Covid-19 Resources for Low-Wage Workers

Last updated: 8/18/20

Below are resources available for low-wage workers, undocumented immigrants, and those who have been excluded from the CARES Act and Federal Stimulus bill who are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who need housing help

 

Resource Description How to apply
Give2SF Housing Stabilization Program For anyone regardless of immigration status who can’t afford rent, utitlities, or any other household essentials. Funding is limited and applications will be based on the severity of each househsold. Applicants may receive $3,000 Website
COVID-19 Housing Retention Grants Eviction prevention and housing-related expenses for Berkeley residents related to COVID-19. Applicants must have a signed rental agreement at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Maximum of $15,000 will be given. Call (510) 548-4040 ext. 695 and leave a voicemail. Expect a call within 3-5 business days.
Moratorium on Evictions in CA Guide on the COVID-19 eviction ban for California residents News page
Draft Letter to Landlord A template for a letter to landlords. For those who are unable to pay rent Document is available in English and Spanish
CA Tenant Protections Informatiaon on protecting CA tenants during COVID-19 Available in English and Spanish
Just Shelter Has a list of organizations that provide tenants rights, education, housing assistance, and legal aid Web page
Eviction Moratorium for Oakland Tenants Guide for Oakland tenants who are unable to pay for rent. Document available in English and Spanish
Alamedia County Public Health Department – Isolation Housing Temporary housing for homeless in Alameda county Web Page
Hamilton Families Housing services in San Francisco Web Page
Keep Oakland Housed Housing services in Oakland Website

For immigrants

 

Relief funds

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
Immigrant Workers Fund Program For immigrants who are unable to get state or federal programs Those eligible will get $200 for support services and $200 for food security Open
California Disaster Relief for Immigrants For undocumented adults who are ineligible for benefits such as the CARES Act and unemployment Call 1 (415) 324-1011 to apply Open
Mission Asset Fund For individuals being left out of the government’s response to COVID-19. Max of $500 will be given. Application Currently there’s a waitlist
Oakland Undocument Relief Fund For immigrant workers in Oakland who have lost their jobs English application and Spanish application Applications became available on March 28
Sonoma Immigrant Services Families in Sonoma county who are ineligible to get state or federal aid. Either call (707) 996-6669 or email info@sonomaimmigrant.org Waitlist

General Resources

 

Resource Description Resource link
East Oakland Dreamers Resources for immigrants Website
CIYAJA’s Resource List Resources for undocumented immigrants living in California Web page
Legal Aid at Work COVID-19/Coronavirus FAQ for Workers Question 16 is about eligibility for benefits for undocumented workers. Web Page
The Worker’s Guide – Your Rights Guide on worker’s rights. Available in both English and Spanish Web Page
Immigrants Rising Has a list of resources and hosts virtual wellness gatherings for undocumented individuals Website
United We Dream Has information on eligibility on getting a federal stimulus package Information is available in English and Spanish
Recursos para la Comunidad Indocumentada del Área de la Bahia Has a list of resources for undocumented immigrants living in California Available in Spanish
Alameda County Resources for Mixed-Status Families Has a list of resources for Alameda county residents Document
Protecting Immigrant Families Resources for immigrant families such as food, medical, and unemployment Web page
Canal Alliance Resources for immigrants living in Marin County such as food and free COVID-19 testing Web page

Medical resources

 

Resource Description Link
Public charge Exemption from COVID-19 Public charge doesn’t restrict access from medical testing or treatment of illnesses, including COVID-19. Web Page
Emergency Medi-Cal Medical eligibility in California Web Page

Resources for those working under a legal status (TPS, DACA, visa)

NOTE: There are differing reports on whether applying for unemployment benefits will instigate public charge should an individual adjust their status in the future. If you need help, talk to your lawyer or clinic.

Resource Description Link
How to file for Unemployment Insurance How to file for unemployment benefits. Those under a legal status can file for them Website
UndocuBlack on public charge Has information and a graphic on public charge Web page

Legal resources

 

Resource Description Link
Easy Bay Sanctuary Covenant Immigrant advocacy for Easy Bay residents Website
Legal Aid at Work – National Origin and Immigrants’ Rights Program Immigrant and ethnic workers’ rights Web Page
Immigrant Family Defense Fund Able to give bond money should a relative be in ICE custody Website

For COVID-19 Patients

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
Right to Recover For San Francisco residents who have been tested positive for COVID-19. Gives two weeks of minimum wage replacement or $1285. Individuals may also qualify for hotel rooms, food delivery, and other services No application. Call 415-701-4817 or email workforce.connection@sfgov.org

For Restaurant workers

 

