Get Help During COVID-19

For Individuals

If you are in need of assistance, contact 211 for referral to the best local resources to fill your need. There are three ways to connect: 

  • Dial 2-1-1 (due to high call volumes please anticipate a wait time)

  • Text your zip code to 898-211

  • Search the online database at www.uwp.org/211gethelp

For Nonprofits

Nonprofits serving Franklin County residents impacted by the pandemic may:

COVID-19 Information & Resources

Table of Contents

(click to jump to section)

Key Information

 

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your primary care provider. If you are not experiencing symptoms but have been in close contact (15 minutes or more and within 6 feet in distance) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may need a test. Please call your primary care provider.

 

If you do not have a primary care provider, contact Wellspan Online Urgent Care or Keystone Health.

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COVID-19 Information

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  • Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to report a Public Health Emergency or AN IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIABLE CONDITION such as COVID-19

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  • See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information

    • We are currently in Phase 1A, which vaccinates select populations of healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, people aged 65 and older, and those aged 16-64 with an eligible health risk

    • Please do not go to hospitals asking for a vaccine at this time

    • COVID-19 vaccine FAQs covers questions that the general public may have

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  • Download the COVID Alert PA app from the PA Dept. of Health, to get exposure alerts without compromising your privacy or personal information

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  • Text PACOVID to 898-211 to stay informed with updates on breaking news, relief legislation, and resources to help you meet your basic needs during the crisis

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Communication from the Commonwealth

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Housing

 

Search PA 211’s housing resources (choose a category and change search filters to refine by zip code)

 
Renters

  • The eviction and foreclosure moratorium for properties with FHFA-backed loans has been extended to March 31​

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  • PA has received funds for another round of emergency rental assistance, but the program has yet to be opened

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  • ​If you were unable to get CARES rent relief or other rental assistance, learn more about the CDC’s national eviction moratorium for nonpayment of rent

    • If you qualify, submit the necessary declaration to your landlord so that you can claim protection from eviction

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Homeowners

  • The eviction and foreclosure moratorium for properties with FHFA-backed loans has been extended to Jan. 31​

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  • Homeowners impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for a mortgage forbearance for up to 12 months (if mortgage is through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac)

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  • Hotline for VA-Backed Home Loans: 1-877-827-3702

Utilities

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  • LIHEAP assists eligible people with heating and cooling expenses, and home weatherization
     

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible people with home weatherization, to increase energy efficiency
     

  • The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has consumer protections in place to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic.

 

  • If you are having trouble paying your utility bills, PUC suggests reaching out to your provider before the bill becomes past-due, because there are programs in place to help.

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Food

 

For local food pantries and other nutrition resources, check out Franklin County Food Resources Nutrition Map​

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Financial Assistance

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Check your eligibility for coronavirus resources from the government: unemployment, food, healthcare, and business loans.

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  • People affected by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation: the waiting week and work search requirements are temporarily suspended

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  • Individuals experiencing financial hardship should reach out to creditors, utility companies, and landlords to understand what assistance they may be offering or willing to negotiate
     

  • Federal student loans: until Dec. 31, interest will not accumulate, payments are suspended, and garnishment of wages, Social Security benefits, and tax refunds for student loan debt collection is halted

    • Summer, a program that provides student loan borrowers with free assistance, has partnered with the PA Attorney General

    • Borrowers of private student loans owned by PHEAA will automatically receive relief
       

  • Under the CARES Act, individuals impacted by coronavirus can access up to $100,000 from their 401(k)s and IRAs with fewer consequences than usual (if you have exhausted most other resources available to you)
     

  • Pennsylvanians can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and other public assistance programs at any time through COMPASS
     

  • For Veterans: 

Employment

 

Most employees will be guaranteed two weeks of paid sick leave and a subsequent ten weeks of partially paid family leave for care of a child, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

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Job Postings

  • The National Labor Exchange lists essential job postings for PA with immediate hiring during the COVID-19 crisis
     

  • PA CareerLink offers active job openings for life-sustaining businesses, available for immediate hire
     

  • USAJOBS has federal government job listings for positions that help respond to and fight COVID-19 in PA

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Unemployment Benefits

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  • People affected by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation: the waiting week and work search requirements are temporarily suspended​​​

