Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
According to Brent Couch, community engagement coordinator for the Lighthouse Health Plan, his organization has put together a Community Resource Guide for Jefferson County locals to reference during the COVID-19 crisis.
The guide includes information on health resources, food assistance, help with utilities and more.
Couch calls the guide a "quick stop when immediate help or information is needed."
LOCAL RESOURCES INCLUDE:
• Jefferson County Department of Health - call (850) 342-0170 or visit jefferson.floridahealth.gov.
• Food sources: Summer BreakSpot meals for children up to 18 years of age: visit the website, call 211, or text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211.
• Feeding the Gulf Coast also assists families and individuals along the Central Gulf Coast to provide groceries and meals to those struggling to afford food. Use the website Find Pantry feature to locate help.
• Utility and housing help: Jefferson Utilities will cover the processing fee for all online and over the phone payments. Payment may be made by credit card, debit card, or checking or savings account.
• Capital Area Community Action Agency offers a number of financial assistance programs including rent and utility assistance, deposits and eviction prevention. For information call (850) 222-2043.
• Big Bend Homeless Coalition focuses on preventing evictions and rehousing individuals. Everything from shelter to subsidies for paying rent is available from the non-profit agency. For service information call (850) 576-5566.
• Internet and phone services: Many nationwide telecom providers such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, CenturyLink, T-Mobile and COX are all part of the “Keeping Americans Connected Pledge” and have agreed that for the next 60 days they will not terminate services or assess late fees on customers and businesses that fall behind on their bills to aid Americans who are out of school or work because of the coronavirus. AT&T, for example, said it would lift the monthly data limits it imposes on some home broadband customers and Comcast said it would raise the speed of customers who are part of its low-income broadband program. Additionally, telecom providers have agreed to open WI-FI hotspots to any American who needs them.