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The COVID-19 Crisis and Vermont Women
Our data dashboard tracking the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on women and girls in Vermont. Last updated: February 19, 2021
See also: COVID-19 & Vermont Women VCW's research and analysis on the impact of COVID-19 on Vermont women, presented to the Legislative Women's Caucus in May 2020.
Information, help, and resources were also made available in our special March 18th COVID-19 edition of the VIEW, VCW's eNewsletter.
NEW: Survey - Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19 on US Households
We're helping with outreach to Vermonters for a national research study, Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19 on US Households, conducted by a research team at UMass Amherst's Department of Economics and School of Public Policy. This online survey includes questions on professional life, economic stability, physical and mental well-being, as well as school and childcare. Survey results will include analysis of each state’s responses, including Vermont’s! Input will help policymakers understand what COVID-19 supports are most important. This survey is anonymous and takes about 15 minutes. Please take the survey and help us spread the word.
NEW: Event Promotes Awareness of COVID-19 Impact on Vermont Women
VCW started the new legislative session with a public event examining how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts economic aspects of women’s lives, especially for women of color in our state. The virtual event took place Thursday evening, January 14th and featured a panel discussion with experts, an exploration of issues in small breakout room conversations, and a wrap up Q & A session. Our panelists were new VCW Commissioner Kiah Morris, Executive Director of Mercy Connections Lisa Falcone, and UVM Professor of Economics Stephanie Seguino. Watch the event video.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GET INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
GET INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tracker
Governor Phil Scott's information page about Vermont's COVID-19 response and resources
Vermont 211 - Call 2-1-1 to speak to a person who can help you find answers to a broad range of questions, or visit their website for detailed descriptions of programs and services available to Vermonters. These services are provided by local community groups, social service and health-related agencies, government organizations, and others.
Vermont Department of Health's COVID-19 information page and hotline: (802) 863-7240
Vermont Department of Health's information page about Vermont's public health response
Vermont Department of Public Service's map of Public Wifi Hotspots
Vermont How Can I Help #Prepare group on Facebook
World Health Organization (WHO)
Media Resources
The Caledonian Record COVID-19 Updates
Vermont Public Radio COVID-19 coverage
VTDigger's Coronavirus Live Updates and Coronavirus FAQ
NY Times, "Coronavirus Briefing"
Washington Post COVID-19 updates
GET HELP
CHILDCARE & EDUCATION
Childcare
Building Bright Futures’ Child Care for Essential Workers and Statewise COVID-19 Resources
Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) helps eligible families with the cost of child care. Payments are made directly to child care providers
Department for Children and Families’ Information for Families, Child Care Programs, Children's Integrated Services Providers and CDD Grantees and Contractors
Let’s Grow Kids’ COVID-19 page
Education Resources for Families
Anti-Oppressive/Anti-Racist Home School Options During Quarantine from former State Rep Kiah Morris
Know Your IX’s FAQ About COVID-19 + Title IX
Vermont Family Network's COVID-19 Resources
Vermont PBS has partnered with the Vermont Agency of Education to provide for continuity of learning for Vermont students and school communities during the COVID-19 outbreak, allowing Vermont teachers and students access to free educational resources via television broadcast throughout the duration of school closures
Working From Home with Kids Without Losing Your Mind
If you are struggling to come up with ideas check out the following resources:
Age Appropriate Chores via Vermont Department of Human Resources
COVID-19 family schedule via Motherly
Harvard Business Review’s A Guide for Working (From Home) Parents
Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen from Pampered Chef
SHRM’s Working from Home with Kids? How to Manage the Impossible
UGAToday’s Tips for working from home with kids
The Conversation’s 5 tips for navigating children’s screen time during social distancing
Washtonian’s Home with Kids? Advice from a Homeschool Mom
ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES
Access to Food
Hunger Free VT is putting together outreach materials and will be updating their website to keep everyone in the loop with any important changes to school meal programs, 3SquaresVT, and other nutrition programs.
Vermont Food Bank offers hunger relief during COVID-19 and information about how to access the food you need.
3SquaresVT - Has your household lost pay? Have your childcare expenses increased? You could be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive.
Senior Helpline by AgeWell at 1-800-642-5119 - Toll-free and confidential aging resource in Vermont for information and assistance.
Senior Meal Site Map - Many senior meal sites in Vermont are still operating, but instead of community meals there are take-out meals. Contact your local site on this list to make arrangements for a meal.
