Resource Roundup

Resources for Foster/Adopt Families 

Financial Resources
Mental Health Resources
Education Resources
Keeping Kids Busy
Food Resources
Self Care
Parenting & Relaxation
Weekend Fun
Therapeutic Parenting Videos
Resources by Age Group
Metro East / Illinois Resources
Exercise Resources
WIC & TANF
Food Stamps Online Purchasing
Utilities Assistance
Vaccination Appointments

The Coalition will continue to support our families and the St. Louis community by providing resources during this difficult time with COVID-19.

These resources are available thanks to a combination of local and state government programs, non-profit agencies, service providers, and more. We will work to continually update the information as more opportunities come on line or additional needs arise.

Please know, the supports are not comprehensive but designed to quickly connect our St. Louis Metro and Metro East community with tools for addressing immediate needs. As neighbors, family members, residents, and friends, we must all do our part – as one city – to support one another during this difficult time.

Financial Resources

We understand you are facing more than health concerns as a result of the spread of COVID-19. As things continue to close, many workers are being laid off until further notice. Those who can work are faced with the difficult choice of showing up with the possibility of getting sick or losing income. This is the stress we wish none had to bare.

Many companies and local organizations have stepped up to provide relief for this. Please visit our resource roundup for a list of St. Louis and Metro East financial support resources. As we learn of more resources we will continue to update.

Mental Health Resources

Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause both children and adults to experience emotions we haven’t had to work through before. Now more than ever, it is important to take care of yourself and family. Small adjustments can help. Some things you can try are:

  • Opening the lines of communication for you, your partner, or children to talk about COVID-19.
  • Encouraging communication of emotions.
  • Unplugging from media for 30 minutes a day.
  • Reaching out to friends and family via Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts or FaceTime to still get group interaction.

Remember to have a little more patience and a little more compassion during this time with those you interact with. Please remember you can call your insurance company to find out what virtual or telehealth services you may be covered for.

  • Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Traumatic Grief Related to COVID-19
  • Things you can do to support yourself
    • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
    • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
    • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
    • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

CDC Website on Stress

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Mental Health Resource Links

  • Taking Care of Mental Health During the Covid-19 Crisis
  • Counseling – Marsha Bradford
    • marsha@diversifiedhwc.com,
    • Hello everyone! I own a Health and Wellness Center in Kirkwood. We are offering free telehealth counseling sessions to anyone that is struggling through this hard time. Anxiety, OCD, depression and more are hard enough to deal with, you shouldn’t feel trapped in your own homes with no one to talk to as well.
  • Telehealth Counseling
    • 314-207-4028 Melissa Douglas, Goal Driven Counseling, LLC- Florissant, Missouri 63033
    • (314) 207-4028 (accepts Medicaid)
  • Alzheimer’s Association
    • Call the Alzheimer’s Association’s toll-free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or go to https://www.alz.org/
  • SSM Mom’s Virtual Support Group
    • 314-768-MOMS (6667)
  • SLPS Emotional Support Hotline
  • SSM Mom’s Virtual Support Group
    • 314-768-MOMS (6667)
  • Live Another Day
    • Extensive information on mental health and substance use resources for People of Color. Their mission is equal access to life-saving resources.
  • Detox Local
    • An excellent resource that features abundant information including mental health and substance use resources specifically for the AAPI (American Asian and Pacific Islander) community.

Education Resources

Schools are doing a great job of creating virtual learning so our kids don’t fall behind, but caregivers can always help support a great learning experience for kids.

As we all try to navigate this new way of learning, here are helpful K-9 links that will keep your children’s minds growing.

Internet Resources

    • Charter Communications
      • Charter Spectrum is offering 60 days of free internet service to families who currently have no internet and no current products from Charter
    • AT&T
      • AT&T will not terminate service because inability to pay, they will waive late fees due to hardship, and will keep public wi-fi open.
    • T-Mobile
      • All current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers who have plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days. Providing T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers
      • an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot / tethering service for the next 60 days.
    • Sprint
      • Not terminating service if they are unable to pay their Sprint bill because of the coronavirus, Waiving late fees incurred because of economic circumstances related to the pandemic, Customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost, Providing customers with an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost, Customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets who don’t have mobile hotspot today will now get 20GB as well per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost
    • Verizon Wireless
      • The company will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus

Food Resources

The scale of economic insecurity often goes unnoticed until times of crisis. We understand the fears that many are going through during this time of food insecurity. Please utilize this resource to make sure you and your families have your basic needs met.

