Coastal Medical
Exceptional Care for Patients. Exceptional Careers for Physicians.

COVID-19 Community Resources

Helpful Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We understand that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic go beyond physical ailments. You or other members of your family may feel alone, scared or overwhelmed. Below are links of community resources that may be helpful to you during this challenging time. View information on additional resources in Rhode Island.

You can also fill out a secure online form to request assistance with community resources, such as food, housing, transportation, utilities or other services.

As always, you can reach out to your Coastal practice with any questions or concerns. We are here for you.

Behavioral Health and Wellness

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

  • 24/7 national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for those in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
  • Text: "TalkWithUs" to 66746
  • Website: www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov

Online Resources:

Domestic Violence/Child Safety

RI Child Protective Services 24/7 hotline: 1-800-742-4453 (1-800-RICHILD)
Investigators are able to conduct home visits on a case-by-case basis.

RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) 

  • www.ricadv.org (RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
    • RICADV provides information, resources and answers to FAQ's about healthy relationships, safety planning, legal needs, and connection to local member agencies.
  • 24/7 hotline: 1-800-949-8100
  • Online Chat is available from 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m
  • Coalition COVID-19 Resources
  •  RICADV local member agencies
    • The RICADV's network of member agencies provides connection to court and law enforcement advocates, comprehensive emergency and support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

Food

  • RI Food Bank - Find Food
  • Ordering groceries online using SNAP/EBT
  • Office of Healthy Aging List of Senior Centers (PDF) can be found on agefriendlyri.org
  • Local Senior Center: Call for information about emergency food assistance, volunteer availability, and delivered box lunch programs
    • Boxed lunch program available to individuals 60+ years of age or disabled.
    • New participants will be required to provide name, date of birth, address, and contact information over phone.

Health Insurance

Updated Healthsource RI info at healthsourceri.com

RIPIN Healthcare Advocates: RIPIN Call Center

  • The RIPIN Call Center offers free support to any Rhode Islander who needs help accessing healthcare, health insurance, or special education for children with disabilities.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) www.oha.ri.gov/Medicare | 1-888-884-8721  TTY: 401-462-0740
SHIP helps people learn about and apply for Medicare coverage.  It also assists beneficiaries with limited income to apply for other programs, such as the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy

Learning at Home

Scholastic: Free online courses ages Pre-K to Grade 6+

EdHelper: Free daily workbooks for teachers to share with parents

Unemployment

Department of Labor & Training COVID TDI and UI: 401-462-2020

Benefits may also be available for you to care for yourself or a family member that has been impacted, through Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI)

Housing/Seeking Shelter

Coordinated Entry System: 401-277-4316

  • If you are in need of temporary shelter, you must call the Coordinated Entry System (CES) to access shelter. As of December 8th, 2020 this hotline is operated the Coalition for the Homeless and staffed with Help Center agents who will conduct an assessment and refer to eligible resources including diversion assistance and shelter. Visit our website to view its extended hours, including nights and weekends.

RI Housing COVID-19 resources
Visit the RI Housing website for information and applications to programs including Rent Relief RI, Homeowner Assistance, and to enroll in the Centralized Wait List Portal for Housing Choice Vouchers.

Funeral Assistance from FEMA for COVID-19

The unexpected loss of a loved one to COVID-19 can create a heavy toll both emotionally and financially.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial assistance to individuals and households with disaster-related funeral expenses. Due to the unprecedented number of deaths caused by COVID-19, FEMA implemented an interim policy to streamline the delivery of funeral assistance.

Learn how you may benefit from this assistance by using the link below. 

View FEMA Policy FD 104-21-0001