MetroWest Resources During COVID-19
Donations and Volunteering
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Procurement Program
COVID 19 Procurement Program, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An online portal for companies looking to sell protective equipment (PPE), or to adapt their businesses to produce PPEs, to support Massachusetts’ COVID-19 response efforts. Program information here.
PPE Donation Program
COVID-19 PPE Donation Program, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An online portal to donate goods for use in the state’s response to COVID-19. The form includes a list of supplies Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is collecting. Donation form here.
Medical Volunteers
Health Professional Volunteers for COVID-19 Relief, a joint program from the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Health and medical volunteers are matched with our communities and health care providers based on skillsets and need. There is an immediate need for respiratory therapists and public health nurses. Volunteer form.
Volunteer Sewing
Masks for Health Care Professionals, from sewgoodgoods.org. Volunteers are urged to use the Sew Good Goods pattern to sew masks to be donated to MetroWest Medical Center. Contact Jill.Rock@mwmc.org or drop off masks at Framingham Union Hospital, 115 Lincoln Street, Framingham. Link here.
Donation & Collection Sites
MetroWest YMCA. Collecting donations, to be redistributed to families in need through municipal governments in Framingham and surrounding towns. Drop off over-the-counter medicines, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, gift cards, crayons, coloring books books, and other daily essentials into “Operation Donation” collection bins at 280 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham. Link here.
MetroWest Medical Center is accepting donated supplies of personal protection equipment, including masks, and cleaning supplies at its Leonard Morse Hospital loading dock, 67 Union Street, Natick. Email covid.donations@mwmc.com. Link here.
Mental Health
Helplines
Call 2 Talk, a statewide service of United Way of Tri-County. A mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. Link here. Call 2-1-1 or (508) 532-2255.
Crisis Text Line, a nationwide service. Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Text TALK to 741741. Link here.
National Parent Helpline. Call 800-4A-PARENT to talk to an operator or go to the website for a roundup of resources including health and mental health, personal safety, parenting, child development. Link here.
LGBTQ Parent & Caregiver Helpline, from Greater Boston PFLAG. Call 866-427-3524. Link here.
Parental Stress Line, from Parents Helping Parents. Trained volunteer counselors offer non-judgemental ways to relieve stress relating to their children and parenting. Multiple languages spoken. Call 800-632-8188. Link here.
Veteran's Crisis Line, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Call 800-273-8255. Link here.
Community Resources & Referrals
Network of Care Massachusetts: Comprehensive statewide online resource to help anyone find information on mental health and substance use supports and services in their community. Link here.
Holliston Youth & Family Services: Taking referrals and supporting Holliston residents seeking services. 508-429-0620. Link here.
Resources to Promote Resilience and Well-Being, from SPARK Kindness. Link here.
INTERFACE Hopkinton, a partnership of the Town of Hopkinton and William James College. Free and confidential help for Hopkinton residents seeking an outpatient mental-health provider. 888-244-6843. Link here.
Regional Direct Services
SMOC Behavioral Healthcare Outpatient services. Substance abuse and mental health outpatient services to individuals, children and families. Link here.
Psychiatric Emergency Services, from Advocates, Inc. Crisis team provides assessment and intervention, via telephone and video, for people of all ages who are experiencing a mental health and/or substance use emergency. 24 hours each day, call 800-640-5432. Link here.
Online Guide
Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. PDF here.
Additional Information
Tips & Resources for Those in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder During Covid-19 - Natick 180, a regional compendium that includes online recovery, therapy, and meditation groups; videos, and materials from Sobriety First, SMART Recovery, and more.
Strategies to Promote Mental Health - Mental Health Collaborative
Talking to Kids About COVID-19: A Parent Resource - National Association of School Psychologists
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Coping with Fear and Uncertainty - Psych Central
Utility Assistance
Eversource
Extended Payment Arrangements. Suspending service disconnections for non-payment and eliminating late payment charges. For small businesses, inquire about $0 down payment and a one-year payment arrangement, with the first payment not due until June 1. More information here.
Free Internet
Free Internet for Low-Income Families, from Comcast. Comcast’s “Internet Essentials” program is free for 60 days to new customers who meet low-income guidelines. More information here.
Food Security
Pantry Directory
Directory of MetroWest food pantries , from FoodPantries.org. Search by municipality. Link here.
