COVID-19 Resource List for the LGBTQ+ and Bethel Community

File for Unemployment
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/

Paid Sick Leave Laws for CT
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/SickLeave.htm

Affordable internet from Comcast
https://internetessentials.com/

Housing Information
Rent information, eviction information, tenant protection
https://www.ctfairhousing.org/covid-19-faqs-for-renters/

Car Insurance Discounts
https://www.wxyz.com/news/coronavirus/these-auto-insurance-companies-are-offering-credits-amid-the-covid-19-outbreak
Car insurance providers are providing partial discounts, including some like Amica that are not on this list. Contact your provider for details.

Taxes: Personal income tax filings (fed and state) delayed to July 15
https://tinyurl.com/tzkexlo

Relief Grants for Individuals

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program from the USBG National Charity Foundation
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap

National Domestic Workers Alliance
Aid and info for house cleaners, home care workers, nannies and other domestic workers
https://membership.domesticworkers.org/coronavirus/#fund 

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
Aid for restaurant, gig, and other hourly workers facing economic hardship
https://ofwemergencyfund.org/

Patreon – What the Fund Grant
For creators impacted by coronavirus (Application due by April 15, check back for updates)
https://go.patreon.com/what-the-fund

Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4u-9VX5bQZrdt3H-wO99UPb8e_k4r3dy0A3wf8eoG3E-2sw/viewform

Restaurant Employees
$500 Relief funds for Restaurant Employees – Application due April 2 (check for updates)
https://rerf.us/

Tegan and Sara Foundation Community Grants (check for updates)
https://www.teganandsarafoundation.org/communitygrants

Resources for Artists (keep checking, various resources)
https://www.arts.gov/covid-19-resources-for-artists-and-arts-organizations

General Information for CT Businesses:
This is an essential repository of information for the business community that is updated routinely. Webinars with information are also being held weekly. TIP: If you cannot get onto the webinar on your computer, dial in.
https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus

Coronavirus Payroll Tax Credit Program aka Employee Retention Credit (includes link to IRS resource)
https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/irs-coronavirus-payroll-tax-credit/

SBA Disaster Assistance
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application:
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Paycheck Protection Program
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

SBA Debt Relief
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief

Line of Credit Options for Minority- and/or Women-Owned Small Businesses
https://www.hedcoinc.com/state-of-ct-hedco-decd-covid-19

NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce)
https://www.nglcc.org/covid19

CTGLC (CT Gay & Lesbian Chamber)
https://www.ctglc.org/

Services, Providers & Testing Sites

Human Rights Campaign’s Health Equality Index of CT healthcare facilities:
https://www.hrc.org/hei/search/connecticut

Circle Care Center
https://www.circlecarecenter.org/

Anchor Health Initiative
https://anchorhealthinitiative.org/

COVID-19 Testing Sites
(*we are looking for a better resource for this! Please email us at info@bethelctpride.com if you have  one)
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/coronavirus/locations-for-drive-though-covid-19-testing-in-connecticut/2244133/

Danbury Community Coronavirus Hotline:
888-667-9262, open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM
https://patch.com/connecticut/danbury/danbury-sets-coronavirus-hotline

Elder Care Resources
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

Insurance

Access Health CT Special Enrollment Period
(until April 17, check back for updates)
https://learn.accesshealthct.com/

Health Information

Information About Coronavirus in 30 languages
(This resource is out of NY state, so some will not apply; however, we are posting so that information about the virus can be distributed to non-native English speaking communities if needed)
https://wnycosh.org/coronavirus/

What the LGBTQ+ population needs to know about COVID-19 from the National LGBT Cancer Network
(VERY extensive and informative)
https://cancer-network.org/coronavirus-2019-lgbtq-info/

Navigating Chest Binding while looking after your respiratory health during COVID-19
https://gcn.ie/guidelines-chest-binding-covid-19/

Transgender Health Risks
Fact Sheet from National Center for Transgender Equality
https://transequality.org/covid19

Tip Sheet from SAGE, “Tips and Resources for LGBT Elders and those living with HIV”
PDF: https://tinyurl.com/rw7vfyd
Or webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hux-PLaL56s

Covid-19 Action Plan from National Center for Transgender Equality (applies to all, broken into steps)
https://transequality.org/covid19/plan

Disability Justice Culture Club
Resources for disabled individuals, including webinars in ASL
https://www.facebook.com/disabilityjusticecultureclub/

Hygiene & Prevention Tips

How to Wash Your Hands from Mike Hot-Pence (for adults)
https://youtu.be/jFrS7IoKRNw

How to Wash Your Hands from the NHS (for kids)
https://youtu.be/S9VjeIWLnEg

CDC Information
Symptoms, social distancing, how to use and make a cloth face mask and more
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Grocery Shopping Tips from Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen
https://youtu.be/zmoBI5m2_uw

Mental Health Support Hotlines for the LGBTQ+ Community

SAGE – for LGBT Elders
https://www.sageusa.org/coronavirus/
If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, the national SAGE Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-360-LGBT.

