COVID-19: Need Help or Want to Help?

Economic Resources: Individuals and Workers

The L.A. County Mortgage Relief Program is available to help with counseling and workshops for those who are struggling to pay their mortgage. You can attend an upcoming Mortgage Assistance Workshop and receive free foreclosure prevention counseling. Learn more at nhslacounty.org/mortgagereliefprogram.

FEMA offers COVID-19 Funeral Assistance in an effort to relieve families of the financial burden of the pandemic. FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, please keep and gather documentation. To be eligible for funeral assistance, the death must have occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. You will need specific documentation. Please visit FEMA's website to learn more.

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is intended to help both renters and landlords. Landlords who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can get reimbursed for 80% of an eligible renter’s unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020. Eligible renters whose landlords choose not to participate in the program may apply on their own and receive assistance for unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020. Eligible renters may also receive assistance for unpaid utility payments dating back to April 1, 2020, or for future utility payments, which will both be compensated at 100% of cost, limited to a total of 12 months, and paid directly to the utility provider. Learn more online about the program's requirements and how to apply. You can also call (833) 430-2122.

My Health LA is a health insurance program for low-income L.A. County residents who may not qualify for health insurance elsewhere. Participants must be 26 or older and unable to get health insurance. Participants receive primary care at community clinics and specialty, emergency and urgent care at Health Services clinics and hospitals. Participants also can receive medications, mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. Call 844-744-6452 or visit DHS.LAcounty.gov/MHLA.

The Stay Housed L.A. County program provides legal assistance and support for tenants who are facing hardship due to COVID-19. Virtual Know Your Rights workshops offer critical information about permanent and emergency tenant protections that can help tenants facing eviction or other challenges related to their rental housing. Visit https://www.stayhousedla.org/ to learn more.

Workers and employers can apply for various types of assistance with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). The EDD handles unemployment insurance claims, disability insurance claims, paid family leave, and more. Their website offers information on additional resources for workers and employers who are experiencing hardships related to COVID-19. Visit https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm..

The L.A. County Business & Worker Disaster Help Center offers various resources and information for workers and businesses, and tenants and landlords. Staff can counsel you on the various local, regional, and federal assistance programs that have been created over the last several weeks. The Center is staffed with live people who speak 9 languages. Please call 833-238-4450 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to help you find the resources right for your situation. For online assistance, visit LACountyHelpCenter.org or e-mail questions to disasterhelpcenter@lacounty.gov.

OnwardCA.org is a resource that may be able to help land you a new job and get back on your feet. The platform has a dynamic matching system to match out-of-work Californians with available jobs and resources that best match their current situation, skills and experience.

America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) provides workers and job seekers many of the resources normally available in-person at AJCCs, including job openings, online education, and information for recently laid-off workers. Visit workforce.lacounty.gov.

Business Owners

The City of Signal Hill COVID-19 Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program (Grant Program) will provide up to ten $5,000 grants to mitigate financial hardships such as declines in revenue or impacts due to periods of closure. The application period opens February 7, 2022 and closes February 28, 2022. Learn more.

The BizHelp Program from LACDA will offer support and resources via a series of online webinars. The BizHelp Program is available to all businesses in L.A. County at no cost. Webinars will cover topics such as tips for successfully securing financial resources, operating post COVID-19, understanding basics in accounting and bookkeeping, and improving credit for business owners. Registration is required to participate. For more info and to sign up, visit https://www.lacda.org/.

Los Angeles County: COVID 19: Information for Businesses: This page contains L.A. County-specific information on how businesses can obtain assistance during this health emergency. The L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Small Business can also help connect you to local, state and federal resources, including layoff aversion and emergency loans. Visit dcba.lacounty.gov, call 800-593-8222 or e-mail concierge@dcba.lacounty.gov.

The state of California is offering businesses temporary tax relief: an automatic three-month income tax extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax, an extension of the availability of existing interest and penalty-free payment agreements to companies with up to $5 million in taxable sales, and expanded interest-free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on COVID-19 transmissions. Learn more.