Food Pantry Information
UPDATE Hopkinton Public Schools: The HPS Food Service Director is partnering with Project Just Because to ensure needy families are fed. If families of school-aged children 774-346-0645 to Child Care www.sittercity.com and www.care.com
Referral Service
Food Source Hotline, from Project Bread. A statewide, toll-free hotline providing information and referral service for people facing hunger. Call 1-800-645-8333. Link here.
Food Distribution
Meals on Wheels, from Bay Path Elder Services. Meal delivery for seniors, aged 60+, and their spouses and disabled dependent(s) if they have physical, emotional, or cognitive impairments, or have inadequate kitchen facilities, resulting in an inability to prepare nutritionally adequate food. Call 508-573-7210 . Link here.
Restaurant & Resident Relief, from Ashland Emergency Fund. Ashland residents may pick up free restaurants meals, 11am-12pm daily at the curbside of Ashland Community Center. Link here. Email questions to humanservices@ashlandmass.com.
Grab ‘n’ Go Meals for Framingham Students, from Framingham Public Schools. 10am-1pm pick up at Cameron, Barbieri, Fuller, and Wilson Schools. One breakfast and lunch per Framingham child. Call 508-626-9109 with questions. Link here.
Free Groceries (Pick-Up)
Daniel’s Table: Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM, or Friday: 1:00 PM. - 3:00 PM, at 10 Pearl Street, Framingham. Call 508-405-0769 with questions. Link here. To volunteer please visit here.
Pearl Street Cupboard from United Way of Tri-County. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-1pm; also 5:30-7pm Wednesdays, at 46 Pearl Street. Call 508-370-4921 with questions. Link here.
Free Groceries (Gift Card)
Holliston Community Action Fund, from Holliston Youth & Family Services. An emergency relief program to help Holliston families by providing food and store gift cards. Send an email to winerj@holliston.k12.ma.us
Free Groceries Delivered to Seniors
A Place to Turn: Delivering free groceries to seniors living in Framingham Housing Authority. Call 508-655-8868. Link here.
Wellness & Activities
Health insurance
ConnectorCare Program through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Qualifying Massachusetts residents, including those that are unemployed or do not receive health insurance through their employer, are connected with affordable health coverage with low or $0 premiums and low co-pays and no deductibles. www.mahealthconnector.org
Fitness
On-Demand Fitness Videos, from the MetroWest YMCA. A variety of online Y classes and workouts. Link here.
Health & Wellness
Tips to Stay Healthy Together, from the MetroWest YMCA. Link here.
Kids
Academic Resources
Public School Remote Learning, from Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Guiding principles to develop and implement remote learning to meet students’ academic and holistic needs. More information here.
Scholastic Learn At Home from Scholastic. Twenty days’ worth of free learning journeys that span the content areas. Link here.
Jumpstart: Free online resources for grades K-5 that includes activities in math, social studies, science, and more. Link here.
Skill-building home activities for grades K-4, from Natick Public Schools. Enrichment activities for younger students related to skill-building at home. Link here.
Skill-building home activities for grades 5-8, from Natick Public Schools. Enrichment activities for middle-school students related to skill-building at home. Link here.
Amazing Educational Resources for Kids , from Amazing Educational Resources Facebook group. A compilation of websites offering free online games, activities, teaching, and tech tools for kids. Link here.
Online Events
Calendar of virtual local events and classes, from Community Kangaroo. Daily listings of live online videos including performances, learning and other indoor activities, with a regional focus. Link here.
Creative Activities
150+ Enrichment Activities for Children While Parents are Working Remotely, from Freelance Artists Resources. Creative activities, indoors and outdoors. Link here.
Just for Kids - A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus , from NPR. Listen here.
Podcast
How to Survive Being Quarantined with Your Kids, from Mindful Mama. Strategies for adults and kids. Link here.
Additional Resources
Distance Learning Center, from WGBH. Digital resources from PBS LearningMedia for grades PreK-12, which are aligned to national and state standards, and include videos, comprehensive lessons, and other activities. Link here.
Resources for Parents and Kids Cooped Up at Home, compiled by How to be Human. Organized by academic subject and age. Link here.
Small Business
Loan Funds
Small Business Administration Assistance: Massachusetts has been approved for federal disaster loan assistance from the Small Business Administration. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state. Applicants can apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications here. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. More information.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) , from US Small Business Administration. Working capital loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses until normal operations resume. Email questions to Disaster.Recovery@mass.gov. Worksheet link here.
