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COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 UPDATES & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

As information regarding COVID-19, a coronavirus, continues to evolve we will keep you informed of the latest from University of California public health officials, governmental entities and others.
In the wake of Gov. Newsom’s ‘stay at home’ order, UC Merced has strongly encouraged all students to return to their permanent residences who can safely do so. The university remains open and we are delivering courses remotely for the rest of the semester; research will be largely put on hiatus.
The University of California, Merced, is coordinating with Merced County Department of Public Health and Office of Emergency Services, as well as other health authorities, to share information, take preventative steps and focus on the well-being of our community. Updates will be made to this page as they become available.
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ON COVID-19: UC Merced Student Emergency Preparedness
We invite you to visit our Moving Forward: Guidance and Resources page where we have gathered these reminders and additional tools and resources to help you as we move forward.
iAmerica - We know there is a lot of uncertainty right now for immigrant families, many of whom are still showing up and fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 epidemic. Check this website frequently as it will continue to be updated with information to assist immigrant families through this moment.
The Guide for Immigrant Californians will help you stay safe and informed. The guide includes:
  • Stay-at-home order considerations
  • Ways to protect yourself and others 
  • Immigration help
  • Public charge information for accessing public benefits
  • Testing and treatment
  • Information on jobs, wages, and benefits 
  • Small business support
  • Housing 
  • Food and bills 
  • Community safety
  • Protection against scams and bad information
Learn more about the State of California’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts here. Visit covid19.ca.gov or covid19.ca.gov/es (Spanish) for critical steps Californians can take to stay healthy, and resources available to those impacted by the outbreak.
 

UC ADAMISSIONS DURING COVID-19:

The University of California has temporarily suspended some of its requirements for admitted students to ensure that they are able to enroll as planned. It also expects to work with students to adjust financial aid packages if family financial circumstances have changed. In addition, UC has temporarily relaxed some undergraduate admissions policies to ensure high school and transfer students are not penalized by their inability to earn letter grades for academic classes or take standardized tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of California acted March 31 to implement temporary measures which relax undergraduate admissions requirements for students looking to enroll at UC for fall 2020 and future years as applicable. These measures will help mitigate some of the extraordinary challenges students and their families face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

PERSONAL WELLNESS:

UC Merced Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS):
  • All services will be provided over Zoom or the phone
  • Students will call-in (not drop-in) for all services (209) 228-4266
  • Group sessions: Anxiety Toolbox and DBT (resuming after spring break)
  • Psychiatry
  • Drop-in (now Call-in) hours
Immigrants Rising’s virtual Wellness Gatherings help undocumented young people stay grounded and connected to one another. These sessions are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PST. Led by Liliana Campos, Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Advocate, these virtual gatherings convene experienced facilitators—psychologists, coaches, traditional healers—to guide undocumented young people through educational materials and interactive activities. Liliana also shares resources for participants to check out on their own throughout the week. We hope these virtual sessions and tools can support participants’ long-term resilience and coping strategies.
Free online yoga - reducing stress as much as possible is important to health!
Mental Health Connector - Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented young people with psychological support, allowing you to access your strengths and resiliency in order to achieve your personal goals and healing.
UndocuHealth tip: How to build up your immune system (Developed after hearing that many poor communities are running out of pharmaceutical medicines in stores)
Collective Care Is Our Best Weapon against COVID-19: While “social” aka “physical” distancing is a necessary tool to help stop the spread of this virus, it will only be effective if it’s grounded in an ethics and practice of social solidarity and collective care. COVID-19 clearly demonstrates that only by deeply looking out for each other—acting as if everyone’s life has inherent worth and is at risk; as if the health of one is the health of all—will we actually be able to lessen the amount of sickness and death, not to mention the emotional weight on us all. Unless everyone cooperates, the virus exponentially spreads.

