COVID-19
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• The Arc of Larimer County’s Advocacy and Office During COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, The Arc of Larimer County’s office will be closed to outside visitors until April 15th, 2020. Our staff will be working in the office and/or remotely (as appropriate) and will be able to participate in meetings virtually. We recognize that there is still important work to do, and we’re striving to perform those vital services while helping stop the community spread of Coronavirus.
If you are currently working with an advocate, rest assured that they will still be able to continue to provide advocacy services. If you are in need of advocacy services and are not currently working with an advocate, please fill out our on-line advocacy form at https://thearcoflarimercounty.org/what-we-do/advocacy-services/.
We have several events and workshops scheduled that we will approach on a case-by-case basis. We are working on virtual attendance and other options to be prepared as necessary. If you register for an event, you will be contacted if the event details need to change.
We have below some additional information and resources for families. Please note this is a rapidly changing situation. You can check back frequently to find updates. If you know of a resource that should be added to this page, please email info@arclc.org.
• Larimer County Residents Currently Experiencing Symptoms of COVID-19
As testing is currently very limited, The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment has a specific page set up where those experiencing symptoms can self-report. Your input is helpful so the Health Department can track COVID-19 in Larimer County. Learn more and view the form at https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-home-care-and-testing-information
Watch Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzales, talk about the Larimer County Department of Health’s new dashboard below:
• CDC and People at Higher Risk for COVID-19
• CDC Resources for preparing your home (including cleaning recommendations)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/index.html
• CDC Informational Videos in ASL:
• Colorado’s COVID-19 Page
The State of Colorado has created a page specifically for COVID-19 in order to quickly communicate accurate and up-to-date information: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
• COVID-19 Information For People with Disabilities
Plain-Language Information From SARTAC and Green Mountain Self Advocates:
English: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf
Spanish: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Spanish-Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf
COVID-19 Picture Communication Board:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/programs/JFKPartners/research/Documents/COVID-19%20Picture%20Communication%20Board.pptx
Resource Tool Kit for Supporting People with Autism through COVID-19:
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Supporting%20Individuals%20with%20Autism%20through%20Uncertian%20Times%20Full%20Packet.pdf
COVID-19 and Wheelchairs Information Tool-Kit (opens a PDF):
WC AT COVID-19 Precautions 1mb 2020-03-27 0745
• Early Intervention – Guidance for Young Children
• Food Resources
Follow this link to view the United Way’s Google Doc of updated Food Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xQEVyavsMwvtiOIpA78WgBYLTAYSChWXHq3psvtYtNQ/edit
KidsPack (Loveland):
https://www.lovelandrotarykidspak.org/upcoming-events/
Larimer County Food Bank:
https://foodbanklarimer.org/news/covid-19/
House of Neighborly Services (Loveland and Berthoud):
https://www.honservice.org/events-resources/corvid-19-response.html
• Financial Counseling Resources:
Green Path offers Financial Education – All GreenPath counselors have completed comprehensive training and certification from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). This ensures our ability to provide quality education and assistance. NFCC is the oldest and largest organization of its type in the US. Learn more at https://www.greenpath.com/coronavirus/
• Grocery Delivery Options
We are hearing that many stores are experiencing trouble filling online orders for pick-up. Below are some grocery-delivery options. Please note the list below is for informational purposes only as The Arc of Larimer County does not endorse any of the following companies or services:
Shipt, including no-contact delivery. Learn more here: https://www.shipt.com/blog/a-note-to-our-community-about-coronavirus/
Instacart, including no-contact delivery. Learn more here: https://www.instacart.com/help/section/200758544
Walmart Grocery Delivery. Learn more here: https://grocery.walmart.com/
The City of Fort Collins is expanding its “Adopt a Neighbor” program to include individuals who need to self-quarantine. Learn more here: https://www.fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices/
Fort Collins Delivery Network:
https://fortcollinsdeliverynetwork.org/
A Little Help – please note age qualifications may apply
https://www.alittlehelp.org/northerncolorado
• HCPF – Updates from The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and a dedicated page for COVID-19 related information here: https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/covid
Please visit this page to see guidance from The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing about COVID-19, including guidance for Host Home Providers, Day Programs, etc. – https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/2020-memo-series-communications
• Housing and Shelter Resources
https://www.211colorado.org/housing-and-shelter/
• Larimer County Specific Information – Including School Districts
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is posting updates and guidance for families, businesses, etc. here: https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19.
Frequently Asked Questions about Larimer County’s Stay at Home Order can be found here: https://www.larimer.org/health/stay-at-home-order/stay-home-order-faq?utm_source=Larimer+County+Citizens&utm_campaign=7a09683b1e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_12_19_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5f3e586310-7a09683b1e-146924489
You can also contact the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment about the Stay-at-Home order announced on March 25th: Call 970-498-5500 or text 970-999-1770. They have requested that residents do not call the police, sheriff, or 911 with questions.