Keeping Kids Busy

You’re working from home, being a teacher, lunch person, and so much more! How can we keep the kids on a schedule so you can work and they can have an enriching at home experience? Please check out our template of a daily schedule and links to entertain your children while social distancing.

 

Image Source

Self Care

Be kind to yourself, we are all experiencing these new feelings and learning to balance the new norm.

Things you can do

  • Unplug, take a chance to step away from the media and news for a moment.
  • Take a walk and get fresh air.
  • Listen to music
  • Yoga and guided meditation
  • Start a new book
  • Virtually connect with friends and family

Coalition Suggested Reads

  • Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit
  • Debbie Macomber Series
  • Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • Life Changing Magic of Tidying up by Marie Kondo
  • Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Mindfulness & Meditation

Parenting & Relaxation

We know parents are doing the best they can to balance work, school, caring for their children, and their own emotions. We want you to know you don’t have to do this alone. With emotional response behaviors rising, we want to make sure you have the tools to deescalate and bring everyone to a healthier mental state.

How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior

https://childmind.org/article/how-anxiety-leads-to-disruptive-behavior/

Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus

https://childmind.org/article/anxiety-and-coping-with-coronavirus/

How Mindfulness Can Help During COVID-19

https://childmind.org/article/how-mindfulness-can-help-during-covid-19/

Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/

Ways to support self-care and relaxation:

Please remember as we adjust to these times, we are realistic, schedules don’t always pan out, meltdowns cannot be foreseen. Deep breath, we are all in this together and doing the best we can to adjust, be kind to yourself.

  1. Start a morning routine: Before the kids get up and moving wake up an extra five mins early and do calming breath exercise example:
    1. Breathing Intervals
    2. INHALE 4 SECONDS
    3. HOLD: 7 SECONDS
    4. EXHALE: 8 SECONDS
    5. REPEAT 7 TIMES.

You can also add morning stretches to this routine to warm up your body for the day but all bring you center before the day gets started.  This is also a good exercise before bedtime to calm your body after a busy day.

  1. Take a moment away from the news headlines. Stories coming in every five seconds can become overwhelming and create anxiety and fear. Take moments throughout the day to unplug and do something you enjoy with your loved ones.
  2. Watch your favorite movie or show that always keeps you laughing. Play upbeat and positive music.
  3. Learn something new! Have your kids teach you something new.
  4. Get Moving: Your body can get restless throughout the day. Log onto YouTube and find free zumba and dance classes to make a fun workout and get the blood flowing.

Weekend Fun

Take a virtual adventure to the tops of the Peruvian Andes mountains where Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel built in the 15th century sits. You and the family can roam through the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, home to 125 million artifacts, which is one of the most-visited natural history institutions on the planet.

Trying to limit your screen time? Visit these local places to burn off some energy and get fresh air. Working out contributes to good health, energy and mood boost.

Indoor Activities

  • Playing games can be a stress reliever for all, try out I Spy, charades, indoor bowling or make up new games as a family.
  • Create a scavenger hunt around the house.
  • Read a book together nightly, allow your older kids who know how to read, read to their younger sibling and act out the parts.
  • Make a family Vision Board with magazines and things from previous vacations.
  •  Let’s Make Art! Grab your supplies and get creative and display these pieces around the house. Next, everyone gets dressed up and have an art show!
  • Have a dance party
  • Build a fort for movie night.
  •  Indoor Camping, grab your sleeping bags, flashlights, snacks, and jammies!
  • Netflix Watch Party

Outside Activities

Easy Family Recipes

Get Outside

  • Powder Valley Park: 11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
    • https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/powder-valley-cnc
    • The indoor facilities will be closed to the public through April 15 and MDC will reassess the situation at that point. Nature Center TRAILS will remain OPEN, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. NOTE: While we recognize pets are part of the family, they are not allowed. Please check regulations at other local parks and conservation areas to see where you can take your pet.
  • Driving through Lone Elk Park
    • I-44 North Outer Road west of Highway 141

Virtual Staycations:

Therapeutic Parenting Videos

As we all have transformed to wear many hats during the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand this is a difficult time for parents. Being empathetic, understanding, and playful during this time is hard work! Children continuously look to their caregivers on how to respond to their environments.