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
One Wage Fair Emergency Fund Cash assistance for restaurant workers, delivery workers, car service drivers, personal service workers, and others who aren’t making enough income. English Application and Spanish application Cash will be given out once funding is available
USBG National Charity Foundation – Bartender Emergency Assistance Program For bartenders, spouses, or children of bartenders who have been impacted. Must meet certain requirements to qualify. Application or call (855) 655-8724 Applications are reviewed the 15th of each month (there maybe be exceptions during times of crisis)
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation Emergency assistance for restaurant or bar employees or those who area employed by a restaurant or bar supplier Applications are available in English and Spanish Funds are available
Another Round, Another Rally Emergency Assistance Hospitality workers such as dishwashers, bartenders, servers, bussers, chefs, cooks, sommeliers, managers, hosts, and cleaning staff can apply for $500 relief grants. Website Open

For the formerly incarcerated

 

Relief Fund Description Link Notes
Root & Rebound For California and South Carolina residents who are formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted in need of basic necessities. This also includes relatives or friends with criminal records. Application Target and Walmart gift cards will be given.

For those in low-income households

Internet/Phone resources

 

Resource Description Link
SPECTRUM Internet Giving 60 days of free wifi for low-income households News article
Charter COMCAST Free internet services for families with two children for 2 months. To apply, call (844) 488-8395. Additionally, the company is also offering free access to Xfinity wifi hotspots to everyone, including those who aren’t subscribers, for 60 days Website
AT&T and Verizon Both companies are suspending the termination of wireless, home phone or broadband service if customers are unable to pay their bills AT&T and Verizon websites
T-Mobile Customers with dat plans get unlimited data for the next 60 days Web page
Internet Essentials – Application for Low-income households Internet costs $9.95/month Web page

Relief funds

 

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
San Mateo County Strong Emergency Financial Assistance For San Mateo county residents who have lost their job due to COVID-19. Must show with either bank statements, paystubs, or other documents that family income within the last 30 days that area median income is 60% or below. Web Page FAQs in English and Spanish
Napa Valley Community Foundation For Napa County residents in households where income is below 120% of Area Median Income and who don’t qualify for government-sponsored unemployment or paid family leave benefits. Email efa@upvalleyfamilycenters.org if you’re a resident of Calistoga, St. Helena and surrounding areas. If you’re a resident of Napa and American Canyon, email efa@onthemovebayarea.org or call (707) 965-5010. Waitlist available
Sacred Heart Santa Clara county residents in households where income is less than 80% of average median income or who have documented income loss in connection to COVID-19 due to health, employment, or school/child care closures. Information available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Funds have been used up, but there’s an interest list if funds are available

Medical resources

 

Resource Description Link
HealthPAC Low cost health program for low-income households in Alameda county Document

For those who need food access

 

Organization Description Link
Alameda County Food Bank Food bank for Alameda county residents Website
Peralta Park Food Distribution Food distribution event in Oakland. Has passed Flyer
Berkeley Food Network Food pantry located in Berkeley. Web page
Points of Light Food delivery in Oakland. For families who are unable to get transportation within 8 AM- 12 PM. Document
San Francisco Marin Food Bank Food bank for San Francisco and Marin county residents Website
OUSD Food Access Food access from Oakland United School District that will be given to students and families of the district Flyers
WCCUSD Food Access Food access and other resources from West Contra Costa United School District. Will be available to students and families of the district Web Page
SFSU Food Access Free meals available to students and families of the San Francisco United School District during school closure Web Page
Berkeley Unified Food Access Free meals for children under 18 years of age Web Page
Hayward Unified School District Food Access Free food for students of the Hayward Unified School District Web Page
San Mateo/Santa Clara School Closure Meal Sites School sites where meals will be distributed within San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties Spreadsheet

For those who need utility resources

 

Resource Description Link
California Statewide Halt to Utility Shut Offs Until May Article on eviction bans and statewide halt to utility shut offs in California News article
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Service disconnections have been halted and the company will give flexible plans to “customers who indicate either an empact or hardship as a result of COVID-19.” Web Page

For Domestic Workers

 

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
National Domestic Workers Alliance Coronavirus Care Fund Currently only available to domestic workers who have been involved with the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), chapters, affiliates, circles, and current Alia users. Apply, sign up for information, or text RELIEF to 97779 to get updates from NDWA. Closed

For farmworkers

 

Relief Fund Description How to Apply Notes (if available)
Farmworkers COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund Help out farmworkers. Donation link Funds currently not available

For those who need health care access

 

Resource Description Link
Find a Health Care Center Find a health care center near you. Not all may provide COVID-19 testing Website