Assistance
Childcare for Essential Personnel
Now taking applications for emergency childcare services to support vital workers in our community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Space is limited – call (540) 910-1501 or email jayholly@bgcwsa.org.
Now taking applications for emergency childcare services to support vital workers in our community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Space is limited
The Y will accept children preschool through 5th grade on a first-come, first-serve basis, and registration must occur 24 hours in advance or by Friday for the following Monday.
Scholarships are available for those that qualify, and the Y has a simple form for parents who are interested in participating but not prepared for the unexpected costs of children at home due to the government mandate from coronavirus.
Financial Assistance
Medical, financial, energy and food assistance
Shenandoah Valley Social Services Update
Effective 8 a.m. on Monday, April 13, Shenandoah Valley Social Services (SVSS) closed its doors to the public. To help their clients continue to do business with the agency, SVSS has provided a fact sheet with pertinent information and/or new processes. Walk-in EBT (SNAP card) issuance will continue from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Food Assistance
No Kid Hungry School Meal Finder
Virginia families can text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 to find free food distribution sites organized by local school divisions and community organizations in their area.
Grocery gift cards available to community members who are either unable to afford essential groceries and/or unable to go to the grocery store to do their grocery shopping. Volunteers can assist with grocery shopping and/or grocery deliveries. Available to residents of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County.
Meals are being delivered; however, meals are usually left at the door or left inside the door and deliverers are maintaining a distance from residents.
Internet Access
Comcast
Low-income Internet Essential customers can get two months of free internet. Comcast is also raising the speed of that program’s service to 25/3 Mbps.
– WiFi hotspots across the SAW area will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi
– Data plans are paused for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
Rent/Mortgage/Shelter Assistance
Rent Mortgage Assistance – Waynesboro
This organization provides assistance with mortgage and/or rent assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rent/ Mortgage Assistance – Staunton
This organization provides assistance with mortgage and/or rent assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way of Augusta
This organization provides assistance with mortgage and/or rent assistance for Augusta, Rockbridge or Highland County residents. Call the United Way at 540.213.7347.
WARM Waynesboro
Call the shelter information line at (540) 254-7888
Valley Mission will house approximately 30 of the agency’s family and senior clients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tullidge Residence Hall on the Mary Baldwin University campus.
For general inquires regarding residency, please contact Michele Waitier at michelewaitier@valleymission.net or call (540) 886-4673.
Senior Assistance
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all Valley Programming for Aging Services offices and senior centers are closed to the public through April 24. VPAS will re-evaluate re-opening at that time. Additionally, all current and scheduled VPAS programs, including health and wellness workshops, have been postponed. VPAS services including Meals on Wheels, case management, senior transportation, and Medicare counseling will continue with modifications for the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and the older adults VPAS serves.
Senior Centers
While senior centers are closed, VPAS is contacting members by phone to determine if they need meals delivered to their homes. VPAS is also mailing information to members which includes education about older adults and coronavirus.
Meals on Wheels
Meals are being delivered to homebound residents. VPAS is adding health screenings of all staff and volunteers preparing and delivering these meals, and reducing physical contact during delivery to prevent spread of the virus. VPAS is also conducting safety checks by phone to these individuals. The delivery schedule has changed and residents have been notified.
Senior Transportation
VPAS is continuing to provide transportation to life-necessary destinations for eligible riders. VPAS is enhancing sanitization practices of transport vehicles and implementing health screenings of all staff and volunteers.
Case management and Medicare Consulting
No in-home assessments will be made until April 1. Visits at that time will be modified to include health screening of the client and household members and will support new clients only. VPAS case managers will be available to respond to questions and conduct client reassessments by phone. Medicare consultation will continue by phone.
Transportation
Updates to BRITE Bus Services
As an essential service, BRITE is operating with some modifications to protect operators and riders, and to keep transit free and accessible. You can read in detail what those changes are on their website at https://www.britebus.org/updated-brite-operations-amid-covid-19-crisis/