California
COVID-19 Resources
The Eviction Defense Network (EDN) is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to protecting the right to decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing.
Serve Houses Facing Eviction:
• provide consultations for a donation
(no one turned away due to lack of funds)
• provide representation in court on a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay (payment plans are available
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE COVID-19 TEST
The City of Los Angeles is providing free COVID19 tesing starting on Apri 29, 2020
Statewide
San Diego
LOS ANGELES
L.A. Financial Assistance
The City of L.A. is offering emergency micro-loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to small businesses affected by the coronavirus.
The Jewish Free Loan Association is offering interest-free and fee-free loans that can be turned around in a matter of days to folks impacted by coronavirus, for anything from everyday expenses to childcare to lost wages. You do not need to be Jewish to apply.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering up to $2 million in low-interest disaster loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in certain states, including California.
The USBG National Charity Foundation is offering loans to bartenders who may be out of work.
Here is a list of resources for freelance artists.
One Fair Wage is offering cash assistance to service workers and tipped workers.
Restaurants Care is offering grants for restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined.
Children of Restaurant Employees is offering funds to restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have children at home.
Americans for the Arts has a lengthy list of places offering funding and grants for artists.
Qualify for the Angeleno Card! What is it? The Angeleno Card provides financial assistance for in-need households via no-fee prepaid cards provided by Mastercard.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance has set up a fund for in-home care workers, nannies and house cleaners.
Savi and Student Debt Crisis are offering help to folks who are having trouble paying their student loans because of the coronavirus' impact to their income.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is also encouraging people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak to apply for unemployment or disability.
The federal government recently passed a bill requiring employers to pay sick leave and family leave.
Read our guide on that here.
L.A. FOOD ASSISTANCE
For the closest food pantry or food bank, visit the Los Angeles Food Bank Pantry Locator.
Everytable is offering meals to all Angelenos in need, including food distribution for seniors who need food brought to their homes, food for students and food for groups.
Eastside Riders is providing free breakfast for students in Watts from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
LA Dream Center in Silver Lake is providing free meals for all LAUSD students from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
LA Dream Center in Silver Lake is providing free meals for all LAUSD students from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Hugo's kids menu will be free for guests 12 and under throughout the LAUSD closure.
Los Angelitos Bakery is offering one free bread to children ages 5 to 13, Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The City of Lynwood is offering free meals from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for kids of all ages
El Torito restaurants are offering free (take-out only) meals to all kids ages 12 and under.
Toast in Whittier, The Benediction in City of Industry and The Dylan in Brea are offering free take-out breakfast burritos to kids ages 6 to 12 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Acapulco Restaurant y Cantina is offering free (take-out only) meals to kids ages 12 and under at all their locations.
Also check out these maps we put together of school sites and community centers offering free meals for kids for pick-up.
L.A. MEDICATION
Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during this evolving situation and any purchase on Walgreens.com.
CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications.
The City of Los Angeles is providing free Covid 19 Testing to Los Angeles County residents.
L.A. EVICTIONS
Here are your rights as a renter in L.A
Both the City and County of Los Angeles have passed eviction moratoriums, which include residences and businesses. Other cities and counties that have passed eviction moratoriums include Pasadena and Santa Monica, with Long Beach apparently poised to join the list.
LOS ANGELES TENANTS UNION
List of COVID-19 Resources
Information on COVID-19
Spread, basic precautions, symptoms
LA Department of Public Health’s Info Sheet on COVID-19- Includes FAQ on spread, symptoms and prevention, as well as up-to-date information on the virus’ presence in LA County. Has advice for parents, students, schools, workplaces and more. Available in multiple languages.
Here’s an interesting interactive map, tracking reported COVID-19 cases across the US in real time
Good article interviewing an internal medicine physician and HIV sexual health expert on concerns and questions people have about COVID-19
The CDC’s guide on getting your home ready for the pandemic. Available in Spanish and Mandarin as well.