Join us as our Director of Family Support, Anne Zink, presents a series of videos on Therapeutic Parenting During Troubled Times.

Episode 1: Who Made Me in Leader of this Pack? (as if I already don’t have enough on my plate)

Episode 2: Connection Before Correction, Part 1 (Are You Kidding Me? We’re Already Connected 24/7! How Much More Connected Could We Possibly Get?)

Episode 3: Behavior Charades

Episode 4: Connection Before Correction, Part 2 (How to Get Reconnected with Yourself During This Unprecedented Time)

Episode 5: Why Do I Want to Stop, Drop, and Roll (Into a Ball and Back Under the Covers?)

Resources by Age Group

Teen Resources

As a parent you may think what should I be doing, and how can I do more to support my kids? We have seen many resources for youth ages 10 and below, but not many for teenagers. We have compiled a teen-specific Resource Round Up to meet those needs.

Education Resources for Teens

 

Self-Care for Teens

Teen Activities

Teen & Parent Reads

Pre-K Resources

As many of us are figuring out, a need for structure is important for our kids. Having structure can still be fun! We have found resources that will keep your pre-k kiddos learning and moving!

Cooking

As we are all eating more at home, it’s a great time to teach your kiddos about cooking, what they are consuming and how it aids their body in growing strong. This will help them develop social and life skills as you work together to create something delicious! Check out for great easy recipes

Parenting Videos

We know parenting can be hard during this uncertain time, let us help. We have uploaded two videos from Dr. Dan Hughes on Parenting a Traumatized Child While Living Through COVID-19 and Stress and Resilience COVID-19

Pre-K Learning

Pre-K Activities

  • Art at Home
  • Kids Daily Workout
  • Yoga for Kids
  • Creative Activity Idea – Beach Day at Home
    • It’s getting warm and sunny out! You can’t take them to the beach but you can bring the beach indoors at bath time!
    • Have them pick out there favorite swimsuit.
    • Fill up the bathtub, take out the beachtowels, swim toys, sunglasses, and goggles!
    • Play some great music.
    • Time to chill at the pool!

Infant Resources

Being a family with a little one right now can be stressful, ensuring you have everything to support your family is a priority. With diapers, wipes and other essential items going quickly we know the anxiety and stress can take a toll on caregivers. These resources have been identified in the St. Louis area to support babies and newborns during this unprecedented time.

  • Drive-Thru Emergency Diapers
    • https://www.slcl.org/content/drive-thru-diapers
    • 25 diapers each Friday between 10a-12p, children 3 and under
    • Period supply kits will be available on Fridays as well
  • Project Downtown Community EMERGENCY Diaper Closet
    • 314-381-5730
    • You can find our Diaper Closet in the New Northside Conference Center just off Goodfellow Blvd. We provide a ONE-TIME service of 50 FREE diapers per child with help getting connected to longer-term suppliers of Diapers like Parents as Teachers: 314-381-5730
  • Affinia Health Care Emergency Diapers
    • Available 314-814-8695 to make an appointment
  • Helping Hand Me Downs
    • 314-514-5987
    • Call to see availability and meeting specific needs during this time
  • Jefferson County Community Partners
    • 636-465-0983
    • Diapers, 50 Free per month. Must enroll in the program
  • Childcare Options
    • Those willing to contribute to child care
  • St. Louis County Library
    • 314-994-3300
    • St. Louis County Library: Call(314) 994-3300;
    • St. Louis Area Diaper Bank will provide a one-time emergency supply of 50 diapers to families in need at two SLCL branches
  • St. Louis Crisis Nursery
    • 314-763-3201
    • 24-Hour Helpline
  • SSM Mom’s Virtual Support Group
    • 314-768-MOMS(6667)
  • Mercy
    • Best resource list for anything you may need. They update it regularly. From food, housing etc.. visit this website. When people are struggling to make ends meet, they may have one overwhelming need. But most often, they need multiple types of assistance at once. Mercy Neighborhood Ministry provides the resources below to help agency workers when referring clients to seek additional help.

Older Adult Resources

We understand some families may be taking care of their elders, or have elders living alone that need resources. We have created an Older Adult Resource Guide to cover the immediate needs of those we care for or about.