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  • The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is available for individuals whose regular unemployment benefits have expired or will expire soon

    • ​PEUC was extended for 11 weeks with no retroactivity, through March 14

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Children and Families

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  • Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-932-0313

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  • Safe2Say Something: 1-844-723-2729 or get the app (kids can use this service to make anonymous tips on anything that makes them uncomfortable)

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Child Care

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Education

  • The PA Department of Education has provided resources for school communities during COVID-19, including guidance on reopening for the 2020-2021 academic year

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Learning at Home

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Mental Health

 

View the Mental Health Tips and Resources from Healthy Franklin County, as well as:

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  • myStrength - Personal Support for You from Wellspan

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Mental Health Hotlines

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

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  • Mental Health Support Line: 1-855-284-2494

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  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746

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  • Crisis Text Line: text MHA to 741741

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  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

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  • Substance Use Disorder Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 717-216-0905, or chat

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Health Care

 

Local Healthcare providers COVID-19 information:

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  • Keystone Health COVID Information Center

    • ​Keystone Urgent Care, 111 Chambers Hill Dr., is providing testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients

    • Keystone Pediatrics offices are providing testing to asymptomatic and symptomatic patients of the practice by appointment only

      • Chambersburg office: Call 717-709-7950 to schedule an appointment

      • Waynesboro office: Call 717-387-8060 to schedule an appointment​

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NOTE: COVID-19 testing is free for all Americans, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

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Vaccine

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  • Vaccination in Franklin County:

    • We are currently in Phase 1A, which vaccinates select populations of healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, people aged 65 and older, and those aged 16-64 with an eligible health risk. If you think you’re eligible, please visit the PA government's vaccination page to take the eligibility quiz.

    • If eligible, use the map to find a vaccine provider, and contact the provider directly via their preferred method to schedule an appointment.

    • At present, the demand for vaccines is higher than the supply, so wait lists are long, and it will take time to get all eligible people vaccinated.

    • View updates on the vaccine from Wellspan Health

    • View updates on the vaccine from Keystone Health

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  • If you have questions about the vaccine or the vaccination process in PA, learn more here.

    • You can submit questions and feedback to the PA Department of Health using this Vaccine Feedback Form or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258 (wait times may be high)

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Prescriptions

  • CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies are doing free prescription delivery: please contact your local pharmacy for more information

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  • Download a free prescription discount card from United Way partner, FamilyWize 

    • Or use these Familywize codes at your pharmacy -  BIN: 610194, Card ID: FW100, Group ID:  FW100, PCN: FW

    • Or, text SAVE to 700700 to download the card to your phone

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Health Insurance

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  • The state will continue to process applications for Medicaid – COVID-19 health emergencies are being prioritized

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  • Medicare will now cover telehealth services for its beneficiaries

Taxes

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  • The IRS is offering relief to taxpayers who owe taxes, but have been financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis

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  • PA 529 account funds that have been refunded can be returned to the account within 60 days to avoid penalties or taxes

Fraud Protection

Scams

  • View CISA’s guidelines on how to avoid scams related to economic impact payments. Regarding individual benefits checks from the federal government:

    • The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money

    • The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number

    • Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer

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  • Regarding individual benefits checks from the federal government:

    • The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money

    • The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number

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  • Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information – these services are unapproved and illegitimate:

    • Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers

    • Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies

    • Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites

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  • Be skeptical of unsolicited or random calls or text messages about public-assistance programs such as P-EBT – especially when the calls or text messages solicit personal information, as these calls may be a scam

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Report Fraud

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How You Can Help

 

Our communities are in need of volunteers and donations now more than ever. Check out our volunteer page for current local needs. If you’re in a position to give, please consider donating to United Way of Franklin County's 2020 Community Campaign or the COVID-19 response fund.

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Other ways to help:

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  • Share your COVID-19 story: help us show lawmakers how much working folks are struggling, so we can advocate for relief legislation that works for all Pennsylvanians

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Way
of Franklin County

Email: office@uwfcpa.org

Phone: 717-262-0015

Location: 182 S. Second St.

                 Chambersburg, PA 17201

Improving quality of lives by mobilizing the caring power of Franklin County.

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We envision a community where all families achieve their potential through healthy living, income stability and early learning.

© 2020 by United Way of Franklin County