Leah Piepzna-Samarasinha’s guide for disabled people prepping for COVID-19. Very useful for able-bodied people preparing to hunker down for a long time as well.
No wipes available at the store? Check out this guide on how to make disinfectant wipes at home
What To Do If You Start to Show Symptoms
Effective 3/16-3/30, Mayor Garcetti ordered a moratorium on evictions of residential tenants during this local emergency period if the tenant is able to show an inability to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 3/23, Garcetti announced that Ellis Act evictions are also covered under the moratorium
From HCID, if you can’t pay rent due to:
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Loss of income due to workplace closure or reduced hours due to COVID-19
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Loss of income or child care expenditures due to school closures
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Health care expenditures stemming from COVID-19 infection of a tenant or a member of a tenant’s household who is ill with COVID-19
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Reasonable expenditures stemming from government ordered emergency measures,
Document as much as possible (letter from employer reducing hours due to virus, for example) and send a letter to the landlord to inform them you can't pay. LATU is developing a template letter you can use, available soon.
If you still get a Notice to Pay Rent or Quit from your landlord, you can send a response letter to them and HCID, along with documentation. This should protect you in the event the landlord does proceed with a legal eviction- HCID should dismiss the case. Garcetti's ordinance allows eligible renters 6 months to pay back-owed rent after the state of emergency is lifted. You cannot be evicted for failure to pay rent due to the above mentioned reasons during this state of emergency- courts and the sheriffs will not act.
PS- Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citi and JP Morgan Chase have waived mortgage payments for 90 days, and Bank of America agreed to a 30-day suspension, if you need more info to explain to your landlord.
Evictions can be filed and are being filed. What the Presiding Judge of the LA Superior Court did on 3/17/2020 is:
1. Extend the deadline to file an answer to an eviction so that the period form 3/16 through 4/17 does not count against your filing deadline.
2. Continue all eviction trials for 30 days;
3. Continue all other filing deadlines 3 days.
Information for Renters Short on Cash
**If you develop flu-like symptoms, please call ahead to your local clinic or primary health provider before arriving! Some facilities are offering video intake calls to prevent spreading COVID-19 to compromised patients.**
LA has begun rolling out testing centers but those run by the city are only available to high-risk populations. Click here to see if you’re eligible and to schedule a test.
Some comprehensive advice from a nurse for otherwise healthy people under the age of 65 who may be showing signs of COVID
If you do start showing flu-like symptoms, avoid taking ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever. Reach for paracetamol/acetaminophen (ie Tylenol) instead, since some reports indicate ibuprofen can worsen inflammation in the lungs.
Super King, Ralphs, Whole Foods (free for Amazon Prime members) do grocery delivery
For those without health insurance, you can apply for emergency Medical, regardless of immigration status. This page is available in a variety of languages.
You can also check out My Health LA, a no-cost health care program for low-income Los Angeles County residents, who are ineligible for Medi-Cal, most of those being undocumented immigrants. Services are in English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, & Vietnamese. FOR MORE INFO CALL 1-844-744-6452 8AM-5PM MON-FRI.
St John’s Well Child and Family Center provides free/low cost services to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status, and has clinics all over LA
Information on Availability of LA Services
Pressure points and demands you can help push to assure LA’s at-risk populations are getting the support and resources they need. Ways you can organize locally around this crisis.
