Updated local resources as of August 7, 2020

Funds for Germantown Residents in Need:

Germantown Mutual Aid Fund has resources available for Germantown residents who may be eligible for assistance with utility and housing costs, medical and transportation expenses, and other basic needs. More information and the link to apply can be found here. Please note that funds are not guaranteed, and that the Fund also welcomes donations of any size to continue its meaningful work.

Food Distribution:

Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, in partnership with the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network, will provide boxes containing dairy and produce every Wednesday through September 1, beginning at 10:30 AM, while supplies last. Please see the attached flyer to access these food boxes. You must arrive in a vehicle and wear a mask to be served. This program is open to all, regardless of whether you live in Montgomery County. 

CoVid Testing:

Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) is also helping to connect people to COVID testing and treatment. PHLP started this initiative in the western part of the state, but they are moving east as soon as they can. For more information, please call their helpline at 1-800-274-3258, or email staff@phlp.org.

Are You or Someone you Know:

• Unable to Make a Mortgage Payment This Month or Next?
• Suffering from Food Insecurity?
• Experiencing Reduced hours at your job or a furlough or layoff?
• Sick and Unable to Work?
• Feeling Isolated and Alone in This Unusual Time?

USG Can Help!

For Help with Financial Needs: A Covid Financial Relief Fund has been established with the goal of raising and distributing $50,000 to those experiencing financial hardship. Email covidrelief@usguu.org or contact USG Staff for details in complete confidence.

For help with Social Connections and Short Term Food Needs: email caring@usguu.org or call the church at 215-844-1157 and we will contact the Caring Team.

Help USG Help Others Affected by Covid-19

Dear Friends,

A Covid Financial Relief Fund has been established to raise and contribute up to $50,000 to help with financial hardships in the church and community. Can you help us reach this ambitious goal? A generous donor will match $10,000 by August 31, and as of July 14, we have already been given $9,635!

To donate to the Fund now:
    mail checks to USG with “covid” in the memo line; or
    text an amount to 215.608.2660, with keyword “covid” (for example: 250  covid); or
    donate online (at usg.breezechms.com/give/online; select “to Covid Relief Fund” in the dropdown menu).

Donations of any size will be gratefully received and put to good use.

Health challenges 

USG has several teams in place to provide support during the current CoVid-19 pandemic. If you have needs, would like to participate, or would like to assist, you can email the contact listed below. Or, you can leave a voicemail on the USG office phone (215) 844-1157 and your voicemail will be forwarded to the person listed. We are here to help you however we can.

Caring@usguu.org Linda Bernstein

USG is an incredibly caring community and the Caring Committee helps us all find ways to be helpful. If you or someone you know is facing increased health or emotional difficulty during this pandemic, please reach out to the Caring Committee for assistance. 
 

Connecting socially 

CovidConnect@usguu.org Nancy Roecker-Coates

As we continue physical distancing, we can still rely on one another for support. This group will provide a place to connect with others and share our experiences, struggles, and insights as we self-isolate. Please contact us for meeting information.

Families with children at home

CovidFamilies@usguu.org Gale Gibbons

The Children’s and Families team is here to support families and caregivers during this time. Many of you are busy and challenged with parenting, homeschooling and working from home. Please reach out if you have ideas, resources to share with others, and/or if you’d like some support. CSD is working on developing resources for you to access easily from at home.   

Food delivery help

communications@usguu.org Carolyn Scott    

Need help obtaining deliveries of groceries? We can connect you with …
1) an IN-PERSON SHOPPER,
2) a TECHNICAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER to help USG community members navigate food delivery systems, such as Shipt or Instacart, so that you can do your own online shopping from home, or
3) an ONLINE SHOPPER for people who do not have devices to do online shopping themselves.

Economic challenges

CovidEconomics@usguu.org Lisa Dutton   

This group will share economic resources for USG congregants which may include: filing for unemployment; employment resources; community and private resources for food, assistance with bills, etc. We plan to: compile information and post it on the USG website; have discussion via Zoom to identify needs, share ideas and support each other. Contact us via email to share resource information and to get the meeting information; or call the office 215-844-1157 with the message that you wish to speak to Lisa privately.

USG CoVid-19 Support Resources

USG has compiled reference information related to the CoVid-19 pandemic in the following categories:

Community Resource Summaries

Each of these documents covers a range of topics (health, financial, etc.) and some contain links to websites that are updated regularly.

1. Resource Summary from POWER 4.2.2020
2. PA Resources Senator Casey
3. Resources for PA Employees
4. Resources Summary from Lower Merion Township
5. healthymindsphilly.org/en/get-help-now/ 

Employment Related

PA Career link is the State led unemployment service https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline.

All PA CareerLink offices are closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.  All services are being done online during this pandemic. As of 4/14/202 their website lists open positions at Aldi, Amazon, Giant, Lowes, Tower Health, Walmart and other organizations.

The resources below contain information on the job search process and a position that was posted when this information was compiled.

Health Related

1. Health related resources from CDC, WHO, and other sources
2. What to do if you are sick with CoVid (Phila and CDC resources)

Miscellaneous

 Compiled 4/14/2020

Updated 7.14.2020