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COVID-19: Resources for Older Adults

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With Coronavirus, it can seem like each day means more services closing for the near future. Below are resources for seniors and caregivers that are still available in some capacity.  

Note: Please note that information is rapidly changing. This information is current as of June 29, 2020 and will be updated as needed. Call a resource before visiting. 

Food Assistance- Food Pantries 

Please note that pantry hours/days may change. Find the most up to date information by visiting Food Gatherers’ website: www.foodgatherers.org/needfood or calling them at (734) 761-2795

Food Assistance- Home Delivered and Carry Out Meals 

Housing Support 

  • Various district courts have suspended evictions 
  • Tenant Resources/Know Your Rights 
  • The Housing Access of Washtenaw County (HAWC) intake line can be reached at (734) 961-1999 (M-F 8:30 am-5:00 pm)
  • SOS Community Services has installed porto potties with sinks at both their Ypsilanti locations to help those experiencing homelessness meet their hygiene needs (114 North River Street in Ypsilanti & 101 South Huron Street in Ypsilanti) 

Transportation 

Home Services– Utilities 

  • Consumers Energy has suspended gas shutoffs for non-payment for low-income customers and older adults. Call 1-800-477-5050 with questions.  
  • DTE has suspended shutoffs for non-payment for low-income customers and older adults. If you are in need of payment assistance due to loss of income or a medical condition, call 1-800-477-4747.  
  • Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority has waived late fees for payments through April 5, 2020. Call (734) 484-4600 with questions.  
  • Dexter residents can call the City of Dexter if they are having difficulty paying their utility bills. Dexter’s Utility Billing Clerk can be reached at (734) 580-2232. 
  • Saline residents can call the City of Saline if they are having difficulty paying their utility bills. Saline’s Utility Billing Clerk can be reached at (734) 429-4907, Ext. 2204.  
  • Milan is waiving penalties to late payments for utilities. Residents can set up a payment plan without interest. 
  • Faith in Action has emergency funds to help with gas, water, and electric shut off as well as eviction notices. 
  • AT&T will waive late payment fees and will not terminate a customer’s service due to inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Call (800) 288-2020 if you need help paying your bill.  
  • Sprint will waive late payment fees and will not terminate a customer’s service due to inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. 
  • Verizon will waive late payment fees and will not terminate a customer’s service due to inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. 
  • Comcast offering ‘Internet Essentials’ package free for low-income customers for 60 days 
  • Spectrum is opening their wifi hotspots to the public
  • Everyoneon.org connects you to low-cost deals on internet packages in your area
  • Salvation Army Energy Assistance Services- Apply online or call your local Salvation Army.
  • Friends in Deed offers utility assistance.

Health Services

Mental Health 

  • Community Mental Health of Washtenaw County Crisis Line (734) 544-3050. 
  • Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 crisis counseling for distress related to natural and human-caused disasters (call 1-800-985-5990).
  • Jewish Family Services (visit online or call 734-769-0209) 
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) 
  • NAMI Michigan has a list of mental health resources on their website
  • Amplify Colectivo is offering LGBTQ friendly support groups (accepts insurance or sliding scale)
  • Amplify Colectivo is also offering bereavement support groups (accepts insurance or sliding scale)
  • Turner Geriatric Clinic is offering a virtual grief support group for older adults or family members of older adults affected by loss due to COVID-19 (via Zoom/phone). Call (734) 764-2556 for more information.
  • Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living introduces online support group “Alone Together.” Click below for flyer:
AACIL AloneTogether GroupDownload

Social 

  • Well Connected offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversation over the phone or online (visit online or call 877-797-7299). 
  • Silver Club Memory Programs is currently providing free virtual activities for current members. Email Germedsilverclub@umich.edu for more information. 
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is offering free online courses. Visit their website for more information.
  • Commun02 is a free social app. Contact Jewish Family Services at (734) 769-0209 for more information.
  • Senior Planet offers a wide variety of online courses and activities.
  • Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County offers a friendly caller program. Call (734) 971-9781 and press “8” for Senior Services.

Misc

Covid-19 Testing

COVID-19 screening is offered to anyone with at least one symptom, including: fever higher than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, severe tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, runny nose/congestion, or decreased appetite. Bring insurance information.

Click below to download a printable flyer with information about resources:

Ahead of the Curve COVID-19 Resource ListDownload

Hoping you stay safe, healthy, and connected! – The Ahead of the Curve team

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