Disaster Resources
If there are currently any local or national disasters, 211 strives to provide current, verified information about resources, assistance, and donation & giving opportunities.
CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19
Direct link to this page: bit.ly/211kccovid19
The Coronavirus (AKA COVID-19 or novel coronavirus) is a virus that presents as an upper respiratory illness with symptoms similar to the common flu (fever, cough and shortness of breath) and is spreading person-to-person. "Novel" in the name means that it is a strain of virus not previously seen in humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic. Pandemic is a term that is used when a disease is in 100 or more countries and is spreading; it does not refer to the severity of the disease.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Facts from the CDC, FEMA & White House
News & Updates
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Do you have an update or suggestion for this page or a COVID-19 related agency service update? Submit information via this form which is monitored by the 211 Resource Team.
- KCMO requiring masks in public except for minors and people who shouldn't wear masks for health, mental health or disability issues; see website for full details of the updated order.
Kansas is requiring and Missouri is recommending that face coverings be worn in public areas where social distancing of 6ft cannot be maintained. - Evergy has extended their COVID-19 relief policies.
- CDC adds Coronavirus Self-Checker to website
Apple & the CDC create a COVID-19 Screening app and website - Coronavirus Updates from local jurisdictions:
- Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness list of service closures & openings related to COVID-19.
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri has added a CARES Act Hotline to answer questions about the stimulus checks
☎ 800-990-2907 M-F 9am-4pm
IRS provides tool to submit payment information economic impact payments/stimulus checks
Tax Foundation FAQ on Federal Coronavirus Relief Bill (CARES Act) - Blood plasma of people who fully recovered from COVID-19 (convalescent plasma) is being evaluated for research as treatment for serious COVID-19 patients or those at high risk of severe progression. In KC, contact Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City to be evaluated for unpaid voluntary plasma donation.
- WARNING: the CDC has shared information that people are becoming seriously ill from taking chloroquine & related chemicals or medications in response to COVID-19. Chloroquine does not prevent COVID-19 or infection with Coronavirus. Banner Health info on chloroquine
- The Family Support Division received approval to extend food stamp benefits for individuals up for recertification in March, April, and May. Those benefits will be extended by 6 months and recipients do not need to call in or submit any verification. Additionally Pandemic SNAP benefits mean all households currently eligible for SNAP will receive the maximum amount for the household size in April.
☎ 855-FSD-INFO for questions - All RideKC buses are currently still running and fares have been suspended; the Customer Service Lobby is closed until further notice.
- The City of Kansas City, MO along with Johnson County & Kansas City, KS have instituted a "stay at home" order except for essential needs for 30 days. For more information and continuing updates visit the city website.
❋ Text "COVIDKC" to 888777 to receive updates from the City of Kansas City, MO about COVID-19 response. - The City of Kansas City, KS "stay at home" order is in effect from March 24-April 23 and court hearings are postponed. Residents can receive notifications from the city and make payments, etc. by downloading the myWYCO app or visiting the website.
Comunicado de Prensa en español - The City of St. Joseph, MO has declared a state of emergency and beginning March 19th all public gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited. Businesses are not allowed to serve food or drink to the public on-site, but may provide drive-through, pick up and delivery. For updates visit the website.
- KSHB list of closings and cancellations related to COVID-19.
Informational Resources
- CDC Now Recommending Wearing Face Coverings in Public
- Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Home
- White House 30 Days to Slow the Spread Guidance
- KCMO's Prevention Through Social Distancing Guidance
- CDC's Travel Guidance and Map of risk assessments by country
- American Veterinary Medical Association information on COVID-19 & pets/animals


- Creating a Family Action Plan from Kansas Dept of Health & Environment
- Advice for the public including videos & graphics, from WHO
- Who is at higher risk and what precautions to take, from the CDC
- COVID-19 information for Older Adults and People with Disabilities from the Administration for Community Living
- CDC includes new symptoms of COVID-19 to list, including head & body aches, sore throat, and nausea.
- CDC adds Coronavirus Self-Checker to website
- Apple & CDC create a COVID-19 Screening app and website
- CDC Recommendations on What To Do If You Are Sick
- In order to prevent spread of the virus, the CDC recommends taking steps you would typically take to prevent illness.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
☛ CDC Handwashing tips - Avoid close contact with people who have recently traveled outside of the country or who are sick
☛ Social distancing (maintaining 6 feet away from other people and minimizing time spent around others) is recommended - Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home if you have any symptoms that resemble the common cold or flu
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, talk to a health care provider early
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- COVID-19 symptoms and emergency symptoms
If you are symptomatic, you should: - Stay home when you are sick
- Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit, do not just walk in
- Limit movement in the community and practice social distancing
- Limit visitors
- WARNING: the CDC has shared information that people are becoming seriously ill from taking chloroquine & related chemicals or medications in response to COVID-19. Chloroquine does not prevent COVID-19 or infection with Coronavirus. Banner Health info on chloroquine
- If you have concerns or questions about your health or symptoms related to COVID-19, contact your health care provider to discuss what you should do.
- If you are uninsured and/or do not have a primary health care provider, contact a one of the state COVID-19 control hotlines to check your symptoms or contact a community clinic about getting care.
