Last month we listed information on some of the local programs where people affected by the coronavirus could go for assistance. Because the need continues to be so great, this month we have dedicated another post highlighting available resources in and around the St. Louis area.
Testing-Currently there are 11 testing sites throughout the city, all with different requirements and hours of operation. Some require pre-screening, while at others an appointment is necessary.
Mental Health Resources-The coronavirus has significantly raised the stress and anxiety levels of so many of us. To help address the rising number of mental health concerns, the St. Louis Mental Health Board along with the City of St. Louis Department of Health has teamed up with the United Way to provide increased access to mental health services for adults, teens and children. From a cell phone or landline call 211 and then press 1 for assistance.
Utilities-The St. Louis Water Division and Ameren have suspended disconnections for non-payment of water and electric bills. Ameren will also be waiving late payment fees. Spire Natural Gas has extended their initial March announcement and will not disconnect gas lines or collect late fees until at least the end of May. Spectrum/Charter understands the importance of having Wi-Fi in relationship to a child’s education, especially now that all schools in and around St. Louis County are closed and teaching is being done via virtual learning. Currently free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access is being provided to households with school age children including college students who currently do not have a broadband subscription.
Food-Twenty seven St. Louis Public Schools and nine charter schools are providing free breakfast and lunch “grab and go” meals. In order to reduce social contact, these meals have now been consolidated into a seven day meal kit available for pickup on a weekly basis. The St. Louis Foodbank is still distributing food through their 500 partnering agencies during this extreme time of need. Please click here to find a pantry near you.
Miscellaneous-For those with children still in diapers, the St. Louis Diaper Bank is offering drive-thru emergency diaper service. The Functional Needs Registry is continuing to register those of any age who have specific needs and require assistance taking care of themselves during an emergency. The University of Missouri-St. Louis has set up a financial resources page to help those in need of emergency funds. This list is updated as timely as possible.
For those who have lost their jobs or have been temporarily laid-off here is an online step-by-step instructional page on how to file for unemployment in Missouri Then for those of you searching for work, Staffing One Services is still open and working hard to fill numerous service industry positions. Many of these jobs may not be exactly what you are looking for but at least there are opportunities available at the moment. We are practicing social distancing so all interaction will be done by phone and/or online. Please call 314-361-2444 for more information. And remember Staffing One Services is here for you.