LGBT National Help Center
(chat lines also available)
https://www.glbthotline.org/

• • LGBT National Hotline – 888-843-4564
  • LGBT National Youth Talkline (up to age 25) – 800-246-7743
  • LGBT National Senior Hotline – 888-234-7243

TrevorProject – for young LGBTQ+ seeking mental health guidance
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Their trained counselors are available to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorText (text START to 678678)

Translifeline.org
https://www.translifeline.org/
877-565-8860

Crisis Text Line
https://www.crisistextline.org/

Substance Use Disorder Services

Apex Community Care
https://apexcommunitycarect.org/

CT Community for Addition Recovery
https://ccar.us/zoom/ – online support group meetings

Online and Phone Based Recovery Support programs (originally created by New Haven Pride Center):

In The Rooms:
https://www.intherooms.com/home/live-meetings/

AA Telephone Meetings:
https://aa-intergroup.org/directory_telephone.php

AA Online Meetings:
http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php

SMART Recovery Online Forum:
https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/

Women for Sobriety Online Support Forum:
https://wfsonline.org/

NA Virtual Meetings:
https://virtual-na.org/

NA By Phone:
http://www.nabyphone.com/

New England Region of NA:
https://nerna.org/virtual-meetings/

High Watch Recovery Center’s Virtual AA & NA Meetings
https://highwatchrecovery.org/aa-online/

A Know Your Rights Guide for Trans and Non-Binary People Navigating COVID-19 (English and Spanish available) from TLDEF (Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund)
https://transgenderlegal.org/headline_show.php?id=989

Domestic Violence Resources

Search for local shelters or resources:
https://www.domesticshelters.org/

Women’s Center Danbury
https://wcogd.org/
https://wcogd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/covid-19.pdf

Various hotlines and resources from the state of CT
https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/CJ-Adult/Program-Victim/CT-Hotlines-and-Services

The Center for Family Justice
https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/
Domestic Abuse Hotline: 203-384-9559
Sexual Assault Hotline: 203-333-2233

CTSafeConnect
https://ctsafeconnect.com/
(888) 774-2900

Food Insecurity Resources

CT Food Bank’s Food Pantry Locator
http://www.ctfoodbank.org/get-help/pantry-locator/

Bethel Community Food Pantry
https://www.bethelcommunitypantry.org/
https://www.facebook.com/bethelcommunityfoodpantry

Brotherhood In Action of Bethel
http://www.biabethel.org/
https://www.facebook.com/BIABethel/

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program—SNAP
http://www.endhungerct.org/services/snap/

See Schools & Student Resources for Student Meals

Homeless Resources

Homeless Shelter Directory
**If you have the ability to call or call on someone’s behalf, please do so as some of these facilities may be operating differently due to the virus.**

https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/city.cgi?city=Bethel&state=CT

Bethel Public Schools
Announcements, including information about meals
https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/covid-19informationupdates/home

More info and fun stuff here, including meal updates
https://www.facebook.com/Bethel-Public-Schools

Danbury Public Schools
Includes meal information, elementary learning packet pick up, and remote learning info
https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/

https://sites.google.com/danbury.k12.ct.us/dps-covid-19-information/home

https://www.facebook.com/Danbury-Public-Schools

Pro Access, Bethel’s Teen Center
Do some online programming like virtual cooking classes!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Center/Pro-Access-Bethels-Teen-Center

*You should seek immediate guidance from an attorney for any questions related to your immigration status or visa processing.*

USCIS
Offices are currently closed, but keep checking back for information
https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings
https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-2019-covid-19 – statement

USCIS Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of March 18, USCIS has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1. USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public.

U.S. Department of State – The latest information for U.S. citizens and permanent residents overseas, including recent changes for inbound travelers from Europe and other affected areas.

Centers for Disease Control – Guidance for travelers returning from high-risk countries, information on travel within the United States, and country-specific travel health advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers – Recommendations on postponing or canceling travel, screening and quarantine procedures on arrival, and exposure risks/prevention strategies during travel.

