Resources for Coronavirus information and aid

  • The official website of New York State for information on Coronavirus: coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
    Provides “What You Need to Know” updates daily from NY State government. Includes links to many resources for citizens (families, individuals, businesses, and employees) working and living in NY State. It also features a FAQ section. Note: NY State Novel Coronavirus Hotline is (888) 364-3065.
  • NY State Office Mental Health list of resources: omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html
    For more immediate help call the Emotional Support Line: (844) 863-9314. This help line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The help line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling.
  • Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Impacted New Yorkers: paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19
    Information regarding the governor’s emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
  • Information on Unemployment Insurance: labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm
    For individuals who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, instructions on how to file for Unemployment Insurance can be found on the NYS Department of Labor’s website.
  • New York Department of Taxation and Finance: www.tax.ny.gov/press/alerts/nys-tax-response-to-covid-19.htm
    Tax Department response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Provides answers to tax questions facing individuals, families and businesses in regards to filing in New York State.
  • Empire State Development FAQ website: esd.ny.gov/business-pandemic-recovery-initiative
    Provides information to businesses regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus. 
  • US Department of Homeland Security (US DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): coronavirus.health.ny.gov/stay-cyber-safe
    Information for individuals working remotely on how and why to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Capital District Food Insecurity Resources

  • The Food Pantries for the Capital District 
    Information about and resources provided in support of food insecurities caused by coronavirus (or any situation) by a coalition of more than 65 food pantries in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
  • Feed Albany
    Provides at-risk and in-need individuals in Albany, New York and the Greater Capital Region with access to prepared and packaged meal solutions. Currently working to support Capital District residents most adversely affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
  • Town of Bethlehem Food Pantry
    A joint program of Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. and the Town of Bethlehem Senior Services open to all town residents. For specific information please visit the link or call. Current phone contact: (518) 439-4955, ext. 1173.
  • Bethlehem CSD students meal support
    Free breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided throughout the 2021-22 school year. These meals are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Local Resources

  • Town of Bethlehem Alerts: www.townofbethlehem.org/AlertCenter.aspx
    Alert Center allows you to view all alerts and emergencies in your area. If there are alerts or emergencies, they will be listed by category. To be instantly notified of alerts and emergencies visit the site to learn more about the ways to subscribe.
  • Town of Bethlehem Coronavirus webpage: www.townofbethlehem.org/873/COVID-19
    Provides information on the Town of Bethlehem response and provides links to other resources.
  • Albany County Department of Health:  www.albanycounty.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19
    Updated daily at approximately 10:30 a.m. with important health information pertinent to all county residents. Lists multiple resources for individuals both working and non-working plus families. Note: Albany County Mental Health COVID-19 Support Line (518) 269-6634 available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 days/week]
  • CDTA  Service Changes: www.cdta.org/news
    Provides information on the changes to bus services and what the new schedules are currently. The new daily schedules resemble the Saturday schedule, with a few additional routes that don’t normally run on Saturdays.
  • Brightside Up
    A local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R) for New York’s Capital Region dedicated to providing resources and assistance to the community in order to improve the availability and quality of child care for families within Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties.
  • Northeast Region 2-1-1: www.211neny.org
    The 2-1-1 system helps Capital Region residents locate basic resources such as food, shelter, employment, transportation, and healthcare. 2-1-1 can be accessed online or by dialing 2-1-1 from any telephone. Personal, confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

  • The Capital Region Chamber: capitalregionchamber.com/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources
    An organization dedicated to providing leadership and resources for the region.

  • SkillUp Capital Region: capreg.skillupamerica.org
    An online portal that allows job seekers to explore career pathways, view local job postings, register for free online learning and receive workforce services. Options for employers too.
  • The Legal Aid Society of North Eastern NY will provide COVID-19 related civil legal assistance to low/no income residents via a dedicated hotline: 1-833-628-0087
    www.lasnny.org/coronavirus-information
  • NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: (800) 942-6906. English and Español/multi-language accessibility. Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 711
    Texting hotline:  844-997-2121  
    Confidential website to connect you to professional help: www.opdv.ny.gov 

U.S. Government Resources

  • Information about the American Rescue Plan stimulus package passed March 11, 2021: Click here.
  • The IRS.gov official site established to focus on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus: www.irs.gov/coronavirus 
    Information regarding the     IRS response to coronavirus; updated as new information is available.
  • U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): www.dol.gov/coronavirus
    Information and resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus; example topics covered: Workplace safety, Wages, Hours and Leaves, Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities, Support for Dislocated Workers and States, and more.
  • Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe: Click here for pdf. 
    Guidance from CDC regarding what     every American and community can do now to decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Coronavirus.gov
    Website dedicated to COVID-19 from FEMA, CDC, and the White House. Provides links to more resources for users and to the CDC for further information on the disease. Also, includes link to the CDC and Apple’s COVID-19 screening tool.
  • The Federal Trade Commission: Click here for webpage.
    The FTC has compiled helpful information to help consumers avoid Coronavirus-related scams.

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