Covid 19 Resources
As of TODAY 3/24/2020 care.com is working with RI to provide 90 days of free
elder and child care. Go to www.care,com/rineed
COVID-19 Info Line: 401-222-8022 Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 *after hours call 211 Email: RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov
Medical/Health Information
Rhode Island Department of Health
Get updated information about coronavirus (Covid 19), . https://health.ri.gov/ and COVID-19 Info https://health.ri.gov/diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/ World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/
*The Governor mandated: RI insurers must cover Telehealth appointments for Rhode Islanders.
Health Insurance Information
A special enrollment period for Rhode Islanders without health insurance is now available through April 15th, 2020 to qualified individuals who are uninsured. Visit HealthSourceRI.com to enroll, or call customer support or use our web chat function between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday at 1-855-840-4774. For anyone who is concerned that they need to be tested for coronavirus -- or anyone who is seeking care because of coronavirus exposure -- coverage will start retroactively. https://healthsourceri.com/coverage-through-healthsource-ri/
Internet, Utilities, and Technology Resources
Microsoft Office 365 - Get connected for free
Microsoft is providing six months of Office 365 tools for free for businesses, municipalities, K-12 and other entities, to assist with remote work. They’re also offering free help with setup. More info here: http://www.doit.ri.gov/covid-19/
National Grid https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19
National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April. They will evaluate their continued need at that time. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers. To conveniently manage your account, you can do so online and avoid longer than usual wait times in the call center. You can also continue to pay your bill or find assistance through a variety of online tools. Please visit ngrid.com/billpay to explore convenient options.
Food Services and Support
Free Stop & Shop Gift Cards: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence will distribute Stop & Shop gift cards to people who are temporarily out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic, the diocese announced Tuesday. The cards will range from $25 to $50, and will be available for distribution at diocesan social service satellite offices in Woonsocket, West Warwick and Wakefield starting Wednesday. Please call: West Warwick Office: 401-823-6211 Woonsocket Office: 401-762-2849 Wakefield Office: 401-783-3149
Free Breakfast / Lunch Meal bags for Foster Residents who have children attending Captain Isaac Paine Elementary School and the Regional Schools (Ponaganset Middle School & High School): The Foster Town Hall - Department of Human Services and The Foster Glocester Regional School District will be distributing bags of food each Tuesday starting March 24, 2020 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Families who have children who attend Captain Iasac Paine can pick up Meal Bags from the Foster Town Hall. If Elementary school families have middle or high school students; they can also get those meals through the Foster Town Hall. If your family only includes youth from the middle and/or high school; you should be picking up meals from Ponaganset HIgh School - Meals will be distributed from the Cafeteria Entrance located at the back of the High School South Building.
List of restaurants offering free lunches for students. https://www.rimonthly.com/rhode-island-schools-and-restaurants-offering-free-lunches-for-students/
RI Food Bank Website: https://rifoodbank.org/ Phone: (401) 942-6325 Email: contactus@rifoodbank.org
Student Food Sites https://classicalchronicle.org/food-sites/
Emergency Assistance
Foster Dept. of Human Services - Emergency Assistance: If you are in need of emergency assistance (food, getting prescriptions, etc), you can contact Foster DHS at 401-392-9208. DHS food pantry will be open as long as Town Hall remains open (currently Mon - Thurs 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Additionally, several good Samaritans in town have contacted this office to offer their services to those in need during this crisis. Please call if you need assistance. Town Hall is trying to limit the amount of face-to-face contacts but we may still be able to help in other ways. Website:https://www.townoffoster.com/human-services
United Way of Rhode Island - 211
COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund - They will help with bills, rent, and food. You can call 1-866-211-9966.
Also, the office is closed, but 211 is still available to help 24/7/365.
Get help with 211, your free and confidential resource for assistance with housing, food, childcare, and so much more. Call now to be connected with our team of specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
http://www.211.org/services/covid19
Employment Related Issues
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has set up a COVID-19 Assistance Line and email address (401-462-2020; dlt.covid19@dlt.ri.gov). They are intended to provide support to people regarding COVID-19 and employment issues. The phone line is staffed Monday to Friday during business hours.
Unemployment Benefits TDI / unemployment benefits - due to Covid-19
https://www.wpri.com/health/coronavirus/out-of-work-in-ri-due-to-covid-19-hereswhat-youre-eligible-for/
Crisis Links and Hotlines
Behavioral Health Link 401-414-LINK (5465)
BH Link’s mission is to ensure all Rhode Islanders 18+ experiencing mental health and substance use crises receive the appropriate services they need as quickly as possible in an environment that supports their recovery. For CONFIDENTIAL support and to get connected to care please call 401-414-LINK (5465)
Kids’ Link RI crisis hotline 1 (855) 543-5465 https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/access-center-bradley-hospital
Kids’ Link RI™ is a hotline for children in emotional crisis. A program offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, Lifespan, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Bradley Hospital, Kids’ Link RI is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for children suffering from behavioral problems or psychiatric illness.
National Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Butler Hospital hotline 1 (844) 401-0111 https://www.butler.org/assessment/