The LA Tenant Union's Statement on Coronavirus
A movement-based perspective on organizing in the context of this pandemic
A Twitter thread on how to start a support network in an apartment building
A similar doc, but on how to start a support network in your neighborhood
Bay Area Rising’s article/resource list on preparing for coronavirus as organizers
Support Reclaiming Our Homes LA as unhoused families reappropriate abandoned CalTrans houses in El Sereno
Demands from Grassroots Organizers Concerning COVID-19
ACCE’s sign-on letter to Gov Newsom demanding An Immediate Moratorium on all Evictions, Emergency Income Assistance, Preserving Employee Medical Benefits, and Preventing Utility Shut-Offs across the state of California
Koreatown For All’s list of demands for city councilmembers (includes their contact info!) to address the impact of the pandemic on LA’s unhoused people
Article on the general situation for LA’s unhoused community as of 3/11
Services Not Sweep’s list of demands to the City and County of LA for Unhoused Angelenos in the face of an epidemic
Take Action
Mayor Garcetti’s FB page, which includes up-to-date information on LA closures, viral load, and city services
On Thursday 3/19, Mayor Garcetti issued a “Safer At Home” emergency order ordering all residents of the City of Los Angeles to stay inside their residences, and close all non-essential businesses. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight until March 31, except for workers of impacted businesses who have an additional 24 hours.
There does not seem to be a criminalization component, though the city’s FAQ states, “it is a crime (misdemeanor) not to follow the Order (although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble, and the expectation is that everyone will comply).”
The city still encourages Angelenxs to spend time outdoors, though minimum six feet apart.
You can also: hang out in your yard, go to the store for groceries or food supplies, take your pets to the vet, go to the pharmacy or go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first) and help someone else get these necessary supplies.
The measure is aimed at decreasing crowd contact.
You can report nonessential businesses that continue to operate by calling 311
Effective 3/16, Garcetti signed an executive action to close bars, nightclubs, restaurants (except takeout/delivery), entertainment venues, and other establishments in the city of Los Angeles. These orders stay in place until March 31 unless extended.
Effective 3/23, restaurants and bars can now deliver alcohol in the City of LA
On Monday 3/16, Gov Newsom passed an ordinance asking local governments to halt evictions, slow foreclosures and protect against utility shutoffs. However, tenants are not relieved of their obligation to pay rent. Landlords' ability to recover rent that is due still remains in place the order says. The new tenant and homeowner protections remain in effect through May 31, 2020, unless they are extended. Bank foreclosures are requested to be halted for this same duration of time.
Metro LA trains and buses are still running but with reduced service. DASH buses are free for the foreseeable future. Both DASH and Metro buses can only be boarded from the rear of the vehicle.
On vehicles: the Department of Motor Vehicles is waiving enforcement of expired license and registration fees for 60 days.
Locally, the City of LA has implemented the following: relaxed enforcement of street sweeping restrictions in residential areas, relaxed enforcement around closed schools, moratorium on ticketing and towing for abandoned vehicles and oversize vehicle overnight parking fines, freeze on parking fine increases for the next 60 days, extended grace period for people dropping off or picking up groceries and goods, immediate extension on all deadlines for payment due until June 1.
LA Superior Courts state that all new civil jury trials should continued for at least 30 days and all preference jury trials should be continued for at least 15 days; all criminal jury trials, where statutory time has been waived, should be continued for at least 30 days; and that new jury panel requests should be limited within the next 30 days due to concerns about juror availability. Los Angeles Superior Court does not have the authority to close courts in the event of a pandemic
Update 3/15: Courts announce they are scaling back operations
Update 3/16: Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile will close all non-essential operations in the trial court for 3 days (March 17 - 19) and extend time and filing deadlines in cases pursuant to an emergency authorization from the Chief Justice.
Keep abreast of new info on their twitter
Social Security Offices are closed starting 3/17 excepting for critical issues, including: Dire need benefit payments, which include if you did not receive your benefit payment, presumptive payments, or if you need your benefit payments reinstated; severe disability, blindness, and terminal illness cases; dire need SSI and 1619B eligibility decisions required for urgent Medicaid approval. You can still use your online account or call 1-800-772-1213 if you don’t know your office’s local number. All currently-scheduled appointments will be kept over the phone.
LA Public Libraries are closed until further notice. Checked out materials will be renewed automatically and late fees are waived.
