COVID-19 Updates

Bethlehem: Christ UCC Opens Nov. 15
Times: 5 p.m.-7 a.m., although the shelter may open earlier if there is extreme weather.

 

Meals will be available for guests staying in the shelter. The community space will be closed and guests will be required to remain on their cots after eating. Guests will be required to wear a mask at all times. Temperatures will be taken every evening during check-in and health questions will be asked. CDC and PA Department of Health guidance will be followed. The capacity for guests has been reduced due to social distancing requirements, although the exact number is still being determined.

 

For more information, contact Bob Rapp, Jr., at bobrapp@christucc.org or 484-357-0600.

 

Allentown: YMCA Allentown Warming Station opens Nov. 1

Times: 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.; Meals will be served for clients staying there only

There will not be a community space/area, clients will have to take their meals to their cots.

Clients are required to wear a mask at all times. Temperatures will be taken every evening during check-in and 4 health questions will be asked.

 

Due to social distancing, they have reduced their capacity and they will only be able to shelter 45-50 people a night. For more information, contact Jodi at 610-351-9622 Ext 809 or jodipetrozak@gv-ymca.org

Drug and Alcohol:

Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services: Currently offering telehealth/virtual substance abuse counseling,  610-419-3101, ext. 227
Lehigh Valley Drug and Alcohol Intake Unit: Currently doing phone screenings and substance abuse treatment assessments, 610-923-0394
AA Online Meetings:  http://aa-intergroup.org/
Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A) Online Resource Listings: http://pro-a.org/covid-19-crisis-recovery-related-resources/

Mental Health: 

Ethos: Doing virtual/internet therapy but has open office hours and psychiatrists on staff.
Crisis Text Line: Serving those struggling with mental health via text. Text SHARE to 741741 to be connected with a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
Mental Health Crisis line: 1-800-273-8255, provides urgent needs and direction to help in every area of the state
Grief and Loss Information in a time of social distancing.
The state has created a new toll-free support line. 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454

Food Access:

Easton Hunger Coalition:  Providing up-to-date information regarding food pantries and meal sites in Easton. 

Water and Heating Assistance: 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. Go to the PA Department of Human Services website for more information. 

Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIWAP): is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water bills. LIHWAP is a grant. Go to the PA Department of Human Services website for more information.

Education Resources:

Guidance and Resources for School Communities Provided by Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Learns: Offering free, scheduled, programming for K-5 students through TV or streaming services. Find out more here. 
Learn how childhood trauma can affect children and find resources to overcome it at ResilientLehighValley.com. 

Unemployment Information

Services for Pennsylvanians Affected by COVID-19 Provided by Pennsylvania 
Find jobs and open positions at CareerLink of the Lehigh Valley’s website