Resources for Families Impacted by COVID-19

We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for Valley families. This page contains information for families across our region struggling with income loss, getting access to healthy food, paying utility bills, rent or mortgage, or experiencing anxiety or loneliness while in self-isolation or quarantine.

We will continually update this page as new resources become available.

We encourage families to stay up to date with reliable information from the California Department of Public Health website, which issues updates on COVID-19 in English and Spanish. 

Help with Income Loss

Those experiencing loss of income due to COVID-19 may qualify for some benefits in California (learn more here). 

• Unemployment Benefits

  • You may be eligible for unemployment if:
    • If an employer has either reduced your work hours or shut down due to COVID-19.
    • If you have to miss work to care for you children due to school closures, and you do not have alternative care or remote work options.
  • Click here for more information about filing an unemployment claim.
• Paid Family Leave Benefits
  • You may be eligible for paid family leave if you have to miss work to care for someone who is ill or quarantined due to COVID-19. Click here for more information about filing a paid family leave claim.
• Employers Experiencing a Loss of Business
  • Employers who are experiencing loss of business may also qualify for some benefits through California’s Work Sharing program. Click here to learn more about the program.
  • Small businesses can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S Small Business Administration at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

Food Assistance

If you have lost income and/or employment due to COVID-19, or are experiencing food insecurities in general, you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, also known as CalFresh. Please visit the online application tool to get started.

The State of California has developed a Food Assistance page for Californians facing food insecurity due to COVID-19. Click here to visit the page and learn more about programming available.

Various school districts throughout the Valley are providing parents with free breakfast/lunch pickups for children. Visit your local school or school district website for more information about what school meal resources are available in your area.

Food assistance from your local food bank

Other local food assistance resources

• The Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County will be providing grab-and-go meals for club members. Members can contact their local club for distribution times.
• Catholic Charities of Fresno will continue providing meals, diapers and other essential supplies for those in need. Visit 149 N. Fulton St. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., call 559-237-0851 or visit their website.
• St. James Episcopal Cathedral Church in Fresno has a food bank every Wednesday at 2:30-4:30 pm at 4147 East Dakota Avenue Fresno, CA 93726. Click here to visit their website.
• For seniors who have participated in the congregate nutrition program in the past month, the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging is enrolling them in emergency home meal delivery. Click here to visit their website.
• Kern County's Aging Adult Services has provided nutrition resources for seniors in Kern County. Click here to visit their website.

How to Get Food Deliveries

If you cannot leave home or lack transportation, there are some food delivery options:

• Bitwise Industries has offered to provide free grocery delivery for elderly or sick people in Fresno, Madera, and Tulare counties. Send the recipient, address, and shopping list to groceries@bitwiseindustries.com or call 559-460-7809.
• Khalsa Aid International is offering grocery and meal delivery for seniors, immunocompromised people, and lower-income families in Central California. For more support, visit www.instagram.com/khalsaaidusa and send a private message explaining what is needed.

Assistance on Utility Bills

Your city’s public works/utilities department may offer special supports if you are experiencing financial stress as a result of COVID-19.

Please visit the PG&E COVID-19 resource and FAQ page for more information regarding payment arrangements and additional supportive needs. Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas have information on their websites about resources for these utilities for families in the South Valley.

Late on Rent or Mortgage

The State of California has resources for renters, homeowners and landlords about relief provided under the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program. Click here to visit the State's website for the most up-to-date information.