The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of every one of us. During this unprecedented time, many families, children and seniors living in Westchester County have been hit hard, experiencing job losses and financial hardship.
Feeding Westchester is dedicated to providing assistance to residents affected by the pandemic. If you could use a helping hand to get the healthy food that you and your family need, we welcome you to use our food assistance map to find your closest food pantry, hot-meal program and emergency food delivery options. You can also check out our Mobile Food Pantry schedule to view our upcoming food delivery stops.
Please refer to the following local community resources to learn more about getting help outside of food assistance.
Helpful Westchester County Community Resources
Housing
There’s currently a moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants, and no one can be evicted in the state until at least June 20. Learn more about the moratorium here.
Refer to the Homes and Community Renewal website’s COVID-19 FAQs page for more details on paying mortgages or rent, along with other useful housing information.
Emergency Housing and Homeless Services
If you’re in need of temporary housing or emergency assistance, Westchester County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) offers a few options:
- Find out more about temporary housing assistance here.
- Learn more about DSS emergency programs here.
- Contact 914-995-5938 (during business hours) or 914-995-2099 (after hours and weekend hours) for help.
Employment
Unemployment Insurance
If you’ve lost your job or had your hours decreased because of COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment assistance the first week that you lose your income.
Use this link to apply for unemployment.
COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
Emergency legislation is in effect, guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of COVID-19.
Learn more about COVID-19 paid sick leave benefits.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a federal program that was included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program provides support for Americans who are unable to work due to the pandemic but do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance, including:
- Self-employed individuals.
- Independent contractors.
- Farmers.
Find out if you’re eligible for PUA here.
Child Care
With children out of the classroom for the remainder of the school year and many toddlers and infants being unable to attend their routine day care centers, Westchester parents are faced with the challenge of finding child care while at work. Here are some resources that may be of use:
Child Day Care Subsidy
Westchester County provides financial help with day care payments to eligible families:
- Refer to the eligibility standards chart to see whether you may be financially eligible.
- Call 914-995-6521 or 914-995-6522 to speak with the application supervisor.
Child Care for White Plains First Responders and Healthcare Workers
All school districts in Westchester County are now providing child care for children of health care workers and first responders. This program is offered for children ages 5-12 and is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parents who are eligible include:
- Police officers.
- Firefighters.
- EMS workers.
- Corrections officers.
- All public health workers.
The service is available to health care workers and first responders who:
- Are Westchester County residents.
- Live outside of Westchester County but work in the county.
Click here for more information.
The Child Care Council of Westchester
The Child Care Council of Westchester is a nonprofit organization that serves as a one-stop shop for child care resources, referrals and information. To search for open child care programs and providers in the area based on your needs:
- Search the organization’s database.
- Call the referral department at 914-761-3456, ext. 140.
YMCA Emergency Child Care Services
The White Plains YMCA is offering emergency child care for working families in need of support, though availability is limited. You can find more information here.
Mental Health
During this stressful, unpredictable time, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress that has begun to affect your daily life and you feel you could benefit from support, here are three options:
- Contact Westchester’s Department of Community Mental Health by calling 914-995-1900 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or texting 914-461-7281.
- Reach out to Family Services of Westchester (FSW), which is currently offering telephone and video therapy from its seven licensed Family Mental Health Centers. Find more information to book an appointment here.
- Contact The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), whose team of licensed mental health professionals — including social workers, substance abuse counselors and psychologists — is virtually supporting clients. Visit MHA’s website or contact the organization at 914-345-0700, ext. 7350.
There is so much uncertainty amid this pandemic, but we are all in this together — and Feeding Westchester is here to help in any way that we can. To find out more about available local assistance, please access our full list of Westchester community COVID-19 resources here.