TESTING FOR COVID-19 AND HEALTHCARE ACCESS:

Everyone, regardless of immigration status, is eligible for testing and treatment of communicable diseases, including coronavirus.
COVID-19 testing and treatment is not considered a negative factor in the public charge analysis. See USCIS’ statement here.
COVID-19 testing is entirely free for anyone, regardless of health care coverage status or immigration status.
If you are enrolled in a health plan, it is important that you and your family get the care you need! If you are not insured and need medical care, you have other options:
  • See if you qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s public health insurance program) or a subsidized plan on Covered California.
  • Medi-Cal re-eligibility determinations have been waived through June 17.
  • Look for a public hospital or community health clinic near you with free or low-cost health care services (you can search this website for a center near you).
  • To learn more about your health care coverage options, look here.
For more information on your legal health rights, see Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information by the Health Consumer Alliance, Protect Your Health by the Protecting Immigrant Families, and Access to Health Care for Immigrants by National Immigration Law Center.
UndocuHealth tip: Directory of healthcare clinics that are accessible to undocufolks (Created because the stimulus bill did not include healthcare protection for undocumented communities)
iAmerica - We know there are questions about the safety of applying for healthcare programs. If you are a California resident, here are your health rights
Freedom Community Clinic: COVID-19 Bay Area Community Resources + Up-to-Date Health Information: This is a living document from the Freedom Community Clinic on mass resources in the Bay Area during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are community members who hope to bring love and health during this time. Shoutout to the team from Los Angeles County who inspired this doc + many resources on here. Thanks to other Bay Area guides out there too.
Clinic by the Bay: Free Healthcare for the Working Uninsured: Clinic by the Bay is the safety net for those who have no affordable option for high-quality, compassionate primary, acute, chronic or preventative medical care.
At Clinic by the Bay we provide free, high quality healthcare for our community’s low-income, uninsured adults. Volunteer-powered, we engage retired and practicing medical professionals, medical students, and other community members as volunteers to provide compassionate, comprehensive healthcare in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties.
The mission of Clinic by the Bay is to understand and serve, with dignity and respect, the health and wellness needs of the medically underserved in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mission Local & The Latino Task Force: Free COVID-19 Testing for Mission District Residents. Through a partnership between UCSF, the Latino Task Force for COVID-19, and SF Department of Public Health, we are offering free COVID-19 testing as part of a study for all persons age 4 years and older in part of the Mission. This area includes approximately 5,700 people living between South Van Ness and Harrison and Cesar Chavez and 23rd Streets.
Testing will be held at Garfield Park and Parque Niños Unidos. At-home testing for homebound residents will be on April 29. More community testing locations are pending.
United We Dream Healtcare Resources: Although undocumented people are usually not eligible for health insurance, even through ACA, we can still receive health care through free/low-cost clinics that serve the uninsured.
Undocumented people are welcome and will not be turned away from free/low-cost clinics.
  • An example of a low-cost health clinic is Planned Parenthood.
  • There are directories of free clinics across the country: https://freeclinicdirectory.org/
  • If you are experiencing an emergency, emergency rooms and hospitals that receive Federal Funding (most do) cannot turn away patients.
  • If you are pregnant, you can get care in some states, regardless of immigration status: WA, OR, CA, MN, NE, OK, TX, LA, AR, MO, IL, WI, MI, TN, NY, MA, RI, DC.
  • Children under 18 can get care in some states regardless of immigration status: WA, OR, CA, IL, NY, MA, DC.
  • California is the only state to extend coverage to low-income, undocumented adults ages 25 and younger for the state’s Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) covering roughly 90,000 people.

DACA RENEWAL UPDATES:

Updated Info on USCIS Office Closures: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings

EOIR - Immigration Court Closures: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/eoir-operational-status-during-coronavirus-pandemic

As of March 20th, USCIS will now waive all requirements for original signatures on petitions, applications and other documents. 

Statement  from USCIS regarding obtaining services relating to the coronavirus/COVID-19 and public charge determinations: https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge

Applicants  and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response date set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken
https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-2019-covid-19

The Supreme Court will soon announce their decision on the future of DACA. This decision will impact the lives of many of our community members, especially folks who have DACA. If you’re a current DACA beneficiary who is waiting for the Supreme Court decision, check out these resources to help you renew your DACA, find out about long-term immigration options you might be eligible for, make money regardless of your immigration status, and maintain your mental and emotional well-being. No matter what the Supreme Court decides, we’ve got your back!