- If you need general guidance on your health or medications in relation to COVID-19, you can contact an "ask-a-nurse" program by phone to answer your questions. The following lines are all open 24 hours:
- Stress and Coping During COVID-19
- Coping with Disaster or Traumatic Events
- Emergency Responders Tips for Taking Care of Yourself
- Showing Compassion & Reducing Stigma
- WHO Tips for Coping with COVID-19 Stress
- AARP Community Connections helping people find mutual aid groups
- KCMO Health Dept Coronavirus Updates
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 Resource Center
- Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services COVID-19 Outbreak Information
- Resources and Guidance for Community-Based Organizations & Leaders from the CDC
- US Interagency Council on Homelessness Resource List for Homeless Service Providers
- Nonprofit Connect Resource for Nonprofits in response to Coronavirus
- City of Kansas City, MO Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic guide for businesses & organizations
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Protect yourself financially from the impact of the coronavirus
- SourceLink Business Recovery Resources
- Black & Veatch/KCLaunch COVID-19 Response Business Accelerator funding & support for developing technical, medical, communication, safety & other solutions related to COVID-19
- CDC's Share Facts About COVID-19
- FEMA's COVID-19 Rumor Control
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Avoiding Scams While Finding Assistance
- FiscalTiger's Coronavirus Scams: Types and How to Avoid Them
- CDC's Reducing Stigma
- WHO's Coronavirus Myth Busters
- FTC's Coronavirus Scams: Avoiding & Reporting
- American Bankers Association Tips to Avoid Coronavirus Scams and Protect Your Money
- AT&T's Coronavirus-related online scams information
- National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline to report COVID-19 related fraud
☎ 866-720-5721
✉ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
RESOURCES
Emerging Assistance Resources Page
- Meals & Food
- Learning Resources for Kids at Home
- Child Care
- Job Loss
- Homelessness Services
- More as Resources Develop
211 is tracking these changes in our database, however we recommend calling ahead before going to any service provider if you are not already aware of their current procedures.
Submit updated or additional information to us via this form which is monitored by the 211 Resource Team.
Want to Help?
SEMA Guide to Safely Volunteering
- 4-H Feeding Missouri drive
- Aim4Peace at KCMO HD collecting cloth mask donations
- Catholic Charities NEKS
- Community Blood Center
- Community Services League
- Cross-Lines
- Crossroads Community Kitchen
- Harvesters
- Homeless Service Providers Combined List
- Hope Faith Ministries
- Hope House
- Metro Lutheran Ministry
- Mimi’s Pantry
- Newhouse Shelter
- Salvation Army
- Shawnee Community Services is in need of: diapers sizes 4, 5, 6; dish soap and laundry soap; toothbrushes & toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant; canned meats, especially chicken. Contact: Sylvia Terry This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Synergy Services
- Tags Free Lunch
Information Lines & Hotlines
- Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services 24 hour hotline for COVID-19 questions
☎ 877-435-8411 - Kansas Department of Health & Environment COVID-19 phone bank, open M-F 8am-7pm, Sa 10am-2pm, Sun 1-5pm
☎ 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF)
✉ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. - CDC-INFO 24 hour question line
☎ 800-232-4636 (800-CDC-INFO) - Disaster Distress Helpline 24 hour crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters
☎ 800-985-5990
❋ Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746
Public Services Response
Evergy is offering
➢ Extended payment options through customer service
➢ No late payment fees extended through June 1
➢ No disconnections for nonpayment
➢ Reduced payments for reconnecting service with no security deposit
☎ Call customer service 7am-7pm at 888-471-5275
Spire is offering:
➢ Suspended disconnection and late payment fees through May 1
☎ Call customer service for other questions or issues M-F 7am-7pm at 800-582-1234
BPU is offering:
➢ No disconnections due to nonpayment
➢ Recommending people who typically pay in person pay via an alternate method
☎ Call customer service with questions M-F 7am-6pm at 855-278-2455 (855-BPU-BILL)
Ameren is offering:
➢ Suspended disconnection for nonpayment
➢ Forgiveness of late payment fees
☎ Call customer care with questions M-F 7am-7pm at 800-552-7583
KC Water is offering:
➢ Temporary halt to water shut offs due to nonpayment
➢ The customer lobby at 4800 E. 63rd Street will remain open, however to protect employees and customers, anyone who is not feeling well should postpone their visit
☎ Call 816-513-1313, option 1 or visit kcwater.us to pay your bill, set up a payment arrangement and start or stop service
Comcast (en Español) is offering:
➢Xfinity WiFi free at hotspot locations
➢ Pausing data plan overages
➢ No disconnects or late fees
➢ Internet Essentials free for new customers for 60 days
AT&T offering:
➢No termination of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business service because of inability to pay
➢ Waive any late payment fees for the same group
➢ Public wifi hotspots for all
T-Mobile offering for 60 days:
➢Data caps for all smartphone customers removed
➢ 5Gb of free data for Lifeline customers
➢ 20Gb of additional hotspot data
➢ Free calls to severely impacted countries
Charter/Spectrum is offering for 60 days:
➢Free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription
☎ Call 844-488-8395 to enroll
Recursos Sobre el Coronavirus en Español
- Organización Mundial de la Salud sitio web de enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19)
- CDC Qué hacer si contrae la enfermedad del coronavirus
- Johnson County Health Cómo Estar Preparado para el Coronavirus
- CDC Respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes
- AARP Página de Recursos para Personas Mayores
- CDC Consejos para lavarse los manos
- Child Care Aware Actividades Familiares en español para aprender en casa
COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Other Languages
- Amharic COVID-19 ምንድነዉ?
- Arabic ؟COVID-19 ما هو مرض
- Chinese Simplified 什么是COVID-19?
- Chinese Traditional 什麼是COVID-19?
- Hindi COVID-19 क्या है?
- Japanese COVID-19疾患とは?
- Khmer តើជម្ងឺឌីអាយ -១៩ គឺជាអ្វី?
- Korean COVID-19란 무엇인가?
- Russian Что такое COVID-19?
- Somali Waa maxay COVID-19?
- Tagalog Ano ang COVID-19?
- Thai ไวร ัสโคโรนาสายพ ันธุ์ใหม่คืออะไร
- Vietnamese COVID-19 là gì?