COVID-19 Resources for Women & Families
By now, most of us are beginning to understand the tremendous impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our lives. From daily routines, to the way we work, to the economy, there seems to be no part left unaffected. At this time, we know physical distancing and doing all we can do to contribute to the safety of our community is of utmost importance.
It’s clear that this pandemic will have lasting negative impact on the economic empowerment of women and families. While women make up the majority of the U.S. workforce, they are often the lowest paid; provide the majority of caregiving to children and the elderly without any or adequate paid leave; and are on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic as health care or service industry workers, often without any or adequate access child care.
The COVID-19 situation will only further exacerbate the already difficult conditions women and their families face as they try to maintain economic security now and in the future. In these unprecedented times, The Women’s Fund is relentlessly focused on understanding the future we’ll face together and how we can continue the push for social change despite the obstacles before us.
To start, we’ve pulled together a few resources – scroll through below – to keep you informed.
STAY INFORMED
STATEWIDE RESPONSE & RESOURCES
Ohio Department of Health
Visit their website here for the most up-to-date information.
The Ohio Department of Health has a toll-free COVID-19 hotline setup. The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Unemployment Information & FAQ
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
Managing Coronavirus Related Stress
Ohio Secretary of State
COUNTY-BASED RESPONSE & RESOURCES
Delaware County Public Health COVID-19 Resources
Fairfield County Department of Health
Franklin County Public Health COVID-19 Response
Licking County Health Department COVID-19 Information
Madison County Public Health COVID-19 Response
Pickaway County Public Health COVID-19 Resources
Union County Health Department COVID-19 Information
CITY OF COLUMBUS RESOURCES
City of Columbus COVID-19 Resources
GET SUPPORT
NONPROFIT SUPPORT
The Columbus Foundation
Franklin County nonprofits are eligible to apply and receive support. Email nonprofitemergency@columbusfoundation.org or call 614.251.4000 for more information.
United Way of Central Ohio
COVID-19 Community Response Fund
Supports United Way’s more than 80 nonprofit partners directly.
United Way of Licking County & Licking County Foundation
COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Created to help meet the needs in Licking County that are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way of Delaware County
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here for more information.
Click here for SBA’s COVID-19 small business guidance and loan resources.
Ohio Small Business Development Center
COVID-19 funding opportunities and resources for small businesses
Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund
The Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund offers grants, technical assistance, and low-interest loans for small business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
NAWBO Columbus
COVID-19 Resources for Women Business Owners
Women’s Small Business Accelerator
Support for Women Small Business Owners
One Columbus
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
Columbus Legal Aid Society
The Columbus Legal Aid Society compiled resources specific to COVID-19.
Click here for more information.
Impact Community Action
Impact Community Action’s Emergency Assistance Department provides supportive services. All Emergency Assistance Programs/Services serve Franklin County households that are at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and most households must have a qualifying emergency to receive assistance.
Franklin County Board of Commissioners Job & Family Services PRC Plus Rental Assistance
Franklin County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Plus Rental Assistance program provides one-time rental assistance payments for eligible families struggling to meet rent or facing eviction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Columbus City Schools
UNEMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Unemployment Information & FAQ
Helpful articles:
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits from Cleveland.com
CHILD CARE & CAREGIVING SUPPORT
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Child Care Information for Families
Child Care Information for Providers
OSU Extension
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
AFCPE (Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
HOW TO HELP
VOLUNTEER & DONATE GOODS
Please refer to each agency for guidelines and restrictions regarding volunteering in-person and dropping off goods or donations. Always refer to the CDC guidelines for physical distancing.
BESA
Ohio Association of Food Banks
Harmony Project
MUTUAL AID & COMMUNITY DRIVEN RESPONSE
These efforts are driven by grassroots volunteers and community members.
We know that there are many more resources that are helpful. We encourage you to share additional resources that would be beneficial to women and girls in central Ohio by sharing and tagging us on social or emailing us at communications@womensfundcentralohio.org.