PUBLIC CHARGE

Public Charge and COVID-19: On March 14, USCIS updated their website to make clear that seeking “testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19” will not be considered as part of the public charge analysis. https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge

RELIEF FUNDS FOR WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA:  
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund – Cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive. 
USBG National Charity Foundation – Bartenders, or the spouse or child of a bartender who have experienced an emergency hardship. Applications are reviewed the week of the 15th of each month (exceptions may be made during times of natural disaster or other crisis events)
Another Round, Another Rally Emergency Assistance – $500 relief grants.  Workers in the hospitality industry, dishwasher, bartender, server, busser, chef, cook, sommelier, manager, host, concierge, cleaning staff, or barback may apply for funds.
National Domestic Workers Alliance Coronavirus Care Fund – The Coronavirus Care Fund will provide emergency assistance for home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners. If you are a domestic worker, text RELIEF to 97779 to get updates from NDWA, and find out when the Coronavirus Care Fund applications are ready. 
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation – Emergency assistance for those employed by restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier.
805 UndocuFund – “The 805 UndocuFund is a collective effort [in California] among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families who are excluded from federally funded safety net programs; that have been economically impacted by the loss of their homes, wages, and/or employment due to disasters in our community like wildfires, mudslides, and the coronavirus.”
Oakland Undocumented Relief Fund – “Centro Legal de la Raza, along with community partners, created the Oakland Undocumented Relief Fund to provide critical support to immigrant Oakland workers who have lost their jobs and income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aggressive public health measures necessary to combat the spread of this disease.”
San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium – “The fund will provide grants of up to $500 to immigrants in San Diego who have lost all or part of their income due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation is launching a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise funds to support undocumented families and individuals during these times of crisis. Please fill out this survey to apply for funds. The amount we can provide each person is based on the donations we receive and the amount of requests we receive.
Oakland Undocumented Relief Fund - Centro Legal de la Raza
The UndocuFund for Disaster Relief in Sonoma County - This fund seeks to support undocumented children, families, and  communities in Sonoma County affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
UndocFundSF - Helps to provide essential aid to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, who live, work or have recently lost work in San Francisco.
COVID-19 Mutual Aid (Los Angeles) Network - Mutual Aid LA Network is comprised of different grassroots organizations, movements and organizers, who are committed to organizing mutual material support in the community.
COVID-19 Resource List for Los Angeles areas.
Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success - Quick Guide for the Central Coast on COVID-19. This also links to the guide for North County Coalition and Santa Maria Valley.
Angeleno Card - Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a privately funded campaign to help impoverished Angelenos who may be facing at least one more month of lost income by supplying them with free, prepaid debit cards. The no-fee debit card is available to city residents whose total household income fell below the federal poverty line before the COVID-19 crisis began and who had their income reduced by at least another 50% due to the outbreak. The cards will come with $700, $1,100 or $1,500, depending on the size and income of each household, a news release stated. Applications must be filled out between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at hcidla.lacity.org, or by calling 213-252-3040.
San Francisco Government: Help for immigrants during coronavirus. This page includes immigration updates and financial resources for immigrants during the coronavirus outbreak.
Contra Costa County Emergency Relief Fund: The Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services (EHSD) Volunteer & Emergency Services (https://ehsd.org/elderly-disabled/volunteer-and-emergency-services/), in partnership with San Francisco Chronicle’s Season of Sharing (SOS) (https://seasonofsharing.org) Program, provides emergency relief for families and individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments will cover applicants who face a sudden crisis or shortfall due to job or wage loss resulting from COVID-19. All cases are subject to review including any required documentation to meet the criteria for eligibility. Funds are available on a first-come, first served basis.
City of Berkeley COVID-19 Housing Retention Grants: Berkeley’s Housing Retention Program provides grant assistance to Berkeley residents at risk of eviction. The program guidelines on this page are specific to the COVID-19 emergency. These criteria will remain in effect for 60 days after the shelter-in-place order if lifted, or longer if deemed necessary by the City of Berkeley.
Applicants requesting housing related financial assistance from a COVID-19 related financial hardship shall be eligible for additional one-time funds specified below. Applicants will continue to also be eligible for the ongoing Housing Retention Program operated by EBCLC and that has been in effect since FY 2018, thus allowing applicants up to $15,000 in financial assistance.
For more information or to apply for Season of Sharing, please contact the SOS hotline at (925) 521-5065. For questions, contact Cindy Smith, VES Program Coordinator, at (925) 521-5062 or csmith@ehsd. cccounty.us; or Alvaro Florez, SOS Coordinator at (925) 521-5063 or aflorez@ehsd.cccounty.us. Visit Contra Costa County EHSD, VES for more details.
  • Migrant youth (15-30 years old) or Migrant guardian of youth (aged 0-20)