Vermont WIC Updates about temporary changes including phone meetings and an expanded food list since some WIC foods are hard to find right now.
Emergency loans
North Country Federal Credit Union is offering existing members whose income is affected by COVID-19 loans of up to $5,000. www.northcountry.org
VSECU is offering a $2,000 loan with a 24-month loan term and an annual percentage rate APR as low as 0% to help any Vermonter.
US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Forbearance Programs
The Vermont Public Utility Commission ordered a temporary moratorium on involuntary natural gas, electric and telecommunications service disconnections. This means that if you are not able to make your payments for natural gas, electricity or land-line telephones, you will not be shut off. However, charges will still accrue during this time.
Student Loan Forbearance info from the U.S. Department of Education
VSAC Student Loan Forbearance info
Housing
Department of Children and Families is extending housing supports for homeless individuals
Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition Updates about policy changes, resources, and closures related to housing amid COVID-19.
Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s COVID-19 updates on Affordable Housing
Vermont Housing Finance Agency is administering the Vermont COVID Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program
Vermont State Housing Authority is administering the Rental Housing Stabilization Program
Pets
North Country Animal League Pet Food Shelf - available outside at 16 Mountain View Meadow Rd. Morrisville, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, for anyone in need.
Public Assistance
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development provides updated information on Unemployment Insurance, Housing, and Financial Assistance.
Department of Children & Families, Economic Services Division is waiving in-person contact requirements for state government benefits programs. Apply online or by phone at 1-800-479-6151.
Economic Services COVID-19 page provides updates from ESD including guidance for visitors.
Vermont Legal Aid has created a COVID-19 page with info on evictions, health care, 3 squares, etc.
Vermont WIC Updates on coronavirus from the Vermont Department of Health including phone meetings and an expanded food list.
Tax Changes
VT State Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020
Stimulus Package - See Federal Stimulus
Unemployment Insurance
The Department of Labor has issued guidance for Employers and Employees, including information on the impact of the CARES Act on unemployment insurance benefits, employee sick-time and other issues as a result of COVID-19.
Establish an initial Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone at 1-877-214-3330 or 1-888-807-7072 or online.
The Full-Service Unemployment Insurance Claims Center can be reached at 1-877-214-3330.
The Vermont Department of Labor has implemented an alphabetized structure for the intake of weekly claims and inquiries, designating specific days of the week for individuals to contact the Department, based on the first letter of their last name.
FEDERAL STIMULUS
Government Guidance
IRS guidance on the Federal Economic Impact Payments, which are an advance on a new tax credit for 2020, will be distributed in the coming weeks.
U.S. Department of Labor resources:
COVID-19 and the American Workplace page
Employee Paid Leave Rights Poster explaining the The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) Paid Leave Guidance
Employer Paid Leave Requirements
Temporary rules on Paid Leave under the CARES Act.
Vermont Department of Labor provides information on how the stimulus package, or CARES Act, will impact Vermonters.
More Information
American Hospital Association’s CARES Act: Provisions to Help Rural Hospitals
Kaiser Family Foundation’s issue brief, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Summary of Key Provisions
National Law Review’s Summary of the CARES Act
Politico’s article, Here's what's in the $2 trillion stimulus package — and what's next
Tax Foundation’s page explaining the CARES Act and companion FAQ page.
Vermont Small Business Development Center Assistance Page. The SBA is rolling out two financing programs to help small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The EIDL includes an immediate grant of $10,000 that is available to all businesses, including sole proprietors, as soon as three days after applying.
HEALTH
American Cancer Society information on COVID-19 and cancer.
American Diabetes Association information on COVID-19 and diabetes.
CDC information on COVID-19 for HIV positive individuals.
Prescription delivery offered by many pharmacys, including: Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, CVS
Vermont CARES information on COVID-19 for HIV positive individuals.
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Page and Using Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 guidance
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information Page
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Data Dashboard
Vermont Department Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living Novel Coronavirus page
Health Insurance
Pay for tampons and pads with your HSA/FSA, thanks to the federal stimulus bill
Sign up for health insurance with Vermont Health Connect during a new enrollment period for people whose income has changed as a result of COVID-19.
Vermont Legal Aid’s Covid-19 page with info on evictions, health care, 3 squares, etc.