World Health Organization – Rolling updates on current outbreak of coronavirus and more information for non-U.S. travelers.

Airline Change and Cancellation Policies – Comprehensive list of fee waiver policies for all major airlines, organized

Bethel CT Pride Book Club
Check https://www.facebook.com/bethelctpride for upcoming virtual meetups. We have moved our monthly book clubs to an online Discord channel!

Virtual Museums
https://artsandculture.google.com/

BIG list of fun from Sacramento LGBT Community Center
Toggle to the “Resources for folks who are sheltering in place” for a HUGE list of fun stuff to do, gathered by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center:
https://saccenter.org/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-and-resources

Free Books
Borrow and read eBooks and audiobooks from your local library for free
https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/

Believe Out Loud
Includes online sermons
https://www.believeoutloud.com/

Bethel Shark Siting
Join the fun to see the shark couple bring joy to Bethel
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BethelSharkSighting/

**Feel free to send us at-home workout, craft, music, etc. suggestions!**

Bethel CT Town Website
Includes information about cases, park closures, business closures, etc.
https://www.bethel-ct.gov/

Helpful Email Lists

For Bethel residents, email eddirector@bethel-ct.gov to be put on the newsletter released by the Bethel Economic Development Office

For those in the Danbury area, subscribe to https://citycenterdanbury.com/

For parents looking for educational and entertainment resources for kids sign up at MommyPoppins CT (https://mommypoppins.com/connecticut) or Macaroni Kid Danbury (https://danbury.macaronikid.com/subscribe)

For those looking for things to do online with other LGBTQ community members, get the Triangle Community Center Newsletter https://www.ctpridecenter.org/join

Social Media Account Suggestions

Local government leaders, message boards, and LGBTQ+ resources providing regular updates include:

Bethel CT Pride: https://www.facebook.com/bethelctpride

Town of Bethel – CT: https://www.facebook.com/BethelMunicipalCenter/

Bethel Police Department: https://www.facebook.com/bethelpolice/

Bethel Emergency Management & Fire Marshal: https://www.facebook.com/BethelOEM/

State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan: https://www.facebook.com/raghibct/

State Senator Julie Kushner: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorJulie/

Triangle Community Center: https://www.facebook.com/CTPrideCenter/

New Haven Pride Center: https://www.facebook.com/NewHavenPrideCenter/

CT Drag Fans (support drag performers providing entertainment via Watch Parties, ZOOM, etc.): https://www.facebook.com/CT-Drag-Fans

Resource Lists 

“Half Assed Disabled Prepper Tips for Preparing for a Coronavirus Quarantine”
Incredibly informative and thorough guide by a disabled QPOC.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rIdpKgXeBHbmM3KpB5NfjEBue8YN1MbXhQ7zTOLmSyo/preview

Coronavirus Tech Handbook
This is a MASSIVE resource. Some of it has resources are not USA-based, so please ensure you are reading details that can apply to you.
https://coronavirustechhandbook.com/home

Stress & Coping Tip List
From the CDC, including how to talk to kids about COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

COVID-19 Resources
 Including basics like flattening the curve, hand-washing, etc.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_ixaQIefjWYSymrqXBVAoe3zd–k97hUzGYG8f6harU/edit#

Helpful Articles

“How LGBTQ+ People Can Get Help and Resources During Coronavirus” – https://www.them.us/story/online-resources-lgbtq-coronavirus

“How to Make Sure Social Distancing and Self-Isolation Don’t Hurt Your Mental Health” –  https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/social-distancing-mental-health

“Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies” – https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2020/Coronavirus-Mental-Health-Coping-Strategies

“Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health from SAMHSA”- https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-social-distancing-quarantine-isolation-031620.pdf

We are incredibly proud of the local businesses providing meals and services to the local community!

Visit this new website for listings of local businesses providing services during COVID-19: https://www.radar108.com/services?scopeType=OPENFORBUSINESS

or the new Support Local – Bethel CT Group page on Facebook, which is updated daily: https://www.facebook.com/groups/209880650245977/

(Since many businesses such as restaurants change their offerings daily,  we are are currently NOT listing these here individually in order to limit confusion. If you are interested in supporting a specific business in Bethel or the surrounding area that does not appear on the site above, we suggest that you contact the business directly. Local community Facebook groups and pages may also have helpful information that is more up-to-date.)

**If you maintain and actively update another list of local businesses, send it to info@bethelctpride.com and we will put it here.**