LA Department of Recreation and Parks are closed until further notice. This includes recreation centers, parks, Senior Citizen Centers (Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered), etc.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles suspends all masses until at least March 29th
LA Department of Sanitation continues all services (trash and recycling collection) but suspends all public events and closes public buildings
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is still giving out food and goods at 1734 E 41st St Los Angeles, California
LAUSD public schools will be closed for at least two weeks starting Monday 3/16 (see section below).
If you notice or experience price gouging, you can file a complaint through the CA Attorney General’s website, call (800) 952-5225, or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. California law prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10 percent, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. Here are some FAQs on price gouging.
You can also file a complaint directly through the LA City Attorney’s website
Follow The Source’s Instagram for new listings on transitional and low-income housing options
For Folks with Limited Mobility or Who Are Immuno-compromised
If you are living with HIV and receive treatment through AHF, they have started mailing out prescriptions for free and refilling them early so that you have a 60-day buffer.
Senior Citizen Centers run through LA Parks and Rec will continue to deliver meals
Supermarkets offering senior shopping hours: Northgate Market (7-8am), Vallarta Supermarkets (7-8am), Super A Foods (7-8am) and Big Saver Foods (7:30-8 am), Cardenas (7-8am), Starter Bros (7:45-8), Albertsons Stores [Vons, Pavilions, Safeway] (7-9 am Tuesdays and Thursdays); Target (8-9am, Wednesday only), Whole Foods (7-8 am), Gelsons (7-8 am), Ralphs (7-7:30 am), Superior Grocers (7-8 am), Eataly (8:30-9:30), Mother’s Market (7-8am)
Supermarkets offering shopping hours for pregnant women and people with disabilities: Vallarta Supermarkets (7-8am), Cardenas (7-8am), Starter Bros (7:45-8), Target (8-9am), Wednesday only), Superior Grocers (7-8 am)
Preparing for/dealing with COVID-19 for those with chronic illnesses- a guide written by a Harlem-based physician. See Leah Piepzna-Samarasinha’s guide above as well.
Google Doc of immunocompromised people who need supplies/support in SoCal and around the country. Only reach out if you are healthy and have no symptoms!
Similar spreadsheet but specific to LA.
Groundgame LA has started a mutual aid network, providing grocery and supply deliveries, and preparing to expand this work to include running errands, dog walking, childcare, caregiving, and mental health support for those impacted by the pandemic. Click here if you want to be included in their mutual aid network and click here to donate to these efforts. Form is available in English and Spanish.
People 4 People LA is providing a similar service, matching needed services/goods/groceries to volunteers who can provide them. If you need services, call (707) 390 0269. If you can “run” services, text your information to (707) 390 0269 or email [email protected]
For Families With School-Aged Children
LAUSD public schools closed for at least two weeks starting Monday 3/16. Here’s a parent’s guide to educational continuity
Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order Ensuring State Funding for Schools Even in Event of Physical Closure. Order mandates that school districts use dollars to fund distance learning and high quality educational opportunities, safely provide school meals, and arrange for the supervision of students during school hours. Requires Department of Education and California Health & Human Services Agency to develop strategies to address equity challenges around internet connectivity, ensure students with disabilities receive specialized education, and safely provide meals. Urges employers to take area school closures into account and provide flexibility during the COVID-19 crisis
Article and video in Spanish on how to explain COVID-19 to kids.
Article and video in English on how to explain COVID-19 to kids.
60 LAUSD Schools will be offering free to-go meals during school closures. You can see a map and a full list here. These would replace the previously announced Family Resource Centers from the City of LA.
Lunch On Me is a woman of color run and owned nonprofit providing free meals to low income students with teacher referrals every day 4pm and 6pm at 2713 w. 6th st. LA CA 90057.
$3 will provide a three course meal. Donate here https://www.lunchonme.org/donate
Free meals for all LAUSD students starting Monday March 16th 7:30am-6:30pm at The Dream Center 2301 BELLEVUE AVE. LOS ANGELES 90026
In conjunction with LAUSD, PBS SoCal will be running enriching programs on TV during the daytime
Scholy.com is offering $200 in cash assistance to help cover student expenses for those in high school, college or grad school. The application takes less than two minutes to fill out.
