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COVID-19 Resources
Call 311 for services or information, especially for information about COVID-19.
1a. City of Reno Website
The City of Reno will continue to follow Governor directives to ensure the safety of all Nevadans during the COVID-19 crisis. Please pay attention to Reno.gov/COVID19, their social media, emails and other credible sources of news for the most recent updates and information.
1b. Washoe County Website
Washoe County is actively responding to COVID-19. Please keep yourself in the loop with any updates from the Washoe County website.
2. Business Assistance Line
The City of Reno has a business assistance line: (775) 334-2090 and an email at businesslic@reno.gov. With so many staff working remotely, this number will ultimately be forwarded to mobile devices and answers will be released as information comes in. Washoe County has posted a Business Operations Guide, which will be frequently updated.
3. Local COVID-19 Relief Fund
In cooperation with the City of Reno, the City of Sparks, and Washoe County, the Community Foundation has established a charitable relief fund to help address needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Nevada.
4. Delivering with Dignity
Local restaurants are providing high-quality food to those in need. To inquire, call (775) 391-0525 or click here for more information. To volunteer or donate, visit this link.
5. WCSD: Meal Distribution Sites
Working in partnership with Washoe County and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) Nutrition Services Department will produce meals that will be distributed by the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to the children of Washoe County during the school shutdown. A list of distribution sites can be found here.
6. Children’s Advocacy Alliance: Child Care Resources
The Children’s Advocacy Alliance is working in partnership with the state to ensure that we are doing all we can during this crisis. Here is a Google Doc with various resources regarding child care needs in the community.
7. Nevada Unemployment Insurance
For anyone suffering from reduced hours or loss of unemployment, file an insurance claim through Nevada’s Unemployment Insurance program.
8. Stuff A Bus Donation Drive
If you are a senior and in need of help or supplies, there was a Donation Drive on Friday, March 27th. Please email stuffabus@reno.gov or call (775)393-4166.
9. Ways to Manage Stress
It’s okay to admit you are scared. I am, too. Here are some ways to manage stress amidst these hard times. Be safe, and we will get through this together.
10. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention FAQ
Help control the spread of rumors and look over this FAQ from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for any questions/concerns regarding the virus.
11. Safe Ways to Practice Social Distancing
12. School and Community Food Access Resources
Nevada Agriculture created a dedicated webpage for USDA-approved meal site and COVID-related food resource updates. Additionally, here is a full list of northern Nevada emergency food assistance program sites.
13. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Social Security Income recipients may be eligible for the SNAP program (food stamps). If a recipient or applicant lives in a household where everyone is receiving or applying for SSI, Social Security will help the person complete the SNAP application. If you have any questions regarding SNAP eligibility, please call the state of Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at (702) 486-5000.
Reno Office
Toll-free: (888) 808-5481
General Information/Services: (800) 772-1213
14. Rent, Mortgage, and Utilities Assistance
Senator Cortez Mastro put together a resourceful guide with everything to help during the government shutdown. More specifically, there are several resources if you need help with paying your rent/mortgage fees or contacting your landlord. Housing assistance can be found in this guide starting on page 23. Utilities assistance can be found starting on page 34.
15. Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. Most Meals on Wheels programs in Nevada continue to deliver to homebound seniors. Here is a full list of centers participating in the Meals on Wheels programs in Nevada.
16. Senior Only Grocery Store Hours
Some stores are offering hours during which seniors are the only customers allowed.
Smith’s Food and Drug Stores
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 7:00am-8:00am
Dollar General Stores
Everyday, during the first hour of opening 7:00am-8:00am or 8:00am-9:00am
Target
Every Wednesday during the first hour of opening
Costco
Monday through Friday, 9:00am-10:00am
Whole Foods
Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:00am-8:00am
Save Mart
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00am-9:00am
17. 60-Day Free Internet for K-12 & College Households
Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. More information here.
18. Northern Nevada Food Bank Kids Cafe
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Kids Cafe will resume with an altered schedule of distribution locations and times. The Kids Cafe program will offer daily (M-F) meals to children 1-18 years old utilizing a drive-thru, grab-and-go model, which will allow children to take meals home for consumption through school closures. View the schedule.
19. Small Business Administration Low-Interest Loans
Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to apply. Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans at SBA.gov/Disaster.
20. Resources for Domestic Workers
The National Domestic Alliance has put together a resourceful guide for questions and concerns regarding Domestic Workers. The guide can be accessed here.
21. Nevada Health Response Website
Governor Sisolak and Nevada Health Response put together a website to help Nevadans during the pandemic. The website can be accessed here.
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Volunteer Opportunities
For anyone looking for volunteer opportunities and ways to help struggling communities, visit this website and join the Reno/Sparks Mutual Aid group on Facebook.