DMV Extensions

• DMV is providing an automatic one-year extension to Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial license with an expiration date between March 1st and December 31, 2020. This action delays the requirement for this population to visit a DMV office during the COVID19 pandemic.

Food Distribution

• Community Food Bank’s Marketplace on Fridays and Saturdays has been transformed into a drive-thru pickup as an added level of precaution. Customers who normally come to the food bank will be able to stay in their vehicles and have bags of groceries brought to them.
  •  Community Food Bank 
• The Salvation Army is still meeting the human need during this time of uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  •  Hollister Salvation
• Great Plates Delivered Program- Has two Purposes:
  1. To help seniors (65+) and other adults (60-64) at High Risk from COVID-19, (having documented exposure to COVID-19 or underlying health condition) to stay home and stay healthy by delivering three nutritious meals a day;
  2. To provide essential economic stimulus to local businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.
     • Office of Emergency Services, partnered with Seniors Council of San Cruz and San Benito Counties SBC County Express & United Way of San Benito County: Great Plates Press Release

Food/Supply Distribution

• First 5 San Benito is distributing food, supplies, children activities and diapers to families with children aged 0 – 5 years
  • First Five San Benito

Rental & Utility / Food & Hotel Vouchers

• More information at the Community Service and Workforce Development Office
  • San Benito County Health and Human Services

Homeless Services

• My Father's House - Food and Supply distribution - daily 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dunne Park 600 West St. Hollister CA 95023
  •  Homeless Shelter Directory Call 831-801-7775

H.O.M.E Resources Center

• Overnight shelter and temporary day center. Located at 1161 San Felipe Rd. Hollister, Ca 95023 
  • San Benito Health and Human Services: HOME Resource Center

Public Assistance

• CalFresh,  Medi-cal, Cash Aid, General Assistance (GA), Affordable Care Act , Cal-Learn, Cal WORKs, County Medical Services Programs, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Welfare Fraud Investigative Unit, & Welfare to Work Program.
  • San Benito County Health and Human Services: Public Assistance

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

• The EDD provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California. For faster and more convenient access to those services, we encourage the use of our online options – More guidance in our  Employment, Economic & Financial Assistance section.
  • Employment and Development Department

Disability/Paid Family Leave

• The EDD provides a variety of support services to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19 in California. For faster and more convenient access to those services, we encourage the use of our online options.
  •  Employment and Development Department

Senior Services

• Delivery of Essential items and food.
  • Email: recreation@hollister.ca.gov
  • Call: 831-636-4390

COVID-19 Community Response

• Text COVID19 to 211-211 for the latest information. Click on link for more resources.
  •  United Way of San Benito 

Virtual Assistance Education Resources

• San Benito County Office of Education Parent Resources
• San Benito County Free Library online support and resources
• Youth Alliance online support and resources
• First 5 Learning Center
• Scholastic Learn at Home
• Smithsonian Digital Education Resources
• YMCA  Essential Camp Child Care for Essential Workers

Educational Resources for Students and Parents

• Although the Library may be closed, Library staff are still here to serve you! They are still answering phones and emails – for Library account information, help with accessing online resources, research questions, or help with any other Library services, please call (831) 636-4107 or email  library@cosb.us Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm or Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
  •  SBC Free Library Resources

Educational Resources for Teachers, Parents, Caregivers, & Students

• New Statistics in Schools (SIS) activities designed specifically for the 2019-2020 school year can be used by teachers for classroom instruction or distance learning, and by parents and caregivers to learn together with the children in their home. The resources spotlight the 2020 Census and the importance of making sure everyone is counted, especially children.
  •  United States Census/ Statistics in Schools

Hazel Hawkins COVID-19 Hotline

• Call: 831-636-2640

San Benito County Behavioral Health 

• Behavioral Health 24/7 Crisis Line
  1-831-636-4020
  1-888-636-4020 Toll Free
  Call line where a live-person will answer and assist with any behavioral health and substance use disorders, questions and crisis situations 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  •  Behavioral Health Department

Individual Therapy / Counseling Services 

• Individual Therapy/ Counseling Services
  1-831-636-4020
  For youths and adults who are experiencing behavioral health problems. These services are provided via tele-health primarily, but can accommodate in person for those who need it.
  •  Behavioral Health Department

Youth Services

• Youth Services
  1-831-636-4020
  Counseling services for youth on bullying, violence,  relationships, and behavioral health. These services focus on proving tools on coping and managing situations with the goal of preventing trauma and distress. Services are being provided via tele-health by our contracted providers.
  • Behavioral Health Department

Substance Abuse Use Disorder Programs

• Substance Use Disorders Programs
  1-831-636-4020
  Offering advice and assistance with preventative measures for substance abuse. The programs also offer treatment methods to help in overcoming substance abuse. Individual and group counseling via tele-health and in person as needed. These services are offered by Behavioral Health staff and some services offered by contracted providers.
  • Behavioral Health Department

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Medication Specialist

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Medication Support
  1-831-636-4020
  Therapeutic medications for the treatment of mental illness supervised and prescribed by Psychiatrist; M.D. Medication assisted treatment and methadone maintenance arranged through County  Behavioral Health contracted providers.
  