L.A. County's voluntary and free COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program (CSCCP) educates and trains business owners to comprehensively implement the L.A. County Department of Public Health COVID-19 safety directives. This voluntary program offers business, employees and consumers alike the added reassurance that essential training has been completed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This training is highly recommended for business owners and employees. After completing the training, businesses will receive a COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate that can be posted on storefronts. Learn more at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/covid19cert.htm

L.A. County partnered with PPE Unite to provide 30 days of free personal protective equipment for businesses across L.A. County. This may include face masks, face shields and hand sanitizers. Visit ppeunite.org to learn more and sign up.

Commercial tenants are included in the L.A. County temporary moratorium on evictions. As a commercial tenant, you are protected from eviction if you are unable to pay rent due to hardships related to COVID-19 and for other COVID-19-related reasons. Please visit https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions/ for details.

A State of California tax relief program for small businesses offers a free deferral of sales/use tax of up to $50,000 for businesses with less than $5 million in taxable sales. Additionally, the California Small Business Loan Guarantee program offers $50 million in state funding for those who may not qualify for federal funding. Please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/business-and-employers to learn about these programs and others that may help small businesses in California.

The L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center can also guide businesses through the process to receive small business loans from the federal government, help with questions about the Paycheck Protection Program and other assistance programs, and connect you to Layoff Aversion services, tax credits, and comprehensive support. Visit their website, call 1-833-238-4450 or e-mail disasterhelpcenter@lacounty.gov. Live people are available to assist you.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering multiple funding programs for small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. Visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation established an L.A. Covid-19 Community Connectory which provides resources and assistance for small businesses and nonprofits. The L.A. County EDC is prioritizing COVID-19 relief for organizations. For additonal assistance, call LAEDC staff at 213-236-4837, or e-mail covid19response@laedc.org.

Mortgage Assistance

Several major banks and financial institutions have agreed to delay foreclosures and provide mortgage relief to California homeowners who are struggling to make their monthly payments due to COVID-19. If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage if COVID-19 has resulted in job loss, income reduction, etc., contact your mortgage servicer to request mortgage assistance.

Homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration may be eligible for a forbearance plan to reduce or suspend mortgage payments for up to 12 months. Contact your loan servicer for details.

Additionally, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, US Bank, Wells Fargo, and nearly 200 additional state-chartered banks, credit unions, and servicers have committed to providing relief for consumers and homeowners in California. Learn more about financial relief for homeowners and renters.

Student Loan Borrowers

Federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until May 1, 2022, but you can still make payments if you choose. Visit the Department of Education’s COVID-19 page to learn more.

For all other student loans, please contact your servicer directly. The State of California is working with several loan servicers to provide forbearance and other options for borrowers who are facing hardship due to COVID-19.

Food and Essentials

L.A. County can help put free, healthy food on the table for your family. Their online portal can connect those in need with those who can help. Visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/food.

Find a food pantry or food giveaway near you. For the latest information including distribution dates, times and locations, visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/get-support/.

L.A. County agencies and partners that provide free groceries and meals are expanding their services during COVID-19. See options and find food distribution sites near you. Some programs also provide delivery.

The CalFresh Program is available to all low-income Californians. The program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food may be purchased at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts EBT cards. You can apply at getcalfresh.org or call 866-613-3777.

Mental Health Resources

Managing the stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19 may be overwhelming for some people. It can help to keep a healthy routine that includes regular sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and increased communication/connection with friends and loved ones. People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.

Mental Health Hotlines

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Hotline: 800-854-7771
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY: 800-846-8517)
LA County Child Abuse Hotline: 800-540-4000 or TTY 800-272-6699
LA County Elder Abuse Reporting Hotline: 877-477-3646

There are things you can do every day, at home, to help support your mental and physical health during the pandemic. Use these six strategies:

Supportive relationships: Maintain supportive relationships wherever you can, including virtually.
Exercise: Engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day, if you can. It doesn’t have to be all at one time.
Sleep: Get sufficient, high-quality sleep. This may be particularly hard right now, but going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day can help.
Nutrition: Ensure you are getting proper nutrition to help combat stress.
Mental health support: Resources available here.
Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness in whatever way works best for you. This could be things like meditation, yoga, or prayer for 20 minutes, two times a day.

