operating on their normal monthly schedule and any cancellations or changes will be posted on the WCFB site and social media.
  •  School Districts offering food
  • Pennsylvania’s Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) plan was approved by USDA on May 6. P-EBT is a new benefit made possible by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that will provide additional, temporary resources to households with students who are eligible but are missing out on free or reduced-price meals now that schools are closed. For details, see this P-EBT fact sheet.

 

USDA – FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES

 

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

  • Westmoreland County Housing Authority – 724-832-7248
  • https://www.wchaonline.com/
    • Applications are still being accepted and phone calls are being answered/returned as quickly as possible.

 

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION – for loss of employment

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • As of Tuesday, March 25, PA CareerLink lists more than 2,600 job openings for Westmoreland County. While it’s likely that several of those postings were placed before the full economic impact of COVID-19 was upon us, a local rep from PA CareerLink noted that many listings had been added recently. Health care, transportation and warehouse workers are particularly in demand.

 

Workplace Tips, Guidance for Employers

  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides up-to-date information and resources to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.

 

MEDICAID – Medical Assistance

 

CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program (for kids and teens)

 

SNAP BENEFITS –

 

VETERAN’S CRISIS HOTLINE –

Veteran’s resources can be found by just typing in your zip code: https://maketheconnection.net/resources

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

 

Catholic Charities

 

2019 INCOME TAXES

  • Deadline to File Taxes Has Been Pushed to July 15
    • The deadline for filing (and paying) federal and state 2019 taxes has been pushed back to July 15. So far, the state has made only very focused changes or delays related to taxes. Click here for info on the IRS response to COVID-19. For the latest tax developments at the state-level, see the state Department of Revenue webpage.

 

SBA Is Taking Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans

For information concerning SBA’s disaster funding, see https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Businesses with questions about the funding should contact the SBA Pittsburgh District Office at wpainfo@sba.gov.

FILING FOR STATE LOANS

  • The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) offers low-interest loans and lines of credit. For details, click here.

FORBEARANCE ON STUDENT LOANS

 

PA List of essential, life-sustaining services and businesses

Educating and Entertaining Kids at Home

Staying Connected/Entertained

Exercise and Sleep   

Tips for managing anxiety and stress

Covid-19 Specific Updates
Call 1-800-816-0022
Contact Us
canstockphoto86383745
canstockphoto8660905