The older adult population is considered high risk for COVID-19, we want to protect and make sure their basic needs are met. These essential resources are listed below: MO/IL Numbers for Emergency Assistance, Financial Resources, Food Access, Pharmacy Delivery, Things to Support Yourself- Video Calling Set-up and Walk Through Instructions, Mental Health, and Virtual Staycations.

Important Numbers to Know For Assistance MO and IL

  • The following image includes federal, state and community agencies providing assistance in all or parts of Missouri and IL- compiled by United Way 211.
  • Click here for PDF.

Financial Resources

AARP COVID-19 Response Resource List

Food Access

  • Schnucks Reserved Senior Hours
    • Schnucks is reserving the first hour of each day for people who are the most at-risk for COVID-19. The St. Louis grocery store chain says that people 60 and older should shop there from 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
  • Dierbergs
    • will reserve 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for daily for senior customers.
  • Field Foods on Laffayette Avenue
    • will reserve 7-8AM for senior shoppers.
  • Target
    • offers 7-8AM shopping hours for seniors.
  • Hunger Hotline (Operation Food Search)
    • Please call 314-726-5355, ext. 1
  • St. Louis Area Foodbank
  • United Way 2-1-1
    • Call 211

Pharmacy Delivery

CDC COVID-19 Update

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Missing your friends and loved ones? Set up a Video Calling Account!

CDC Website on Stress

Mental Health Resource Links

  • Online AA Meetings
    • List of online options for AA meetings
  • Taking Care of Mental Health During the Covid-19 Crisis
  • Counseling – Marsha Bradford
    • marsha@diversifiedhwc.com,
    • Hello everyone! I own a Health and Wellness Center in Kirkwood. We are offering free telehealth counseling sessions to anyone that is struggling through this hard time. Anxiety, OCD, depression and more are hard enough to deal with, you shouldn’t feel trapped in your own homes with no one to talk to as well.
  • Telehealth Counseling
    • 314-207-4028 Melissa Douglas, Goal Driven Counseling, LLC- Florissant, Missouri 63033
    • (314) 207-4028 (accepts Medicaid)
  • Alzheimer’s Association
    • Call the Alzheimer’s Association’s toll-free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or go to

Virtual Staycations:

Metro East / Illinois Resources

It’s our priority to continue to support our families both in St. Louis and the Metro East communities with resources during this difficult time with COVID-19 and economic hardship. We understand the added pressure as we continue into weeks of quarantine, being able to provide your families basic needs shouldn’t be stress you have to carry.

We have compiled a list of Illinois resources and local programs. Please remember you can always call United Way 211 to local resources or go to their website at https://helpingpeople.org/united-way-2-1-1/ to access resources by zip code.

GOECD, IDHS, DCFS, INCCRRA, and other partners throughout the state have developed several important resources we ask that you please share with your networks.

Pandemic EBT Snap Benefits

Testing Sites

  • Swansea: The St. Clair Health Department opened a testing site at the former Siteman Cancer Center located at 4000 North Illinois Lane. People with symptoms must complete a pre-screening process with their physician and health department. That paperwork is required upon entering the drive-through collection site. The site is open from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Mount Vernon: SSM Health has a drive-thru site open in Mount Vernon. You either need to be referred by SSM Health or you can go through virtual screening here.
  • Centralia: SSM Health has a drive-thru site in Centralia. You either need to be referred by SSM Health or you can go through virtual screening here.

For essential workers seeking child care

  • A dedicated help line has been created so Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) can help connect essential worker families to emergency child care. Essential worker families should call toll-free (888) 228-1146. The helpline will be available from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday through Friday to answer calls, but callers will be able to leave a message 24 hours a day.
  • To find emergency child care, essential workers are encouraged to visit COVID-19 Emergency Provider https://emergencycare.inccrra.org/

For individuals who want to volunteer to support emergency child care:

  • Qualified volunteers who are willing to temporarily work in an Emergency Child Care home or center should complete an Emergency Child Care Staffing Survey. They will be contacted in case there is a need in their area.

For child care providers who want to offer emergency child care to essential workers

Help Paying Bills

Housing and Utilities Resources

List of Food Resources

Unemployment

WIC

Diapers

SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF and Medicaid

  • https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/
  • For staff and customer safety, they are urging customers to use the State’s online and telephone services during the COVID-19 emergency.
  • If they submit an application at ABE.Illinois.gov, they will be contacted by State staff, and there is no need to visit a local office.
  • They can also call the ABE hotline for assistance at 1-800-843-6154.