Guidance and Online Resources
COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses , from Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development. Includes information on loan funds, tax relief, and workforce issues. Link here.
FAQ About COVID-19: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations , from the Massachusetts Attorney General. Includes information on Earned Sick Time, Unemployment Insurance, and layoffs. Link here.
Resource Site for Small Businesses, from the US Chamber of Commerce. Guidance for employers to respond to Coronvirus, including workplace tips for employees. Link here.
Interim Guide for Businesses, from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Addresses many operational areas. Link here.
Non-Profits
Emergency Funding
MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund, at the Foundation for MetroWest. Provides one-time operating grants of up to $5000 to organizations providing emergency basic needs to the region’s most vulnerable residents, including access to food, access to basic hygiene, emergency shelter and clothing, and emergency child care. Requests should be sent to grants@foundationformetrowest.org. Link here.
Emergency Grant Program to Address COVID 19, from MetroWest Health Foundation. Provides grants of up to $10,000 each to be used for critical safety-net needs, quarantine supplies and costs, expenses related to remote operations, increased labor costs, and/or expenses related to offering services in different ways, such as through home delivery or Telehealth. Requests should be send to info@MWhealth.org. Link here.
Operations Guides
“Agency Preparedness: Elements of a Plan,” a publication of MetroWest Health Foundation. Keeping your organization operating effectively during the pandemic. Link here.
Coronavirus and Massachusetts Nonprofits, from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. A compendium of operational topics. Link here.
VIDEO: Preparing Your Organization for the Corona Virus Disease Outbreak , a webinar from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Focusing on continuity of services. Watch here.
Online Networking
Weekly Zoom Discussion , from MetroWest Nonprofit Network. Staff and board from small nonprofits in the region connect and share solutions. Email lonerangers@metrowestnonprofit.org for dial-in information. Link here.
Board Resources
“What Nonprofit Board Members Should Be Doing Right Now to Address the COVID-19 Situation,” from BoardSource. Focusing on the board's role in a crisis, including consideration of modifications to services. Read here.
Resource Compilations
Blog: Information and Resources for Nonprofits, from TSNE. Focuses on sources of financial support and operational strategies. Read here.
Crowdsourced Resource List , from Massachusetts nonprofit leaders and consultants. Searchable by topic including human resources, events, fundraising, philanthropy. Read here.
Neighbor Networks
Framingham Coronavirus Community Outreach. A voluntary network of residents linking people who need help to those who are able to help. Send an email to Help@framinghamoutreach.com. Link here.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors, from 350 MA. Spreadsheet of citizens offering services (meal delivery, errands, etc.) to neighbors. Spreadsheet.
Transportation
MBTA & Commuter Rail
MBTA Reduced Schedule. Reduced Service applies to all lines, including buses, operating on a modified Saturday schedule. Link here.
Regional Bus System
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA). Bus and Dial-A-Ride service, with modified schedules for business shuttles to and from commuter rail. Service is free. Link here.
In-Home Elder Care
Online Guide
COVID-19 for Older Adults, from Centers for Disease Control. Comprehensive prevention, preparation, and treatment. Link here.
How-To
“How to Care for the Elderly Without Putting Them at Risk of Coronavirus, ” from STAT. Addresses connections, travel, outings, stress, and indoor activities. Link here.
Insurance Coverage
Helpline
Answers to health insurance questions. Health Care for All. Call 1-800-272-4232. Link here.
Legal Services
Civil Legal Aid
Free assistance, from MetroWest Legal Services. Free assistance to MetroWest residents with limited financial means. Call in advance: 508-620-1830. Link here.
Mass Legal Answers Online, from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Boston Bar Association. A secure website for low-income people to get free legal advice about civil (non-criminal) legal problems such as unemployment insurance, evictions, divorces, CORI and more. Link here.
Other
Artist Resources
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources. An aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines. Link here.
Interpreting for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language Interpretation, from The Learning Center for the Deaf. Interpreting assistance for First Responders, businesses, families, educational institutions in the MetroWest region. Link here.
Book Pickup
Library curbside service. At Morse Institute and Bacon Free Libraries in Natick. Place a book on hold online, then pull into special parking spots for curbside service for Natick residents. Link here.