  • Affected by the shelter-in-place order in the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Marin San Mateo 
Oakland Undocumented Relief Fund: O.U.R. Fund is a relief fund set up for undocumented workers who live or work in Oakland and have lost their jobs or had their hours cut as a result of the Coronavirus and the shelter in place orders. O.U.R Fund financial support is only available based on the money we can raise. We will distribute $500 relief grants to eligible applicants while funding is available. Any information submitted in this form will be kept strictly confidential. If we are able to help you, we will contact you for a phone screening. 
SDIRC Immigrant Relief Fund: The San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC), a project of Alliance San Diego, has launched the SDIRC Immigrant Relief Fund to provide grants of up to $500 to immigrants in San Diego County who have lost all or part of their income due to the coronavirus pandemic, along with other emergencies that may arise in the future.  
Fund details:
  • To be eligible for the fund, immigrants must live in San Diego County and have experienced a loss of income due to reduced hours, temporarily not working, or loss of job because of the pandemic
  • Preference will be given to those who are unable to qualify for other benefits
  • The grant will be a one-time grant, one per individual
  • Priority will go to households who have not yet received a grant from this fund
Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice: Regional Immigrant Community Support Fund: COVID-19 has threatened the livelihoods of many families due to loss of jobs and income. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice and other organizations, have come together to establish a regional fund. The fund prioritizes individuals and families that were intentionally left out of state or federal programs due to immigration status. We are in this together and want to ensure that all of our communities have access to financial support. To apply text the word “support” to 797979
Requirements:
  • Reside in Riverside County or San Bernardino.
  • Be a person that is excluded from state and federal financial relief due to immigration status. 
For more information send the word “SUPPORT 797979. This fund is a collective effort by organizations that serve low-income families living in the Inland Region.
The Street Vendor Emergency Fund: Inclusive Action for the City has been fundraising to help provide Los Angeles street vendors with emergency funds. Street vendors who need support can apply for assistance at info@inclusiveaction.org
Sonoma Immigrant Services Relief Fund: Reach out to us if you or someone you know need assistance at info@sonomaimmigrant.org.
Sacred Heart: Covid19 – Financial Assistance Interest List: Interest list for Santa Clara residents that need financial assistance. They already reached the maximum capacity of households that we will be able to serve with the initial $11 million in contributions collected for this initiative. As a result, they are no longer accepting applications for financial assistance. If you meet the eligibility criteria listed, please consider adding your name to the Interest List. Please note: there is no guarantee that they will be able to provide assistance to any households on the Interest List. However, when/If additional funding becomes available, they will contact eligible households on the Interest List with information on how they can complete an application.
Legal Aid at Work: A List of Relief Funds for Undocumented Workers in California: To assist undocumented workers who have lost their jobs or income as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, Legal Aid at Work has compiled a list of known relief funds for undocumented workers.  We will be updating this list as new information becomes available
Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants: The California Department of Social Services will be administering the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants Project, providing one-time disaster relief assistance to undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19. For more information, please see the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants Fact Sheet: (English) (Espanol)
One Fair Wage Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund provides cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance: has set up a fund to provide immediate financial support for domestic workers, and enable them to stay home and healthy — protecting themselves, their families and their communities while slowing the spread of the Coronavirus.
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation Emergency Fund for Restaurant Workers: Southern Smoke is a nonprofit 501c3 charitable foundation. Our Emergency Relief Program provides emergency funding to those employed by or own restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier that are faced unforeseen expenses that cannot or will not be covered by insurance. We stand with those in our community and are committed to “taking care of our own”.
The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. The funding, if awarded to you, is intended to be emergency aid for short-term immediate needs such as food and bills.
Corona Care Fund from National Domestic Workers Alliance: The National Domestic Workers Alliance is working to slow the spread of the virus by providing emergency assistance for domestic workers that enables them to stay home and healthy.
The NationalUndocuFund will provide need-based financial help to immigrant families hard hit by the COVID-19 emergency. Our goal is to raise $120,000 to provide 300 households with $400 each. If we are able to raise more money, we will be able to help more people.
The Central Valley Mutual Aid Relief Network: The just-released CVMA Fund provides economic relief to undocumented individuals and mixed status families across the San Joaquin Valley during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) project is a one-time state-funded disaster relief assistance for undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19. An undocumented adult who qualifies can receive $500 in direct assistance, with a maximum of $1000 in assistance per household. How does one apply? Find the nonprofit where you can apply in your area
 

