Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

In an effort to support our members and our community through this difficult time, SWPPA has compiled the following list of resources that may be helpful for organizations and businesses serving older adults. We will continue to update this list as new resources and information emerge. If you have recommendations for additional resources to list, please send them to us at [email protected].

*Last updated April 3, 2020*

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) website is the hub of comprehensive national resources and information regarding Coronavirus for individuals, businesses, organizations, institutions, and communities overall. You can sign up to receive CDC email and/or text updates.
• The PA Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage lists frequent updates on confirmed cases in the state, overview information about Coronavirus, social media graphics that you can post, state press releases, guidance, and links to many resources.
• The Allegheny County Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage has links to information for Allegheny County residents, information for specific groups including businesses and organizations, and updates. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts and subscribing to COVID-19. A guide on how to sign up for Allegheny Alerts is available here. You can also follow the Allegheny County Health Department on Facebook (@AlleghenyCountyHealth) and Twitter (@HealthAllegheny).
• State Representative Sara Innamorato’s COVID-19 Resource Guide provides a running list of local resources, programming, and support services.
• The Pittsburgh Foundation Resources for COVID-19 page has information on how to give help and donate, as well as information on how to get help and where to find resources. The page includes general health information, information on volunteer opportunities, and information on how to get assistance with food, utilities, housing, and more.

National Resources

• CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance includes recommended strategies for employers to use now, overall planning considerations, and considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan. The CDC website also has specific guidance for retirement communities and independent living.
• The Administration for Community Living Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources page includes resources for aging and disabilities networks such as program-specific information related to the Older Americans Act (OAA), addressing common OAA provision and funding questions that have arisen; CMS COVID-19 Guidance (HCBS Waivers, Nursing Home Visitation); an Emergency Planning Toolkit; and CHC interim guidance for community organizations. As the Administration for Community Living continues to provide additional information, you can to sign up for ACL Update emails. They recommend staying in close communication with your State Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging so that if/when additional funding and policy guidance becomes available, you can act as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The National Council on Aging COVID-19 Resources for Senior Centers page provides current best practice information that senior centers are using to prevent the spread of the virus and keep their participants safe. The first step for all senior centers is to contact their local public health department for the latest guidance on how to respond in their immediate area. Senior centers also can play an important role in sharing trusted information with older adults.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources page has information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for small business owners, guidance for businesses and employers, SBA products and resources, government contracting, and local assistance.
• U.S. Chamber’s Coronavirus Small Business Emergency Loan Guide and Checklist outlines the steps small businesses need to take to access Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
• U.S. Department of the Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses webpage includes more details on the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and the loan application.
• The FEMA Small Business Resilience Toolkit is a resource to help small businesses prepare for a disaster.

State and Local Resources

• The PA Department of Human Services Coronavirus webpage for providers includes a subpage on Coronavirus-Related Guidance & Resources for Providers from different program areas, including the Office of Long-Term Living.
• The PA Department of Aging COVID-19 Provider Guidance page has guidance for providers of aging services, including recommendations for: Aging Services (OPTIONS/Caregiver Support/Domiciliary Care), Adult Day Centers, Protective Services, Senior Centers, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
• The Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) COVID-19 Resource Page lists upcoming webinars; sample nonprofit plans and policies; and resources for communicating during a pandemic, event management and fundraising, managing stress and reducing stigma. They also have a list of COVID-19 funding sources for nonprofits.
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) COVID-19 page has a list of resources for small businesses located in the City of Pittsburgh who are impacted by COVID-19.
•  The COVID-19 Emergency Action Fund has been established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to accept contributions from donors, corporations, foundations and the community at large. The Fund aims to support and strengthen the nonprofit human services network and infrastructure during this crisis period. The Fund will award small operating grants on a rolling basis to nonprofit organizations seeking to meet basic needs; see grant guidelines and application information.

Nonprofit Resources

• The National Council of Nonprofits COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits page has information and analyses on what the federal coronavirus relief bills mean for nonprofits, how nonprofits can utilize the new federal laws dealing with COVID-19, and loans available for nonprofits in the CARES Act. They have recommended steps for nonprofits and links to many resources that nonprofits can use to prepare and respond to COVID-19.
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy Resources to Help Nonprofits Respond to the Coronavirus Outbreak page includes resources on how to manage, lead and communicate; fundraising; technology solutions; and more. They also have an article on how to adapt your nonprofit’s sick leave policy during COVID-19.
• The Independent Sector Information on COVID-19 page offers a curated list of resources and articles for nonprofit organizations focused on health and data, the response of the nonprofit sector, and recent news geared for nonprofits.
• COVID-19 Resource List for Nonprofits is a co-authored, comprehensive list of resources for nonprofits, including curated, regularly updated collections and examples of resources shared for nonprofits, nonprofit resources by topic (i.e. H.R., events, fundraising, communications, etc.), and many other resources.
• TechSoup’s List of Technology Resources for Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19 includes tools to support remote work, organizational policy resources, and free technology webinars and workshops.

• The CDC Coronavirus webpage for those at a higher risk of complications includes specific recommendations for older adults and individuals at higher risk, and what others can do to support older adults and people with disabilities.
• AARP’s News and Guidance on Coronavirus page has many resources including an FAQ, videos, articles, and updates on what you need to know about Coronavirus.
• The Pioneer Network Resource Library has a new collection of resources to prevent loneliness and isolation and engage and connect residents and older adults with their family, friends and communities during this challenging time.
• The Virtual Senior Academy is a free program that connects adults age 50 or older in the Pittsburgh region through interactive courses online that are offered throughout the day. They have a schedule of upcoming online classes, which can help foster connection and friendship for those feeling isolated or alone.
• The Alzheimer’s Association’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tips for Dementia Caregivers page includes tips for dementia caregivers at home as well as tips for caregivers of individuals in assisted living. The Alzheimer’s Association also has a 24/7 helpline for caregivers and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia facing COVID-19; you can reach the helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
• Hope Grows’ COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Caregiver Resources list provides links to resources and tips for family caregivers. Hope Grows is also ramping up virtual support services for family caregivers, including offering extended call-in capabilities for caregivers who need someone to talk to, a weekly virtual support group for caregivers, online video therapeutic respite activities, and other online programs.
• Allegheny County Department of Human Services Map of Free Food Distribution Sites can help you identify where you can get food in your area.