Maternal Health and Breastfeeding
Center for Disease Control’s Coronavirus Information on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information for Breastfeeding Mothers
Mental Health
The COVID-19 outbreak may increase levels of stress and anxiety among adults and children. 24/7 emotional help Crisis Textline Text: “VT” to 741741 or call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Vermont Department of Mental Health resources for COVID-19
Alcoholics Anonymous Vermont provides information about area meetings including virtual meetings.
Champlain Valley Area NA provides information about meeting rescheduling and remote meetings.
CDC - Stress and Coping offers suggestions for reducing stress for yourself, your family and your community.
Child Traumatic Stress Network
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide.
Pathways Vermont Support Line: The Vermont Support line is a free, anonymous resource for all Vermonters who are looking for someone to talk to. The Support Line is staffed by individuals who acknowledge that they have experienced a broad range of struggles of their own and are willing to be open about them. Open from 3 PM to 6 AM. Connect with an operator by dialing (833) VT - TALKS / (833) 888 - 2557.
UVM Health Network on managing stress during this crisis.
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) The National
Vermont Help Link is your statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services in Vermont. Helplink services are free and confidential.
World Health Organization Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
SMALL BUSINESSES
Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)’s COVID-19 resource page for business
ACCD hotline to report impacts and be directed to resources: (802) 461-5143, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
ACCD’s Business and Economic Response to COVID-19 Newsletter
ACCD's Recovery grants available for minority/women owned businesses
Center for Disease Control’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont offers business counseling and online workshops for entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses. They are offering weekly online ‘Brain Trusts’ that allow entrepreneurs to connect with each other and strategize solutions for each other’s businesses.
Chamber of Commerce’s Information and Support for Vermont Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
IRS Guidance on Tax relief for small businesses
Main Street Alliance’s resource list for small businesses
SCORE Resources:
How Small Businesses Can Prepare for COVID-19
Small Business Disaster Preparedness (Resources)
Disaster Preparedness and Continuity of Your Business
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s COVID-19 resources for businesses, including copies of past webinars on topics including transition to a remote workplace, supporting employees with child care needs, and keeping your business and community safe.
VT COVID-19 Response Fund will focus on extending and expanding the capacity of nonprofits that provide basic needs to vulnerable populations, specifically the elderly and those who rely on the social safety net for human necessities. Recipients include community-based organizations, particularly the agencies across the state that address the causes and conditions of poverty through a coordinated community response, targeted senior centers and meal sites, as well as the lead agencies who assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing equal access to housing and assistance based on clients’ strengths and need.
Vermont Department of Labor’s COVID-19 Update Page
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides business planning services and technical assistance to farm, food, and forest products businesses through its business advising program. It also has a web page with resources for working lands businesses related to COVID-19 response, found here.
Vermont Manufacturers Extension Center (VMEC) is providing free remote crisis response consultations to Vermont businesses, especially those involved in manufacturing.
Vermont Small Business Development Center Assistance Page. The SBA is rolling out two financing programs to help small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The EIDL includes an immediate grant of $10,000 that is available to all businesses, including sole proprietors, as soon as three days after applying.
Vermont Small Business Development Center’s disaster recovery guide from Tropical Storm Irene
Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN) COVID-19 Resources for Vermont Farmers and Food Producers
Women Business Owner’s Network’s COVID-19 Resources
Creative Economy
Americans for the Arts will be offering a webinar on April 8th at 3pm with Arts Government Affairs staff and guests who will lay out the various pieces of the legislation and how it pertains to the arts sector.
Americans for the Arts is conducting a national survey to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on the creative sector through data and stories.
National Endowment for the Art’s extensive list of national organizations and resources
New England Foundation for the Arts has also assembled resources to share with the arts and culture sector, including information on the CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance & Small Business Assistance for artists and organizations; how and where to apply for unemployment insurance and small business assistance and emergency resources and relief.
Vermont Arts Council has established a Vermont Rapid Response Artist Relief fund to respond to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists across our state. There's information and resources for artists and organizations as well as a guide for creating virtual arts experiences during this time of social distancing.
Non-Profits
Common Good Vermont provides information and help to VT nonprofits responding to COVID-19.
Vermont Community Foundation, Special and Urgent Needs Grants of $500-$5,000 to help Vermont nonprofits dealing with unexpected emergencies.
Regional Planning Commissions provide emergency preparedness and disaster planning for communities. Contact your regional entity for specific information.
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns can be a resource point to share information with other areas and municipalities.