Food Pantries and Meals

  • Community Interfaith Food Pantry
    • 1218 W. Main St.
    • Belleville, IL 62220
    • 618-355-9199
  • Operation Blessing P.T.C.
    • 18 East Lorena Ave.
    • Wood River, IL – 62095
    • (618) 251-5683
    • M-Th 10-1
  • Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills
    • Food Distribution will be during regular services hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11AM
    • Guest can pick up groceries every other week.
    • If you’ve never received food assistance from Community Hope Center please call 618-259-0959 ext. 221

School Lunches

Exercise Resources

Having low activity can cause effects on health, well-being, and quality of life; on top of the additional stress of mental health during this time.

  • Fitness Blender
    • Offers free workout videos based on difficulty, focus, and equipment available.
  • Grokker
    • Two-week free trial period. Grokker provides 4,000+ videos regardless of skill level, abilities, and goals. Videos include the topics of fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.
    • Credit card information required for the free trial.
  • Peloton
    • Free 30-day trial.
    • Not only do they offer bike and treadmill classes, but they offer outdoor walking/running classes, strength, yoga and meditation.
  • Pop Sugar Fitness
    • A free YouTube exercise channel that offers fitness tutorials and workouts.

WIC & TANF

WIC in Missouri

Do I qualify for WIC?

  • WIC is a benefit for women, infants, and children under 5 years old. Qualified applicants must meet household income requirements and:
    • Be a pregnant woman
    • Be a woman breastfeeding an infant up to the infant’s first birthday
    • Be a postpartum woman up to six (6) months after delivery or end of pregnancy
    • Have an infant living in your household
    • Have a child who is under 5 years old living in your household

How do I apply for Missouri WIC?

WIC Income Requirements

Do I qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?

  • Family members cannot have resources valued at more than $1,000 at the time of application, excluding their home and one household member’s car.
  • A few factors including income, expenses, and the size of your household are assessed to determine whether you qualify and if so, how much money you’ll receive.
  • https://dss.mo.gov/fsd/pdf/mhk_mhf_ta_income_guidelines.pdf

How do I apply for TANF?

WIC Approved Retailers, Pharmacies and Food

WIC Approved Food List

WIC in Illinois

Do I qualify for WIC?

  • WIC is a benefit for women, infants, and children under 5 years old. Qualified applicants must meet household income requirements and:
    • Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or just had a baby OR
    • Have an infant or child under 5 years old living in your household (including foster children)

Income Requirements

How do I apply for WIC?

Do I qualify for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)?

  • The State of Illinois will look at your gross earned income as well as your unearned income to make the calculation. There is a work and training component to TANF, but “good cause” may be given to TANF recipients if they cannot participate in these work and training activities due to COVID-19.

How do I apply for TANF?

  • The application for SNAP and TANF are the same. It takes about 30 minutes to fill out the online application at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/accessController?id=0.07028672299372607
  • Helpful hint – do not use the Forward, Back or Stop buttons on your web browser to move from page to page. Instead, use the buttons on the website.
  • After submitting your online application, you will be contacted by State staff. There is no need to visit a local office.
  • You can also call the ABE hotline for assistance at 1-800-843-6154.

Illinois WIC Vendors

Food Stamps Online Purchasing

Now families can use their food stamps EBT card to purchase groceries online at Walmart and Amazon!  This is a great option for parents who are concerned about shopping inside a store. There is a fee to have groceries delivered to your home, but you can order groceries to be picked up at Walmart for free.  You never have to leave your vehicle.

USING A COMPUTER:

  • Step 1: Go to grocery.walmart.com
  • Step 2: Create a Walmart account; or if you already have a Walmart account, sign in
  • Step 3: On the top left hand side of Walmart’s webpage, click on “Pickup and Delivery”
  • Step 4: On the left side, look at the “Pickup from” box (see example below).  Click “change” to choose a different Walmart store location.
  • Step 5:  Type in your zip code to find the Walmart stores closest to you (see example below).  Make sure that “Pickup” is underlined.  Choose the Walmart address you prefer.
  • Step 6:   Go to the “Reserve a time slot” box, and click on the blue “See times” button
  • Step 7:   Choose the day and time you want to pick up your groceries (Note: you usually have to wait 3-5 days to get a spot).
  • Step 8:   Online shop and fill your cart with at least $30 of food
  • Step 9:   When you go to Checkout, click on “Payment Method” and click on “EBT card” to enter your information.

