Beyond Breastfeeding – Community Support and Resources

Community Needs Increases Drurig a Crisis…For our neighbors who experience housing and food insecurity every day, another crisis quickly exhausts resources. Thank you so much to everyone who has already reached out, and please know that gifts of food, funds and time are more critical now than ever to meet people’s basic needs and promote the entire community’s health and well-being.

One of the best lists in the community is the Nurturing Durham Resource Guide website. 
Now ‘live’ in English and Spanish. 

CHILD CARE

Community Empowerment

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) and a collective of community advocacy groups has put together a non-breastfeeding COVID-19 community resource page.

COVIDMOMS.org

Providing North Carolina moms with FREE, fast, and text-based support to safely navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care during COVID-19. Text at: (919) 301-9979. https://www.covidmoms.org

Domestic Violence Hotlines (National)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
phone: 1 (800) 799-7233
phone: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
message on Facebook

ePASS PORTAL

To determine if you are eligible for public assistance like SNAP, Medicaid, or CHIP, create an account on the NCDHHS ePASS website.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS

There is no statewide policy suspending foreclosures, evictions, hearings, or orders, but some counties are updating their foreclosure and eviction guidelines.

  • Durham: Durham County is suspending all evictions until further notice.
  • Orange: Orange County will continue to carry out eviction notices.
  • Wake: Wake County has suspended carrying out eviction notices until April 17.

North Carolinians can find more information regarding foreclosures and evictions on the North Carolina Judicial Branch Website. If you are in need of legal advice or representation, Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit organization that may be able to assist some homeowners in their foreclosure cases and renters facing eviction. You can apply for Legal Aid representation by calling 1-866-219-5262 or applying online.

GENERAL INFORMATION about Coronavirus Disease

In an effort to stay up to date with the most current and reliable information about Coronavirus Disease 2019, please refer to the following websites:

HEALTH CARE WOKERS

Do you or your family members need FREE emotional support from being on the COVID-19 front-lines? NC Licensed Therapists are ready to listen! HOPE4HEALERS (919) 226-2002.

HEALTH INSURANCE

If you do not have health insurance, you can call your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs are community-based health care providers that receive federal funds to provided needed health services in communities.

  • Find a community health center near you by searching here.
  • Or enroll in health insurance through ACA. If you have lost your health insurance due to a change in job, you may qualify to enroll in health care coverage during a special open enrollment period. Learn more here: healthcare.gov.

INTERNET AND BROADBAND CONNECTION

For families, workers, and students having to make a sudden transition to working and learning from home, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has created an interactive map and list of broadband providers who will provide service for free or at a discounted rate. For questions call the NCDIT at 919-754-6733 or email broadband@nc.gov. More than 550 companies have pledged they will not to take internet and connectivity access away from customers who are unable to pay as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

MEDICAID

North Carolinians can apply for Medicaid on the NCDHHS Medicaid Website or by phone at 888-2450179 Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Medicaid recipients in North Carolina will also have expanded access to remote and virtual health services. Medicare recipients may be eligible for telehealth services such as virtual visits from the comfort of their own home. For more information, contact your medical provider or visit your Medicare account.

Mental Wellness

  • Hope4NC: Hope4NC is a disaster behavioral health program in North Carolina that provides support and resources to individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers crisis counseling, outreach, and education to promote resilience and recovery. Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsas/ho​pe4nc
  • 24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline – HRSA: The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free and confidential resource for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families who are experiencing mental health or substance use disorders. The hotline provides support, referrals, and resources to help individuals access the care they need. Website: https://www.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health/maternal-mental-health/hotline
  • SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health in the United States. SAMHSA provides funding, research, and resources to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals with mental and substance use disorders. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
  • Get Help Now (6 categories of help hotlines): Get Help Now is a directory of crisis hotlines for individuals who are seeking immediate help for a variety of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide prevention. The directory includes hotlines for adults, teens, veterans, and individuals with specific needs, such as LGBTQ+ or Spanish-speaking individuals. Website: https://www.gethelpnow.org/

PUBLIC SCHOOL FOOD ASSISTANCE

State and local organizations interested in supplementing their food assistance programs may apply for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) at no cost. Interested parties may contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Director, Gary Gay, by phone at 919-575-4490 or email at Gary.Gay@ncagr.gov.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

On March 23, Governor Roy Cooper announced that all North Carolina public schools will remain closed until at least May 15th with the possibility to extend. More information is available at the Department of Public Instruction website or by phone at 919-807-3300 M-F between 7:30AM and 5PM.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

American small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the novel COVID19 outbreak. Cities and states have implemented mandatory closures of public spaces to ensure social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, so those difficulties have only increased. This section will detail the small business provisions in the latest CARES Act relief package as well as other U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for during times of disaster. All information, unless cited, are pulled from the following updated COVID-19 resources:

Thank you to DAVID PRICE: Representing North Carolina’s 4th CONGRESSIONAL District for sharing much of this information with Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities.

SNAP FOOD ASSISTANCE

Individuals and households that need food assistance may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with more information at the NCDHHS SNAP. For individuals that currently utilize SNAP and those who are new to apply, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act expanded eligibility to unemployed individuals and waived time limits.

  • Durham: Durham County SNAP resources are available online or by phone at 919-560-0300 between 7:30AM-5PM.
  • Orange: Orange County SNAP resources are available on the Orange County Services website or contact Food and Nutrition Services Program Supervisor: Terri Totherow via email at totherow@orangecountync.gov or by phone at 919-245-2844.
  • Wake: Wake County SNAP resources are available on the Wake County Services website or contact Food and Nutrition Services Review Program Manager: Luv Sinclair via email at Luv.ArtisSinclair@wakegov.com or by phone at 919-848-5391.

STUDENT LOANS

As of March 13, borrowers of Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, or Federal Family Education Program (FFEL) loans will pay 0% interest for up to 60 days and may make a request to their loan servicer to temporarily suspend loan payments for up to 60 days. If you do not know who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance. More information is available at the Student Aid website. The income tax on employer-driven student loan repayment assistance has also been eliminated.

TANF CASH ASSISTANCE

Families may receive cash assistance with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also called Work First.

TAX DEADLINES

TAPS

Register for a TAPS “Conversations of Courage” Support Group: “Join us for this FREE 4 week online facilitated group support series as we help you focus on building resilience through: 1)  Virtual community connections; 2) Creating new patterns of thinking and growth mindsets; and 3) Teaching mindfulness practices and grounding techniques for daily anxiety reduction.” Groups run for 4 weeks and are available for pregnant people as well as parents of newborns, older babies, and toddlers.

TRIBAL RESOURCES

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has compiled a list of federal resources from the Indian Health Service, FEMA, and the Bureau of Indian Education to aid Tribes in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

VOTING

The North Carolina State Board of Elections provides updates on potential changes to voting operations and elections due to COVID-19 on their website.

WORKER RESOURCES

  • PAID SICK LEAVE: The OFFICE OF REP. DAVID PRICE  voted to pass the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which guarantees two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave for many American workers. An FAQ from the Department of Labor on these provisions can be found here.
  • FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT: If you are unable to work, have been laid-off, or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply for Unemployment Insurance HERE