COVID-19 RESOURCES
This page highlights a collection of resources you may find useful during COVID19.
Feel free to also check out our regular collection of suggested programs and resources for individuals and families on our School & Community page.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
In this video, Nancy Gaden, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, SVP, and Chief Nursing Officer at Boston Medical Center, provides an overview and non-technical explanation of how the vaccine works.
This website will help you pre-register for your COVID-19 vaccines. People who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the following mass vaccination locations: Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Reggie Lewis Center, DoubleTree Hotel-Danvers, Eastfield Mall-Springfield, Natick Mall, former Circuit City-Dartmouth.
The Mass.Gov page lists the different types of COVID-19 vaccination sites and links to a vaccine finder tool for individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated. Additional locations will be added in the coming weeks. Appointments at mass vaccination sites are released weekly on Thursdays. Individuals will need to confirm they are eligible to get vaccinated in the current phase.
Details of Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. The plan includes three phases, which reflect several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden.
MA COVID Vaccine Appointments is a website that helps folks find available locations to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination. This is a user-friendly website. The site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CDC is the nation’s health protection agency, working 24/7 to protect America from health and safety threats, both foreign and domestic. CDC increases the health security of our nation. The tutorial above will introduce you to the CDC website and how to use it.
MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Also available is the Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate better during medical appointments.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the United States, phone scammers have seized the opportunity, using robocalls and text message scams, to offer free home testing kits, promote bogus cures, sell health insurance, and promise financial relief.
The Federal Communications Commission has created a COVID-19 Consumer Scams video in American Sign Language (ASL).
PBS Kids for Parents has a page dedicated to articles from parents and experts about "Raising Kids Who Thrive". Find various articles to help families thrive at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Find articles such as " 8 Indoor Activities to Release Kids' Energy" and "How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus", plus many more useful articles.
Many students have asked Sal how to cope with stress. In his personal life, Sal finds meditation invaluable for not only reducing stress and anxiety, but also for enjoying the fullness of life. In this short video, Sal introduces you to simple meditation techniques to help you calm your mind, relax, and focus.
COMPUTERS & INTERNET
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic. As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount for the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org. See the PDF factsheet linked above for details on eligibility and how to apply.
A new national benefits program providing a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills and a one-time discount for an eligible device for qualifying households.
● Discount paid directly to the internet provider.
● Limited to one monthly service discount and a one-time device discount
per household..
Comcast provides low-cost internet to eligible individuals (includes families with public school students). Once you are an Internet Essentials customer, you have the option to purchase a laptop or desktop computer at a discounted price.
Click here for more information about Comcast's internet options during COVID-19.
Message from Comcast: "We have a massive backlog of calls as our volume is unprecedented. We are trying to get this message out to people as much as possible that the simplest, fastest, and easiest way to apply for the program is from their mobile device at www.InternetEssentials.com.
PCs for People offers quality refurbished desktops, laptops, internet service, and accessories to individuals and non-profits. To qualify, individuals must be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program or who are below the 200% poverty level. This tutorial will introduce you to their Hotpot options for internet service.
Boost Mobile offers a single data plan for hotspots which is 50GB for $50 per month. If you have an old hotspot from TGH, you may be able to use it! If you don’t own a hotspot you’ll need to buy one.
It may be easiest to go into a store, ask about options and open an account. You can also sign up for a plan by calling 1-866-402-7366.
MetroPCS only offers hotspot service if you have a cell phone plan with them. You will not be able to use your old TGH hotspot with Metro, but you may be able to get a new hotspot device for free. They have several hotspot and data service plan options that range from $10 to $50 per month.
It may be easiest to go into a store, ask about options and open an account. You can also sign up for a plan by calling 1-888-8Metro8 (863-8768).
T-Mobile offers data plans for hotspots. They have several hotspot and data service plan options. Their data plan option range from $10 to $50 per month. Often the price that is advertised is much lower than the price you will really need to pay for the service. Make sure to always asks what the costs are before making a purchase. It may be easiest to go into a store, ask about options and open an account. You can also sign up for a plan by calling 1-800-TMOBILE.
AT&T offers hotspots and data plans. If you already have a AT&T cell phone with a data plan, you may be able to add a hotspot to your plan for only $20 per month. If you are a new customer the service plans are advertised as $40 per month and $50 per month - however there are many other costs involved and your final monthly bill will likely be between $80 and $100. The AT&T website is hard to navigate and the TGH staff was unable to complete a purchase for a hotspot and data plan even after calling customer service. If you would like to get a hotspot from AT&T, then TGH suggests that you visit an AT&T store in person or try calling 888-927-1236 to speak to a customer service agent.
Verizon offers data plans for hotspots. If you have an old hotspot from TGH, you may be able to use it! If not, you’ll need to buy one. If you have a smartphone with data through Verizon, the unlimited data plans are $20 or $30. However, if you are not a current Verizon customer, their data plans are $75 or $85 per month. Often the price that is advertised is much lower than the price you will really need to pay for the service. Make sure to always asks what the costs are before making a purchase. It may be easiest to go into a store or call Verizon at 800-711-3400, ask about options and open an account.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and LinkedIn offer great ways to socialize and connect with friends and others who share similar interests — or to network professionally.
However, it’s easy to hide or alter one’s identity using any of these platforms.
These links will show you how to set up your Chromebook for the first time and show you where to find your settings. You will see how to personalize your new device to suit your needs. This includes how to set your background image, connect to your other Google accounts, upload, and edit pictures, and much more.
BPS is providing Chromebooks to BPS Student who do not have consistent access to a computer at home. Complete the chromebook request form on this page.