USING A CELL PHONE:

  • Step 1: Download the Walmart Grocery App
  • Step 2: Follow the prompts – be sure to enable your location or enter your zip code so the app will default to the Walmart closest to you.
  • Step 3: Click on “Pickup and Delivery”
  • Step 4: Click on the blue “See times” button to choose when you want to pick up your groceries at the Walmart address listed just above (Note: you usually have to wait 3-5 days to get a spot).
  • Step 5: Create a Walmart account; or if you already have a Walmart account, sign in
  • Step 6: Once you’ve chosen your pick-up time, and confirmed the Walmart address, just fill your cart with at least $30 of food.
  • Step 7: When you go to Checkout, click on “Payment Method” and click on “EBT card” to enter your information.

WHEN YOU GO TO PICK UP YOUR GROCERIES:

Look for the Pickup spots (often on the side of the store).  You can call the phone number on the sign, or use the Walmart app, to tell them you’re there and waiting.  They’ll bring the groceries right out to your vehicle!

Utilities Assistance

As the heat of summer approaches, we want you to know your best options for receiving utilities support. We understand many families are facing financial hardship as we slowly reopen.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps low income households meet their immediate energy needs. It can help those who spend a large amount of their household income on energy bills.

To qualify for LIHEAP assistance, you must meet each of these requirements:

  • Be responsible for paying home heating and cooling costs
  • Be a United States citizen or have been legally admitted for permanent residence
  • Meet specific income guidelines that vary according to household size and fuel type

How to Apply for LIHEAP

Urban League LIHEAP

  • The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis LIHEAP Program accepts applications on Monday – Thursday / 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the James H. Buford Outreach Center, 935 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, MO 63108.
  • Call (314) 615-3640.
  • Website: https://www.ulstl.com/liheap–energy-assistance.html

Ameren Missouri

Ameren Illinois

Spire

Catholic Charities

  • Phone: 314-367-5500, ext. 4
  • What is Needed? : Photo ID, Utilities Bill, How your income has been impacted by COVID-19

St. Patrick’s Center

  • 314-802-0700

Community Action Agency

  • 314-446-4438 (CASTLE St. Louis County)

United Way 211

COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Foster, Adoptive & Guardianship Parents

All foster, adoptive, and guardianship parents who receive subsidy are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination starting Monday 3/15.

As you may have heard, getting a vaccination appointment in St. Louis can be very difficult! Below is a guide to help you.

Pre-register these websites: Register on these websites and they will contact you when there is a vaccination appointment opening. HINT: Spell out “Saint” Louis, not “St.”

1. STATE OF MISSOURI NAVIGATOR- LARGE VACCINATION EVENTS:
Pre-Registration: http://bit.ly/37ykNEB

2. YOUR COUNTY’S HEALTH DEPARTMENT

  • ST LOUIS COUNTY REGISTRATION https://stlcorona.com/covid19-vaccines/
  • ST LOUIS CITY REGISTRATION https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/communicable-disease/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine.cfm                                                                          Call 314-657-1499 if you don’t have internet access
  • ST CHARLES COUNTY REGISTRATION https://www.sccmo.org/2162/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information
  • JEFFERSON COUNTY REGISTRATION https://www.jeffcohealth.org/ (select the “COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Survey”).

3. HOSPITAL SYSTEMS

  • MERCY Pre-registration: https://bit.ly/3uoAdVM
  • ST LUKES Pre-registration: http://bit.ly/3k5uqzy
  • BJC Pre-registration: http://bit.ly/3uiPsPK
  • SSM Pre-registration: https://bit.ly/2NbVwJr

4. PHARMACIES

https://www.vaccinespotter.org/MO/ ← check here first for CVS, Walmart, and Hy-Vee appointment availability.

Set up accounts at these locations and read the tips in Step Two below

  • WALMART: http://bit.ly/3dtU6Ve
  • WALGREENS: https://www.walgreens.com/register/regpersonalinfo?ru=%2Fyouraccount%2Fdefault.jsp
  • ST LOUIS HILLS PHARMACY: http://bit.ly/3khw6pJ
  • HEALTH MART: http://bit.ly/3rkiOeE
  • HY-VEE: http://bit.ly/3khWakI – Closest locations are about 2 hours away (Springfield IL or Quincy, IL