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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.

Support KC Relief 2020



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
 
  • 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 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.
    1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
      ☛ CDC Handwashing tips
    2. 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
    3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
    4. Stay home if you have any symptoms that resemble the common cold or flu
    5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, talk to a health care provider early
 
  • COVID-19 symptoms and emergency symptoms
    If you are symptomatic, you should:
    1. Stay home when you are sick
    2. Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit, do not just walk in
    3. Limit movement in the community and practice social distancing
    4. 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
 
Personal Health Concerns
 
Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 World Data Tracking
***Click Here for KC Metro Data***

 

RESOURCES

Emerging Assistance Resources Page
 
Visit the page linked above for COVID-19 related resources including:
  • Meals & Food
  • Learning Resources for Kids at Home
  • Child Care
  • Job Loss
  • Homelessness Services
  • More as Resources Develop
Many community service providers are modifying their services and/or intake procedures due to COVID-19 (suspending walk-in services, only seeing clients by appointment or phone/video conference).
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?
👋 Volunteer your time, find opportunities and sign up with agencies responding to COVID-19

SEMA Guide to Safely Volunteering
💲 Donate to the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to support agencies responding to COVID-19
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

 

COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Other Languages