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Blocks of color, logo, and title, COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources

Please note: This page was last updated 10/21/2021.  If you have questions, comments, or concerns please let us know.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VCW'S COVID-19 PUBLICATIONS/VIDEOS/PROJECTS

GET INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

FEDERAL STIMULUS

HEALTH

SMALL BUSINESSES

VCW's COVID-19 FOCUSED PUBLICATIONS/VIDEOS

The COVID-19 Crisis and Vermont Women Data Dashboard

VCW's data dashboard tracking the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on women and girls in Vermont.  Last updated October 5, 2021.


Essential At Work And Home: Women And Covid-19 | UVM Larner College Of Medicine | Gender Equity Education Series

VCW Executive Director Cary Brown presented this talk on September 13, 2021 as part of the UVM School of Medicine's Gender Equity Initiative Education Series. Setting the context for this conversation, Cary incorporates women’s unpaid labor and caregiving roles and then addresses the pandemic's impact to women’s workforce participation, including the most recent state data available.  The talk closes with policy solutions for recovery.


Impacts of COVID-19 on Vermont Households: a Survey Analysis

A team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Indiana University investigated the impacts of COVID-19 and its socioeconomic fallout on US households.  Survey questions covered employment, business operations, household finances, labor productivity, child care and education, mental and physical health, and substance use.  Joining with our Change The Story initiative partnership, we helped to distribute the survey statewide.  Over 500 Vermonters took part, and lead researcher Marta Vicarelli and her team prepared a Vermont-specific analysis.  Among Vermont respondant’s concerns: pandemic-related disruptions in work, school, and child care, inequitable divisions of household labor, increases in depression, anxiety, and substance use, and economic insecurity. 
Read the survey results. 

Read our press release about the survey.

Read about survey findings on mental health concerns and substance use.


Video: The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Vermont Women

VCW started the 2021 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.


COVID Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont’s Small Minority/Women Owned Businesses

In July 2020, as a result of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the State of Vermont announced the availability of Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont businesses, which included a set-aside of $2.5 million for minority-owned businesses and $2.5 million for women-owned businesses. The enabling legislation named the Vermont Community Loan Fund, in collaboration with the Vermont Commission on Women and other appropriate partners, as the community partners in this program, and the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity was identified as the third partner.


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.


COVID-19 and Vermont’s Economic Recovery

COVID-19, Child care, and Vermont’s Economic Recovery

COVID-19, Women and Vermont’s Economic Recovery

COVID-19 Parenthood and Vermont’s Economic Recovery

A series of publications from the summer of 2020 and lead by VCW's Education and Human Development committee.


COVID-19 and a Laundry List of Economic Inequities

Commentary by Chair of VCW's Education and Human Development committee, Kellie Campbell.


Information, help, and resources were featured in our special March 18th COVID-19 edition of the VIEW, VCW's eNewsletter.


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) 

University of Vermont

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

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

Childcare

Building Bright Futures’ Child Care for Essential Workers and Statewide 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

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

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

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

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

COVID Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont’s Small Minority/Women Owned Businesses

In July 2020, as a result of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the State of Vermont announced the availability of Economic Recovery Grants for Vermont businesses, which included a set-aside of $2.5 million for minority-owned businesses and $2.5 million for women-owned businesses. The enabling legislation named the Vermont Community Loan Fund, in collaboration with the Vermont Commission on Women and other appropriate partners, as the community partners in this program, and the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity was identified as the third partner.

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.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by authors and members of the organizations listed are not necessarily those of VCW. The presence of any individual or organization on this list should not be considered an endorsement by VCW.