Resources During Covid
For Updated Information
- For updates about the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) Campus Safety Information visit https://www.berkeleyschools.net/covid/campus-safety/
- Berkeley Residents, call 311 (510-981-2489) for updates on ANY services available.
- Text ‘HOPE’ to 20121
- For Alameda county services call 211 (888-886-9660) for all updates or go to Alameda county resource finder
- For Contra Costa Services go to Contra-Costa county website
Meals
BUSD offers Universal Breakfast and Lunch at all school sites, providing free meals to all students (TK – 12) each day we are open for school. Students who arrive late to school will have access to a “second chance breakfast” either
in the classroom or in the cafeteria.
Internet Access
If your family does not have access to a laptop or the internet, please leave a message at 510-644-8931. We are working on ways to support you. Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days for low income families, visit internetessentials.com for more information.
Food Needs
- The Berkeley Food Network’s on-site pantry is open for anyone in need of free food. 1925 Ninth St., Berkeley (Enter through the door facing the parking lot).
- Alameda County Food Bank : 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) or 1-510-635-3663. You can also visit FoodNow
- Contra-Costa Food Bank: 1-855-309-3663 (FOOD) for help and information.
- Berkeley Food and Housing Project offers a weekday community meal program served by volunteers.
- When: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri* 3:30–4:45pm *A free spaghetti meal is provided by the Lutheran Church of the Cross on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30pm.
- Where: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1744 University Ave, Berkeley, 94703
Work Concerns
- Unemployment: If you are laid off due to your business shutting down or reducing staff, you may apply for unemployment without a waiting period. Visit the EDD website.
- Disability: If you get sick and need to apply for disability, you can file a claim here with a medical provider’s authorization here
- Paid Family Leave: If your family member becomes sick and you must take care of them, you can file a claim for paid family leave and/or FMLA with a medical provider’s authorization: here
Help Paying Bills
Visit Alameda county website for assistance.
If you need help paying rent during this difficult period here are some resources:
- Alameda County Season of Sharing 510-272-3700
- Oakland residents only Catholic Charities 510-768- 3100
Medical CareFor suspected COVID-19 cases call your doctor.
You can also find a directory of medical providers for any or no insurance at: achealthcare.org |
Mental Health Services
- For psychiatric emergencies call the Mobile Crisis Number: (510) 981-5900 For support consultation or resources for uncomfortable thoughts call the Crisis Line: (510) 981-5244
- Alameda county teens who are feeling mentally unsafe can text ‘SAFE’ to 20121 between the hours of 4pm-11pm, to communicate with a counselor.
- Alameda County Suicide Prevention (Se hablan Español): 1-888-628-9454 For an immediate Alameda County mental health referral Call ACCESS (open 24/7): 1-800-491-9099
Important Social Distancing Guidance
City of Berkeley Public Health continues to help us assess social distancing guidance and other health agency directives. We are appreciative they provided information for our School Board at this week’s meeting and we look forward to their continued partnership as the coronavirus situation develops. “While this was not a public health recommendation, we know BUSD weighed many complex factors in its decision to close,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, the City of Berkeley’s Health Officer. “We will continue to partner with them as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr. Hernandez advises everyone to continue to follow these important guidelines:
- WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY
- COVER YOUR COUGH
- STAY HOME AND AWAY FROM OTHERS WHEN ILL
Dr. Hernandez also emphasizes that while school is out, it is very important that everyone engage in “social distancing” to prevent the spread of the virus.
- STAY HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE (EVEN IF NOT FEELING ILL)
- AVOID GATHERINGS
- STAY AWAY FROM OLDER ADULTS, such as grandparents, as well as those with chronic health conditions
You can also get up to date COVID-19 information at cityofberkeley.info/coronavirus