The economic fallout from the global pandemic has touched more people’s lives than the virus itself. In Ohio, 1.5 million people filed for unemployment from April through July, and one in five Ohioans turned to a food bank or pantry since the pandemic began. As nonprofits and government agencies roll out resources to assist those in need, we break down some of the programs, from help with rent, utilities and childcare, to mental health and more.
Childcare Assistance
For essential workers, staying at home with kids whose schools have gone remote or whose daycares haven’t reopened isn’t always an option. YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s Y Cares Learning and Enrichment Centers offer weekday care and online learning in coordination with local school districts. The environment is safe and structured. Students will have access to helpers who can assist with live-stream and on-demand learning. “We are ensuring that the amount of time per day dedicated to e-learning is built into the daily schedule,” says Ana Thomas, vice president of youth development. 216-263-6860, clevelandymca.org
Fresh Food
Child hunger is three times what it was during the 2008 recession, according to data from the Brookings Institution. Since the pandemic started, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank has worked to distribute nearly 5 million pounds more food than it did in all of 2019, offering drive-thru distribution at the Muni Lot and Parma Senior High School. “We are providing a box of fresh produce, dairy and shelf-stable items,” says Kristin Warzocha, the food bank’s president and CEO. “Thanks to a generous community and our network of partner agencies, food is available, and no one should hesitate to turn to us in their time of need.” 15500 S. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-738-2265, greaterclevelandfoodbank.org
Job Opportunities
Cuyahoga County’s monthly virtual job fairs, hosted through Ohio Means Jobs, feature 80 to 100 businesses. This month’s fair is scheduled for Oct. 29 and 30. The county is also part of the Workforce Sector Partnership, a collaborative board of nonprofit and government agencies that offer workforce training for in-demand jobs such as health care, IT and manufacturing. “We can help connect people with a job in their field or help them get trained for another field,” says county executive Armond Budish. omjcc.us, wf-connect.com
Mental Health Services
The scope of people affected by the pandemic can extend to folks who might not be struggling to make ends meet but are hurting all the same. One-third of Americans reported signs of clinical anxiety or depression in a May study released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County offers 24-hour mental health assistance by calling 216-623-6888. “Self-care is key,” says Dr. Leslie Koblentz, chief clinical officer consultant for ADAMHS. “Sometimes [it’s] just talking on the phone, hearing somebody else’s voice.” 216-241-3400, adamhscc.org
Rent Relief
CHN Housing Partners’ Northeast Ohio Rent Help provides qualifying renters with three months of back rent, payable to landlords, as well as help paying for utilities, such as overdue gas, electric or sewer bills and disconnection notices. For renters who need long-term help, CHN partners with Emerald Development & Economic Network to work with landlords to avoid eviction. “This crisis is impacting a broader spectrum of people, and we have a great number of individuals who have never received assistance before applying for it,” says Kevin Nowak, executive director of CHN Housing Partners. 216-574-7100, chnhousingpartners.org
Tech Resources
Internet access isn’t all fun and Fortnite. While kids will need it for some level of schoolwork, being connected during the pandemic also lets users access telehealth appointments and keep in touch with loved ones. But about 25% of county residents don’t have access to a computer or the internet. “All over the county, there is a digital divide,” says Budish. Funded by the Cleveland Foundation and the county, PCs for People helps families access computers, tablets and free internet service for two years. “That way, kids can access the internet and continue learning online,” Budish says. 216-930-5741, pcsforpeople.org
Tutoring and Educational Support
With a variety of area schools participating in some kind of remote learning, the Cuyahoga County Public Library is familiar with each district’s online learning management system so staff can provide an extra layer of support to parents and students. Patrons can also find e-books and digital content, as well as live tutors and test prep for free through the Princeton Review. “We are approaching [this] with the goal of helping our local school districts and families bridge the digital divide,” says Pamela Jankowski, Cuyahoga County Public Library’s deputy director of public services. 216-398-1800, cuyahogalibrary.org