  • Behavioral Health Department

Mental Health Association of San Francisco

• Mental Health Association of San Francisco is offering free emotional support assistance for all Californians, Call or message a free peer run warm line for non-emergency emotional and mental health support. The line can also help connect you to local emergency, mental health, or social services. All calls are confidential.
  • Mental Health Association of San Francisco

National Domestic Violence Hotline

• 24-Domestic Violence Hotline
  1-800-799-7233
  • Domestic Violence Website

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  1-800-273-8255 or Text 838255
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline website

Veterans Crisis Line

• 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line
  1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or
  Text 838255
  • Veterans Crisis Line Website

Stress Relief

• Stress Relief during COVID-19 Handbook on guidance to reduce while sheltering in place. 
  • California Surgeon General's Playbook: Stress Relief During COVID-19

Stress Relief Caregivers and Kids

• Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids during COVID-19 Handbook on guidance to reduce stress in caregivers and children while sheltering in place.
  • California Surgeon General's Playbook: Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids during COVID-19

General UI Information

• File an Unemployment Insurance Claim. 
  • Employment Development Department (EDD)

Checklist to File Unemployment

• Information you need to file an unemployment Insurance Claim checklist
  • EDD Checklist

UI Online User Guidance

• Learn how to apply for unemployment Insurance benefits by filing a new claim using UI online.
  • EDD - Youtube

Restaurants and Restaurant Workers

• 50% of funds go toward direct relief to individual restaurant workers, 25% to nonprofit organizations serving restaurant workers in crisis, and 25% go to zero interest loans to restaurants.
  •  Restaurants Worker's Community Foundation

Workers in the Alcohol Industry

• Eligible if worked for at least one year directly serving or in the production, promotion, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or the spouse or child of someone in the industry.
  • USBG National Charity Foundation

Home Care Workers

• The Coronavirus Care Fund (CCF) provides $400 in emergency assistance for qualifying home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners who are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Assistance from the fund is to help you stay home and stay safe during the pandemic.
  • Coronavirus Care Fund - National Domestic Workers Alliance 

Cash Assistance for Students

• Providing $200 in cash assistance to students, parents of students, or graduates, in need. 
  •  Scolly

Cash Assistance for Service Workers

• Offering cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers, and other tipped workers who are seeing income decline or can not work because of quarantines or other health concerns.
  • One fair wage Emergency Fund

Employment and Economic Assistance

• If you are an employer and/or worker affected by COVID-19, disasters assistance is available from the San Benito County Workforce Development Broad rapid response. This is information offered to job seekers and businesses.
  •  San Benito County Workforce and Development Board - America's Job Center of California

COVID-19 Response Grants

• The CDP COVID-19 Response Fund will focus in supporting nonprofit organizations working directly to respond to the pandemic among the most vulnerable populations in order to help build their capacity for response.
  • Center for Disaster Philanthropy

CARES Act works for All Americans

• The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries.
  •  U.S Department of the Treasury

U.S Small Business Administration

Resources for Businesses during COVID-19

• The Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County promotes economic growth and development in San Benito County, and they have great resources available for local businesses.
  • Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County

Grow San Benito County Loan Fund

• Re-launch of the San Benito County Revolving loan fund. Details about loan sizes and the terms. Check out the link for details and contact information.
  • Access Capital - EDC of San Benito

Legislative Aide (Mark Dennin) & Congressional Aide (Katie Moon)

• Mark provides policy information and answers policy oriented questions. Katie connects with constituents, answers their questions, connects them with resources and initiates congressional inquires on their behalf. 
• Services Provided
  • Answer general questions about federal small business relief programs. Primarily EIDL and PPP. These include eligibility questions, how to apply, SBA processing timelines , finding eligible lenders, etc.…
  • Answer policy questions regarding new legislation and laws that impact business owners
  • Can submit congressional inquires directly to SBA Congressional Liaisons in some very specific cases. This service is provided to individuals who are experiencing a unique problem with a federal program or agency, in which the agency may have committed an error
  • Feedback from Business Owners can help identify common issues and can begin the process to working towards broader solutions at the policy level.
  • Office has contacts at Department of Treasury, SBA, SBA regional Offices and House Committee staff where questions can be sent and worked on to solve issues.
• Office of Congressional Jimmy Panetta

Small Business Guide (CARES ACT)

• Explore your options for assistance
  • Office of Congressional Jimmy Panetta - CARES Act Guide

COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Loans

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist. Questions you may be asking and what you need to know.
  •  U.S. Chamber of Commerce COVID Emergency Loans

Paycheck Protection Programs Loans FAQs

• The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the treasury, intends to provide timely additional guidance to address borrower and lender questions concerning the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established by section 1102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
  • Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQs

Economic Assistance

• If you business has suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19, you can apply for a low interest federal disaster loan. 
  • local
  • National
• Offers working capital loans at low interest rate and defers interest and principal payment for the duration of the closure. 
  • California Coastal Rural Development Corporation

Tax Assistance

• State Assistance with sales use, property and special taxes.
  •  CA Board of Equalization
• Tax, file, and pay deadline extended  to July 15, 2020
  • CA franchise Tax Board
• Information on casualty, disaster, and theft losses and general IRS  tax information.
  • U,S. Internal Revenue Service

Social Security Benefits

• Provides social security and survivors benefit and assistance with social security checks.
  •  U.S. Social Security Administration 

Driver's License and Vehicle Registration renewal Extension

• If your driver’s license or vehicle registration is expiring soon, the California Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) announced a 60-day extension for renewals of driver licenses and vehicle registrations with expiration dates beginning March 16, 2020. 
  •  DMV Latest COVID-19 Updates

Bank and Credit Card Assistance

• Banks and Credit Card companies may offer payment deferrals, fee waivers, and credit line increases due to COVID-19.
  •  Banks and Credit Card Companies, including Citibank and Wells Fargo 

Interim Guidance as Recommended by CDC

• Interim guidance for businesses and Employers to plan and respond to COVID-19
  •  Center for Disease Control - CDC

California State Government

• California Coronavirus (COVID19) Response

Executive Order N-37-20 - Renter's Relief

• Evictions, Foreclosures, and Court Closures during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  •  Executive Department of State of California
  • Renter's Relief Form 
    • Notice to Landlord – Financial Impacts of COVID-19; can be completed and submitted to landlords as part of the process outlined in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-37-20.
  • Renter Relief's Form
    • The California Attorney General has approved this form for optional use by tenants affected by the COVID19 pandemic to notify their landlords of their inability to pay rent.

Legal Advice

• Free legal help to tenants who receive an eviction notice or law suit and need legal assistance.
  • The State Bar of California

Rep. Panetta's COVID19 Resources

• Includes information on available federal programs; resources for the central coast. 
  • Congressman Jimmy Panetta

Grants portal account and Request for public assistance - Public assistance applicant guide

• This quick guide explains the steps an Applicant must take in creating a Public Assistance (PA) Grants Portal user accounts and submitting Requests for Public Assistant (RPA). RPAs submitted by the Applicant will follow standard review processes by the Recipient and FEMA. The applicant will be able to view the RPA status in Grants Portal.
  •  Applicant Quick Guide Grants Portal Account and RPA (Mar 28 2020)

California COVID19 (EM - 3428)

• FEMA eligibility fact sheet
• FEMA application fact sheet: Private Non-Profits [501 (c)(d) or (e)] - How to Apply
• FEMA application fact sheet: All applicants (except non-profits) - How to Apply

Utility Assistance

• PG&E is committed to helping customers throughout the pandemic by providing financial assistance programs, tools and tips to save energy. Customers may qualify for California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
  • PG&E
• Funding is currently available for pg&e or propane assistance for Fiscal Year 2020. Applications are available both in English and Spanish. 
  • Community Action Board / Community Services & Workforce Development

Broadband / Telephone Connectivity

• Lists all providers that are opening hot spots to Americans across the country. They pledge
  • Not  to terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of the inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic
  • waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic and;
  • open its Wi-Fi hotspots to an American who needs them
  • Federal Communications Commission - Keep Americans Connected 

Free Internet / Low cost Internet - Internet Gratis / Internet de bajo costo

• Brief overview of what Comcast, AT&T T-Mobile, Spectrum, Cox communications, etc are offering during the COVID19 Pandemic.
  • Internet offers_COVID
• Breve descripción de lo que ofrecen Comcast, AT&T, T-Mobile, Spectrum, Cox Communications, etc. durante la pandemia de coronavirus
  •  Internet offers_COVID_ES

High Tech Census - El Cense de Alta Technologia 

• United Ways of California is teaming up with the California Public Utilities Commission to offer referrals to low-cost internet services.
  • Internet offers_COVID
• United Ways of California is teaming up with the California Public Utilities Commission to offer referrals to low-cost internet services
  •  Internet offers_COVID_ES

Donations

• Donations can be made to the Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund by credit card online at  http://givesanbenito.org/ (Don’t forget to read) or mail check to the following address:

  Community Foundation

  829 San Benito Street, suite 200 Hollister CA, 95023

  Add memo “COVID-19 Relief Fund”

• Donations can be made the American Red Cross online by credit card at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ , by phone at 1-800-435-7669, or by mail:

  American Red Cross

  PO Box 37839

  Boone, IA 50037-0839

• Please consider donating goods for families in need
  •  My Father's House

• United We Respond to support the nonprofit agencies working together to provide programs and services to youth and families – Donate today!
  •  United Way of San Benito County

Latest San Benito County Press Releases - Feed