From financial worries to a household of kids chanting “We’re bored!”, everyone is dealing with new situations right now. We have put together this Coronavirus Resource Guide for people in Orange County and Central Florida with tips on where to access essentials like food and financial assistance. We have also included free entertainment and resources for kids and families to make time at home a little easier.
Food Banks in Central Florida
Use Second Harvest’s Online Food Locator. Second Harvest asks you to call ahead to ensure the food pantry is stocked and open before heading over. Visit the Online Food Locator.
Free Wifi for Students and Teachers
Spectrum is offering free Wifi to everyone affected by school closures due to COVID-19. This includes K-12 students, college students, and teachers. To sign up for free Wifi, call 1-844-488-8395. Learn More About Free Wifi.
Free At-Home Resources for Kids and Families
Homeschooling and More from Florida Department of Education
This is a list of many resources to help parents teaching kids at home. There are plenty of options for online books, storytime and educational resources. They also include fun activities for kids. Check Out Resources.
PBS TV Educational TV Programming for Kids
PBS is helping out by offering Educational TV every weekday. You can access PBS TV for free with a TV and antenna, as well as through cable TV providers. See Educational TV Schedule.
Storytime for Kids from the Orange County Library
This Youtube playlist has storytime for kids told by professional storytellers. Visit the Playlist.
Free Entertainment
Online Audiobooks, Movies and Classes for Kids and Adults
You don’t need a paid subscription to access movies, books and music. Visit your county’s library and sign up for a library card online. You can then download a wide range of books, movies and music for free. The Orange County Library also offers free online classes to build your skills, including tech skills. Visit the Orange County Library.
Free Workouts from YMCA
YMCA is offering free workout videos via Youtube. So that you can “Stay Home and Work Out.” Check Out Workouts.
Support Local Restaurants
This one’s not free, but if you are in the Orlando area looking for food, this is a great list of restaurants that are still open and providing take-out or delivery. If you are worried about bringing coronavirus into your home via takeout food, discard the packaging and place the food in a new container. You can also additionally heat the food as an extra measure. Many restaurants are offering “No-Contact Guarantee Food Prep” and free delivery. Visit Orlando To-Go.
Financial and Health Care
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line
Central Florida residents can access mental health crisis support via a local agency, Aspire Health Partners. Call their COVID-19 24 Hour Crisis Support Line at (407) 875-3700, and you will be connected with a caring mental health professional. Learn More.
Coronavirus Info Line
Advent Health opened this free telephone information line to answer questions about symptoms and the opportunity to speak with a nurse if need. Call the 24/7 Line at 877-VIRUSHQ. Learn more.
Community Health Clinic
This network of 13 clinics offers payment based on income. They continue to “provide comprehensive, quality health care to all patients, regardless of their financial or insurance status.” To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call them 407-905-8827. Visit CHCFL online.
Financial, Healthcare and Social Services
Dial 2-1-1 to access Central Florida’s go-to resource for financial assistance, community health clinics, assistance accessing diapers and formula, and more. Visit the 211 Information Page.
Florida Unemployment / Reemployment Benefits
If you have lost your job due to COVID-19 and need to apply for unemployment benefits, visit the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website. It will take more time and persistence than usual to submit your application due to the large number of applicants, so be prepared to spend time on the phone and continuously follow up until your application is process. View the Reemployment Benefits Application.
Orlando Roofing Company
With over 15 years serving commercial and residential customers in Central Florida, you can trust our expertise and professionalism. Castle Roofing Group LLC specializes in roof repair and new roof installation projects. We pride ourselves on not only providing the best roof replacement, but doing it at the right cost. Contact us today at (407) 477-2823 for a free roof inspection and estimate or schedule your free roof inspection online now.
