REACHING OUT FOOD CENTER 

We understand the challenge that some families will face with the District closure for this period of time. If you are in need of food resources, there are local agencies that can help. We encourage any family that is in need to visit the Reaching Out Food Center, 2315 Canoas Garden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124, (408) 267-4691. They are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Just bring a photo ID and a bill with your address on it. Note that Reaching Out does not register your personal information with the U.S. Government, and you will be given free, nutritious groceries no matter what.

FREE MEALS FOR SENIORS 

Adults 60 years and older can pick up a free prepared meal at their local community center. The Senior Nutrition Program has 35 sites, find one near you by visiting bit.ly/svstrong-senior. It’s easy. Simply call your preferred location the day before, and when you pick up your meal just provide your name, birthday, and zip code. New participants who have not registered or reserved a meal can still pick up a meal the same day as long as meals are available. New participants will be given a registration form to return by mail.

The City of San José is leading the countywide food distribution system in response to County and State Orders to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Silicon Valley Strong, the City is working with non-profit community partners, food delivery companies, school districts, faith, and community organizations to ensure food security for our most vulnerable populations.

The list of non-profits, faith-based, and City nutrition sites where meals are served is updated every Monday. Residents can also use a Food Distribution Map to find a nutrition site in their neighborhood.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION MAP

The City of San José launched a food distribution map (bit.ly/SCCFoodMap) with important information on county-wide food distribution sites to ensure food security for those in need. In collaboration with the County of Santa Clara, non-profit community partners, school districts, and faith-based organizations, the Silicon Valley Strong coalition now has 129 food distribution sites operating Monday through Friday. Visit siliconvalleystrong.org for more information on how to access food resources or to donate. Also, call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multi-lingual service, or text your zip code to 89821.

For More Information

• Visit siliconvalleystrong.org
• Call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multi-lingual service
• Text your zip code to 898211
• Free Groceries: receive free fresh fruit, vegetables, and pantry samples by calling 1-800-984-3663 or text “GETFOOD” to 408-455-5181.

CHILDCARE PROGRAM FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

The County Office of Education Supports County-Wide Child Care Programs for Emergency Service Workers: County Wide Childcare Program.

Can I get unemployment benefits information? 

Parents who cannot work because of their child's school closures may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Please call the OLSE Advice Line for help in determining eligibility and assistance with applications or visit sccfairworkplace.org or call the OLSE Advice Line: (866) 870-7725.

Help for PG&E Customers Facing Hardships 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering billing and service modifications, effective immediately, for customers experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the lights stay on and the gas continues to flow. For details, visit www.pge.com/covid19 or call 1 (800) 743-5000.

Unemployment Hotline Now Open 7 Days a Week 

California Employment Development Department call center is now open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to use UI Online for the fastest and most convenient way to file or reopen your claim, certify for benefits, and get up-to-date claim and payment information. Smartphone and tablet users can use UI Online Mobile. Customers can call 833-978-2511 for technical help with accessing UI Online and other general unemployment insurance questions. Representatives will not have access to your claim or payment information. New claims can be filed at 1-800-300-1516.  EDD will also start assisting residents with the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program starting Tuesday, April 28. PUA benefits are distinct from unemployment benefits and cover the self-employed, employees who lack sufficient work history, gig workers, and independent contractors. Read the FAQ about eligibility and benefit amounts.

San José Launches Virtual Recreation Center 

The City of San José Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department launched a virtual center supporting physical and mental health through online learning and creative at-home activities. This digital resource will include links to live pilot classes, recorded entertainment, online resources, and fun educational activities for all ages. The Virtual Recreation Center will feature community centers, attractions like Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 360-degree park views, online workouts, digital excursions, and more. Learn more at bit.ly/sjvirtualrec.

Expanded Support for California Workers 

The Employment Development Department (EDD) has launched a new call center that operates 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The EDD will also stand up a one-stop-shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program starting April 28. PUA benefits are distinct from unemployment benefits and cover the self-employed, employees who lack sufficient work history, gig workers, and independent contractors. PUA benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours instead of the traditional 21 days for regular unemployment claims.

The Governor also announced a $75 million Disaster Relief Fund for undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for relief benefits. Starting next month, approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500 per adult with a cap of $1,000 per household. Funds will be dispersed through a community-based model of regional nonprofits with expertise and experience serving undocumented communities.

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), a network of foundations focused on immigration issues, has also committed to raising $50 million to support direct financial assistance to families of undocumented immigrants through the California Immigrant Resilience Fund. California has developed an immigrant resource guide to provide information about COVID-19 related assistance, including public benefits, that are available to immigrant Californians. Read the full press release here.

Donation Opportunities to Help Others in Need 

For constituents and businesses interested in making donations of cash or supplies, the Public Health Department has created a resource page with links to organizations addressing local needs.

The VMC Foundation is collecting physical and monetary donations for medical supplies. Meanwhile, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation is collecting cash donations to provide relief for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits. The Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing is accepting housing-related donations for those that may be homeless or in need of housing due to COVID-19. Please email housing@eoc.sccgov.org for more information.

Corporations interested in providing medical supplies and other material assistance during this emergency are encouraged to contact the Business Operations Center to evaluate and route larger donations. They can be reached at sccboc@gmail.com.

For those who cannot donate financially, food and blood donations are still urgently needed through Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and the Red Cross, respectively. Donations of non-medical supplies, blankets, personal hygiene, diapers, infant formula, food, clothing and other goods should be given to the local community organization of one’s choice.