A teacher or instructor might use Zoom to teach online. If you have a Chromebook you can download the Zoom App and join a meeting without an account. If you make an account you can also use Zoom to video chat with family and friends for free.
You can also use Zoom on any computer, tablet or phone. Visit the download Zoom page and look for the installation link for your particular device.
A nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers. Includes daily schedules for students ages 2-18 to keep them learning.
Free distance learning plans for K–2 students and their families. Help kick-start learning at home with easy-to-use, customizable packets.
WGBH, in partnership with the MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education and WGBY/New England Public Media, has organized a special collection of educational resources by grade (PreK—12) and subject area. Find videos and activities that support learning at home in the WGBH Distance Learning Center; Educational videos and activities are fully translated into Spanish here; and PBS Kids for Parents offers 8 indoor activities to release kids’ energy as well as advice for talking to children about coronavirus.
Free online courses on a variety of topics. Includes topics such as language learning, reading, social media, google docs and other programs for school, work and play.
Northstar is making their Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) unit on Basic Computer Skills available publicly for a period of time to serve those who may be unable to access services in public locations due to COVID-19 restrictions.
REMOTE INSTRUCTION
REMOTE INSTRUCTION
Zoom is a great program to use for instruction. You can share your screen with your students and access other features. Zoom works on multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Chromebooks, tablets and phones.
How to find great learning resources for your students during school closures and recommendations on the best tools for virtual learning. Including: Getting Ready for Virtual Learning, Communicating with Families, Core Subject Resources, Using Video, Collaboration and Discussion, Student-Led and Interest-Based Learning, and Free Resources.
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A temporary hub of information and tools to help teachers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. From Google UNESCO, UNESCO IITE, and ISTE
Un centro online temporal de información y herramientas para ayudar a los profesores durante la crisis del coronavirus (COVID-19). Escrito por Google UNESCO, UNESCO IITE, y ISTE
FOOD & LIFE ESSENTIALS
FOOD & LIFE ESSENTIALS
The Office of Housing Stability helps residents find and maintain stable, safe, and affordable housing. The website includes resources and information for people being evicted, having trouble paying rent, having problem with a landlord, seeking housing and seeking a shelter for the night.
City Life/Vida Urbana's page includes an emergency hotline, letter template to landlord or bank if you can't afford rent, and information on eviction freezes and court updates.
The City of Boston, in partnership with Project Bread, YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and other community organizations, will provide free meals to all youth and teens at various locations and times across the City. Visit webpage to see updated information on site locations and pick up times.
Do you need help buying fresh, nutritious food? You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
Ordering groceries through Peapod can be a simple and convenient way to get the foods and
household items you need without leaving your home.
Tutorial by Techboomers on how to use Instacart to have groceries delivered to your door. Watch the video on the YouTube link above and then download the Instacart App for Android or iPhone.
Here are instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the cvs.com website. CVS delivers within 1 - 2 days or the same day of your delivery. CVS’s website allows you to order or refill medicines prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Shop Walmart.com for Every Day Low Prices on groceries and essentials. Free Shipping on Orders $35+ or Pickup In-Store and get a Pickup Discount.
Shop Target online and in-store for everything from groceries and essentials to clothing and electronics. Free shipping on orders $35+ & free returns or free same-day store pick-up, plus free & easy returns.
You can shop online with Amazon with a free account. Amazon also offers "Amazon Prime" which is a paid service that includes free shipping, and access to Prime Video along with other perks. The tutorial above will show you how to sign up for a free 30 day trial of Amazon Prime and place your first order. After your trial, Amazon prims is $12.99 per month. College students may sign up for Prime Students for $6.49 per month. Prime is also available for $5.99 for people who receive EBT, Medicaid and some other forms of government assistance.
Amazon wants to make Amazon Prime membership more affordable to low-income households. Regular Amazon Prime membership is $119 a year or $12.99 a month. However, EBT cardholders & Medicaid cardholders can now get prime at $5.99 a month. That’s more than a 50% discount on the regular price.
Instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the Petco.com website. Petco offers free 1-2 day shipping on products when your order total is greater than $35.00.
Instructions for placing an order over the Internet on the UberEats.com website. UberEats is a food delivery service that has a wide variety of restaurant options, often including options with $0 delivery fees.
This tutorial covers how to place an order over the Internet on the DoorDash.com website. DoorDash is a food delivery service that has a wide variety of restaurant options. Free delivery is available from many restaurants on DoorDash, typically with a minimum spend of $10 or $15.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Boston Tax Help Coalition is a website that offers four different programs to help folks. The four programs they are offering Free Tax Preparation which is their core service program that offers free tax and wealth-building services available to all eligible low and moderate-income taxpayers in Boston. The Ambassador Program which is their outreach program, the Taxpayers with Disabilities which expands tax and asset building services to taxpayers with disabilities, their Financial Check-Up Program, and their Financial Coaching Available through the Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment.
Good credit history is crucial in today's economy and can help provide access to financial products that help individuals save money and weather unexpected expenses more easily. More than just a number, credit scores can make or break your ability to achieve your goals, from buying a cell phone to buying a home.
MassEdCO is the Commonwealth’s largest provider of community-based education and career readiness services for underrepresented middle/high school students and adults.
SCC’s First Source Jobs Program is available to help community members of Greater Boston with any employment-related needs. All current programming is happening virtually.
Services offered include:
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Applying for unemployment benefits or resolving issues with cases
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Connecting individuals to employment opportunities or job training programs
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Building resumes, preparing for interviews, and conducting job search
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Finding other income support resources during these crises
Please call 617-410-9917 or email one of the staff in the linked PDFs above.
