COVID-19 Community Resources
Being a community means supporting one another, in good times as well as challenging ones. This moment is a reminder that we depend on each other as a community, and when our community is strong we all are stronger.
This page is a summary of resources that are available right now in Ward 4 and across DC to help every member of our community in this time of need. If you need help connecting with resources right now, feel free to call the campaign at 202-644-8437.
Last updated March 25, 2020
DC-wide information
The most up-to-date and comprehensive source of information about DC-wide resources is coronavirus.dc.gov
Help with food and groceries
DC meal sites for students and seniors, including a map of all food distribution sites, that is updated daily: coronavirus.dc.gov/food
DC Mutual Aid Network
A grassroots, community-led effort to care of each other as an act of solidarity and an opportunity to connect political education with political action. Call the Mutual Aid Network for assistance with grocery shopping and deliveries, delivery of hygiene products, emotional support/just to chat, or other urgent needs.
Mutual Aid hotlines are available in every Ward:
- Ward 4: (202) 681-3098
- Ward 1: (202) 681-9183
- Ward 2: (202) 688-5812
- Ward 5: (202) 643-7030
- Ward 6: (202) 683-9962
- Wards 7 & 8: (202) 630-0336
Fill out the Ward 4 Mutual Aid general volunteer form, sign up to be a dispatcher, or sign up to be a runner. You can also see a list of volunteers who are available to help in Ward 4.
Free groceries, meals and soup kitchens
- Capital Area Food Bank
- Pop-up Pantries: please see CAFB’s COVID-19 Response Page for the most up-to-date information.
- Partner Locations (please note this information is subject to change; please check CAFB website to confirm updated schedule)
Food for All DC provides food delivery for homebound folks. (240) 505-4607 or (202) 642-6660 (leave voicemail) or online
- Washington Interfaith Network: Accessing food and plugging in to volunteer https://www.windc-iaf.org/coronavirus/
- Martha’s Table
- 2375 Elvans Rd SE: Monday–Friday, 11am–4pm
- 1474 Columbia Rd NW: Monday–Friday, 11am–3pm
- McKenna’s Wagn: Premade food for the homeless DAILY
- 2nd and H St NW, 5:15pm-5:45pm
- 15th and K St NW, 6:15pm-6:45pm
- DC Dream Center @ 2909 Pennsylvania Ave SE
- 7 days a week, 12pm-4pm
- Miriam’s Kitchen @ 2401 Virginia Ave NW
- Monday-Friday, 7am-8am and 4:30pm-5:30pm
- So Others Might Eat @ 71 O St NW
- Monday-Friday, 8am-10am
- N Street Village @ 1333 N St NW
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:30am-8:30am
Know your rights
Workplace and economic rights from DC Jobs with Justice
- If you take off work because of COVID you have a right to keep your job.
- If you use Alliance and Immigrant Children’s Insurance, TANF, Medicaid, or SNAP, you DO NOT NEED TO RENEW these programs for 60 days after the emergency ends.
- Your landlord cannot evict you during the state of emergency or charge late fees on your rent.
- Electric, gas, and water utilities are not allowed to be cut off until 15 days after the emergency ends.
Learn about your rights as a consumer from the DC Office of the Attorney General
Legal Aid DC: Non-legal Resource Guide
Applying for unemployment insurance
- DC Councilmember Elissa Silverman: D.C. Unemployment Insurance (UI) Basics for COVID-19 Emergency
- DC Government: Video on applying for unemployment
- DCist: How To Get Unemployment And Other Benefits In D.C., Virginia, And Maryland
- Unite Here! Local 25 Resources: Coronavirus and Unemployment Resources by State (DC, MD, VA)
- If you run a small business impacted by the shutdown you can apply for economic injury disaster loans
Financial support
- Food Service Workers — please see this central reference point for more programs
- Children of Restaurant Employees — apply for a grant
- Bartenders — Emergency Financial Assistance
- DC Virtual Tip Jar
- Hook Hall Helps partnering with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
- Restaurant Opportunities Center DC
- GoFundMe for Affected Workers
- Application for Affected Workers — currently paused (as of 3/23)
- Restaurant Opportunities Centers DC Resource Page
Updates from DC Public Schools
Domestic violence resources
- DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Call (844) 4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732) or go to www.DCvictim.org/chat
- DC SAFE — Call response line (800) 407-5048.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline —Call (800) 799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. Chat also available through the website.
- Workplaces Respond National Resource Center — This site provides a variety of resources for workers who are survivors or maybe forced to co-quarantine with their abuser.
- Child and Family Services Agency
Photo by Flickr user Mike Maguire