(See also “For Those Working/Organizing/Studying/Teaching Remotely” below for phone companies and ISP offering free services, discounts and promotions to keep you and your children online)
For People Who Are Under/ Unemployed Due to COVID-19
**If you continue to have to work in person at a nonessential business, you can call 311 to report this place of work
FAQ on your workplace rights within the context of the pandemic from Legal Aid at Work
Worker Organizing Toolkit in Times of COVID-19 by the Seattle/King County COVID19 Mutual Aid Network, with resources to consult if you and your coworkers aren’t allowed to take time off, have your hours cut, don’t get paid, or feel like you are exposed at work, broken down by industry.
Basic coronavirus-related labor laws in LA Country- From the LA Times, which has an article limit
Facebook group for freelancers affected by COVID-19
American Federation of Labor’s list of COVID-19 resources
Fact sheet from the Employment Department of California on COVID-19 for workers of all kinds who may be under/unemployed due to closures, illness or caretaking responsibilities. Governor Newsom has lifted the one-week waiting period normally required before receiving unemployment insurance!
More specific FAQ on how to file for disability, paid family leave or unemployment
Both are available in English and Spanish! You do not have to have residency papers to be eligible for disability if you acquire the coronavirus
Summary of benefits available to Workers Impacted by COVID-19 from CA’s Labor and Workforce Department
FAQs on labor laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office during COVID-19
Mutual aid form connecting under/unemployed queer and trans people to other queer and trans people offering aid
Resources for unemployed artists
The City of LA’s Job Portal, with job listings and work-related resources
If you or members of your family are undocumented, you might be eligible to receive emergency funds from the Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation. You can also call, if access to internet is limited (253) 653-4630
Check out this list of relief funds available to undocumented Californians as well
For Those Working/ Organizing/ Studying/ Teaching Remotely
Lengthy list of resources and best practices for organizing Online Meetings, Classes, and Events
Verizon is offering free unlimited wireless to LAUSD students
Spectrum is offering new customers two free months of internet and WiFi to help households with students in Pre-K to 12 and/or college with their remote education. They are also making their WiFi hotspots open for public use. Call 1-844-488-8395
Comcast is doing the same as Spectrum: two free months, free wifi hot spots and no disconnect or late fees for existing customers plus waiving data caps on internet usage.
AT&T is following suit with similar measures, and making their Cisco Webex Meetings platform free as well.
All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming) and will have an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service soon. They’re also increasing the data allowance to schools and students subscribed to their EmpowerED digital learning program by 20GB of data per month.
Here is Boost’s policy, which also includes free calls to Level 3 countries.
Sprint’s policy is similar, and adds unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans (effective 3/18) plus 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices (effective 3/18).
Lengthy list of remote learning options offered at universities, including platforms and suggestions
Lengthy list of remote learning platforms available to instructors
Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings
Google’s premium version of its workplace video chat tool is free until July
Adobe is also giving free Creative Cloud access to students at home (usually only available at institutions)\
Scholy.com is offering $200 in cash assistance to help cover student expenses for those in high school, college or grad school. The application takes less than two minutes fill out.
For College Students Displaced due to Campus Closures
U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Self-Storage amid Coronavirus Outbreak for College Students
Foster youth staying at a college dorm that is going to be closed due to the coronavirus, can email [email protected] and Together We Rise will provide or help find housing
Further Documents to Check Out/ Keep An Eye On
Some other great LA-related resource sheets!
AMWA's Local Coronavirus Community Care Doc
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Resource Links Compiled by Audrey Kuo, ([email protected])
COVID-19 Los Angeles Community Resources
COVID-19 Resources for Youth and Students
Some resources for undocumented peoples in CA, from CIYJ
Even more resources for undocumented people (in CA and the US)