CASH AND FOOD ASSISTANCE (Food Banks, CalWORKS and CalFresh):

See if you or your children qualify for CalWORKS, a cash assistance program with other services, or CalFresh, food and nutrition services, so that you can get supplemental assistance during this time.
Unfortunately, most undocumented immigrants, TPS recipients, and DACA recipients generally are not eligible for CalFresh or CalWORKS, but there are exceptions. Even if you don't qualify due to your immigration status, your children may qualify if they are US citizens or have lawful status. These benefits could help your family during this time.
Re-eligibility determinations for those who currently receive CalWORKS and/or CalFresh benefits have been waived through June 17.
You do not have to provide your immigration status if you are undocumented and are applying for these benefits for your children or family member.
Only the person seeking benefits must provide their citizenship or immigration status. If you are applying on behalf of an eligible family member, such as your child, you only need to share the information for that family member. If you are undocumented and apply for a family member, you should not provide any information about your immigration status. Instead, you can say, "I am not applying for health insurance for myself."
Free student meal sites in our 40th Congressional District, including sites in the Los Angeles, Montebello, Downey, Paramount, and Bellflower Unified School Districts. 
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services: A map of food banks for families in Sacramento. The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services advises clients to call before attending the food distribution.
SF Marin Food Bank - Pop-up Pantries: Every week, our pantry network distributes fresh, seasonal produce, lean protein, grain, and shelf-stable items to anyone who is struggling to buy food. During the COVID-19 crisis, we have launched pop-up pantries that are open to the public; no need to show ID or sign in to receive groceries every week.
Due to the “shelter in place” order, we ask that you only attend one pantry and send one person per household to pick up groceries.
We update the available pantries on a regular basis; please check back often.
For the Community, by the Community -COVID-19 Community Emergency Assistance Funds (Orange County, CA):  AHRI for Justice (AHRI) and Viet Rainbow of Orange County (VROC) recognize that our communities have been greatly impacted by COVID-19. For many in our communities, COVID-19 is no longer just a public health crisis, but a humanitarian crisis on many levels. Members of our communities are facing housing, employment, and food insecurities, among other challenges. During this unprecedented moment, we want to do our part to support our communities by creating a community assistance fund. We are working together to raise funds and disburse emergency financial aid to those who are struggling.
We will be prioritizing folx who live in Orange County, CA and who identify as a person of color, LGBTQ+, and/or undocumented. However, if you do not fall under these identities, we still encourage you to complete this form. This community assistance fund seeks to help those who are most vulnerable.  Our hope is to fund as many folx as possible with the limited funds available. As such, we will fund up to $500 per individual or household.
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies.
Meals on Wheels supports individuals who are elderly, disabled, chronically ill and home-bound by delivering nutritious meals, reducing hunger, improving health and promoting independence.
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego: Emergency Food Distribution Network
Fresno County: Food distribution locations.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) and the Sacramento Family Unity, Education, and Legal (FUEL) Network for Immigrants are committed to supporting and serving immigrants during the 2019-2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have compiled here critical information and resources to help immigrant communities navigate this challenging time: https://www.crlaf.org/coronavirus
Immigrants Rising tangible resources for undocumented communities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can be found here. 
The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance (CIYJA) put together a resource guide for undocumented immigrants living in California. It features information about workers’ rights, access to free food, financial assistance, and more. The guide is available in both Spanish and English.
One Degree COVID-19 Resource Guide (San Francisco, state, and nation wide resources) and One Degree COVID-19 Resource Guide (Los Angeles County).
COVID-19 Los Angeles Mass Resource List - This document was created by a group of Master's of Public Health students at Cal State Los Angeles who noticed the need to consolidate all relevant resources into one site. We have partnered with One Degree to increase our capacity to better serve our community.
Nationwide Resources - organized by servies and by state. 
Promesa Boyle Heights COVID-19 Resources: In response to COVID-19 safety measures and LAUSD school closures, we want to ensure that you know what resources are available to you during these crucial moments. Today we are seeing countless community organizations, institutions, and individuals coming together to respond and support one another. Promesa Boyle Heights continues to stay committed to the community and we hope this guide helps ease the process to locate the necessary resources you may need to stay safe and healthy.
Inland Empire: Coronavirus Information Hotlines: Coachella Valley, (760) 837-8988; San Bernardino, (909) 387-3911; Riverside, 211.