The State of California launched an online hub with resources for emotional support and well-being. Visit their website for helpful strategies for managing stress, hotlines if you need to talk to someone, and behavioral and mental health services.

Seniors who would like to speak to a real-life person for emotional support: please call the Friendship Line at 888-670-1360. This line is available 24/7.

Additional Resources:

Domestic Violence

For many domestic violence victims and survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. Please be assured that help and services are available during this time. COVID-19 does not mean you have to stay in an unsafe situation.

If you need help or support for Domestic Violence, please call the L.A. County Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-978-3600 or dial 2-1-1.

Here is a list of Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour Hotlines (PDF). All shelters are practicing safe COVID-19 protocols. You can call these shelters any time.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is at 800-799-7233 and TTY 800-787-3224.
If you are unable to call safely, visit thehotline.org to chat with someone online, or text LOVEIS to 22522. TheHotline.org also has specific information for domestic violence survivors on staying safe during COVID-19.
Call or text the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 1-800-VICTIMS for information on victim services programs in California.
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: Call 916-444-7163 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Seniors

Visit the California Department of Aging’s COVID-19 page for a list of resources for older and other at-risk adults.

L.A. County Department of Public Health offers a wealth of resources specifically for seniors online. Visit their website for help with food delivery, health care, mental health, and support for caregivers.

Senior Fitness

Seniors can maintain their health and fitness without leaving the safety of their home. In partnership with SeniorFitnessWithMeredith.com, the City of Signal Hill is broadcasting fitness classes just for seniors on the City of Signal Hill Cable Information Channel; Charter/Spectrum cable channel 3 or Frontier/FiOS channel 38. Classes air daily at 5:45 a.m., and then after each City Council meeting has concluded. These classes do not require special equipment and are designed specifically for older adults. Tune in and get moving with us!

There are also online exercise classes just for seniors that can be done in the comfort of home. Check out the following websites for senior fitness classes:

Resources for Parents and Children

An online portal from the State of California connects parents with safe and licensed child care providers nearby. Visit https://covid19.ca.gov/childcare/ for more information. Simply type in your zip code and you’ll be directed to a map showing nearby centers. There are several listed in the Signal Hill / Long Beach area.

Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease: Talking with Children About COVID-19

Keep kids healthy while they are distance learning, and protect kids from getting sick: CDC: Children and COVID-19

The Signal Hill Public Library has a variety of online resources for kids and adults.

How Can I Help Others Right Now?

Reach out to a friend or neighbor and offer your help, if you are healthy and able. At-risk (older and/or experiencing a chronic health condition) and unvaccinated individuals are advised to stay home as much as possible, therefore a friend or loved one should help them with essential supplies, food, etc. Appropriate ways to reach out include calling, texting, using social media, or simply leaving a note in their mailbox or door. Make sure you practice physical distancing while interacting with others.

You can donate time, money or goods to Let's Feed L.A. County, a county-led initiative. Visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/give-support/ to learn about how you can help.

Become a volunteer by signing up for the Californians For All initiative. You’ll be matched with volunteer and assistance opportunities in your area that fit your expertise. Visit californiansforall.ca.gov to learn more and sign up.

The United Way of Greater Los Angeles created the Pandemic Relief Fund to support L.A. County’s most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. The fund aims to support public health efforts to protect the homeless, prevent an increase in homelessness, and provide support to low-income students and their families who need technology assistance to continue their academics. Learn more: unitedwayla.org

The American Red Cross is calling on all healthy and eligible adults to donate blood. It is perfectly safe to donate blood right now. However, you must make an appointment to donate.

If you are a vendor interested in providing supplies and PPEs to Los Angeles County’s Emergency Operations, visit https://doingbusiness.lacounty.gov/