COVID-19 Local Resources & Help

Aug 7, 2020

***We will continue to update this list as we learn more about resources***

If you have been asked to self-quarantine, are part of a vulnerable group, or are impacted significantly in some other way, we want to help support you in this time of need. Below is a list of recommended local resources for help in a number of different areas. We recommend perusing this list to see if any of these resources align with your needs.

GENERAL RESOURCES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Westside Friends is a grassroots volunteer group started by the Neighborhood Councils to help match-make volunteers with local needs. Fill out their form and get updated about specific needs in your (Westside) area.
  • Culver Palms Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. The Culver Palms Meals on Wheels organization is seeking an administrative assistant. They also need people who can make wellness calls to their clients. If interested, please email mowculverpalms@gmail.com or call (310) 559-0666.
  • #MillionMaskLAChallenge: Health care workers are dangerously low on masks. Some are being given one mask to use indefinitely on multiple patients, despite the FDA’s recommendation that masks should not be shared. Our critical infrastructure workers and caregivers need proper protection as well. You can help by sewing protective face masks for those who need them most – medical workers, the elderly, and more. For more information, contact L.A Works. You can learn more here.
  • Imagine LA: Imagine LA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of family homelessness and chronic poverty via a supercharged blend of mentoring and social services. During the COVID-19 crisis, L.A. Works assisting them in building a virtual mentoring process in which their training, mentor kickoff meeting, and all mentor activities will occur virtually. For more information, click here.
  • Foundation for Senior Services: The Foundation for Senior Services is a 501(c)3 public charity whose mission is to provide seniors and their families with education, options and resources so they can choose quality care and assistance that will help preserve their independence. They are seeking to bring together valuable resources and support to prepare and keep seniors living longer, safer and cared for during this time. You can support them by helping them to build their online presence, or by making a compassion phone call to lonely seniors living at home. For information, you can fill out a volunteer form here.
  • American Red Cross: Due to the cancellation of blood drives, the American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to maintain a sufficient supply. Make an appointment here or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a local donation site.
  • Project Angel Food: Project Angel Food is a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by serious illness. They are looking for healthy volunteers to help with meal prepping and dispatch. Contact Volunteer Services by emailing volunteers@angelfood.org or calling 323-845-1816. They are waiving the need for a full orientation for new volunteers.
  • United Way of Greater Los Angeles: The organization is developing a “volunteer matching program” to connect those eager to help with opportunities that fit their abilities. Those interested can reach out to bmcfarlin@unitedwayla.org.
  • LA Animal Services: Although they are closed to the public due to COVID-19, they are still getting animals as people surrender their pets, or find lost and injured animals in the community. They are currently in need of more foster volunteers for abandoned animals. For information on how you can help by fostering an animal in need, visit their website.
  • The L.A. Mayor’s Volunteer List: At this time, the City of Los Angeles is not implementing in-the-field volunteers in response to COVID-19. However, they recognize that many people will want to help if such a need arises. The purpose of this form is to collect the contact information of prospective volunteers so that they can take action swiftly if the need arises. You can sign up here.
  • Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers since many of their volunteers are over 65. Here are links to two branches (the first requires a background check but the second doesn’t).

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

  • The S. Small Business Administration is offering up to $2 million in low-interest disaster loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in certain states, including California.
  • The City of L.A. is offering emergency micro-loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to small businesses affected by the coronavirus.
  • The Jewish Free Loan Association is offering interest-free and fee-free loans that can be turned around in a matter of days to folks impacted by coronavirus, for anything from everyday expenses to childcare to lost wages. You do not need to be Jewish to apply.
  • The USBG National Charity Foundation is offering loans to bartenders who may be out of work.
  • Here is a list of resources for freelance artists.
  • One Fair Wage is offering cash assistance to service workers and tipped workers.
  • Restaurants Care is offering grants for restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined.
  • Children of Restaurant Employees is offering funds to restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have children at home.
  • Americans for the Arts has a lengthy list of places offering funding and grants for artists.
  • The National Domestic Workers Alliance has set up a fund for in-home care workers, nannies and house cleaners.
  • Savi and Student Debt Crisis are offering help to folks who are having trouble paying their student loans because of the coronavirus’ impact to their income.

HOUSING

FOOD

MEDICATION

  • CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications.
  • Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during this evolving situation and any purchase on Walgreens.com.

LEGAL HELP

  • Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles are available, and will continue to assist clients via phone and our website. During this time, applicants can access LAFLA services by calling us at 800-399-4529 (9 a.m.–12 p.m; or 1–4:30 p.m. for online intake only, Monday through Friday); or applying online.

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