The Larimer County Food Bank is striving to provide meals to those affected by school and other closures. If your family is in need of assistance, visit https://foodbanklarimer.org/news/covid-19/ for updated information about the Food Bank’s operations during COVID-19.
Updates from the Poudre School District, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.psdschools.org/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response
Updates from the Thompson School District, including options to obtain food, are available here: https://www.thompsonschools.org/Page/21645
• Mortgage Relief
Some borrowers may be eligible for Mortgage Relief if your income has been impacted by COVID-19. Please contact your borrower directly as each lender may be handling the situation differently.
Broad Program Details:
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/19/818322136/heres-what-is-in-the-families-first-coronavirus-aid-package-trump-approved
Fannie Mae:
https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/media/corporate-news/2020/covid-homeowner-assistance-options-7000.html
Freddie Mac:
http://www.freddiemac.com/about/covid-19.html
• Other Resource Guides
United Way of Larimer County – https://uwaylc.org/
Alliance (information for PASAs) – www.alliancecolorado.org/covid19
JFK Partners – http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/programs/JFKPartners/research/Documents/COVID-19%20Resources.docx
• Schools are Closed – Guidance for Parents
What about online learning courses? We recommend contacting your student’s teacher to ensure any online learning course will meet your child’s goals and objectives.
AdvocacyDenver Webinar: Navigating Special Education During COVID-19 (view below or on their webpage here: https://www.advocacydenver.org/webinar-navigating-special-education-during-covid-19/)
• Stores Offering Special Shopping Hours for At-Risk Individuals
We have been told the following stores are offering special shopping hours for at-risk individuals in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please work with your doctor if you or someone you care for is in the at-risk population for COVID-19 to determine the safest way to purchase needed food and supplies. Additionally, we encourage calling and verifying the available hours and procedures, as stores could still be crowded during these hours:
Albertsons (& Safeway): https://www.albertsonscompanies.com/newsroom/shopping-hours-for-vulnerable-customers.html
Costco: https://customerservice.costco.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9438/~/covid-19-member-update
Lucky’s Market: https://www.facebook.com/luckysmarketfortcollins/
Whole Foods: https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/news/whole-foods-market-adjusts-store-hours-to-better-serve-our-communities
• Unemployment & Other Benefits
Closures due to COVID-19 can create a financial burden due to loss or reduction of employment. Visit the Colorado Department of Labor to explore options if your employer is closing or your hours are being reduced due to COVID-19: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus
The United States Department of Labor has additional resources here: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus
• Utilities
Many Utility companies are not disconnecting service during the COVID-19 outbreak. We have a summary of the information available as of March 18th, 2020 below. Please contact your utility directly if you are having a hard time paying your bills as this is a rapidly evolving situation.
City of Fort Collins Utilities says: “We will not disconnect service to customers until further notice for non-payment. If you are having difficulty paying your bills, contact us to receive assistance or make a payment arrangement.” For more information, please visit https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/covid-19
CenturyLink: “We’ve committed to waive late fees and to not terminate a residential or small business customer’s service due to financial circumstances associated with COVID-19. We are also suspending data usage limits for consumer customers during this time period due to COVID-19.” Visit https://news.centurylink.com/covid-19 to learn more.
Comcast: “Company Opens Xfinity WiFi Network Nationally for Free, Offers Unlimited Data for Free, Confirms Its Commitment to Connecting Low-Income Families” For more info, please visit https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Connexion: The Coloradoan Reports, “Connexion won’t disconnect service for nonpayment until further notice.” We recommend contacting Connexion directly as we were unable to independently verify this information: https://www.fcgov.com/connexion/
City of Loveland:
“The City of Loveland will suspend through March 27 service shut-offs for residents with delinquent utility accounts, in recognition of circumstances presented by the current COVID-19 public health emergency. ”
Learn more at: http://www.cityofloveland.org/Home/Components/News/News/5989/30?backlist=%2f%3ffbclid%3dIwAR3Bw4Xihb5sqRij6c_PXEIKaBUYQolWXLGi4l-yqUge-pe4wfX5mnU4DcM
Poudre Valley REA: “We understand members may face financial hardships during this time. If you are having difficulty paying your bills, contact us and we will arrange a payment plan that works for you.” For more information, visit https://pvrea.coop/covid-19-response-pvrea
Sprint: (see full details or learn more here: https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm)
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- Beginning March 13th: “For the next 60 days, we will support our residential and small business customers by, not terminating service if they are unable to pay their Sprint bill because of the coronavirus, and waiving late fees incurred because of economic circumstances related to the pandemic.”
- By March 18:
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- Customers with metered data plans will receive unlimited data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
- We will provide customers with an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
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- Beginning March 18 – April 1: Customers with mobile hotspot-capable handsets who don’t have mobile hotspot today will now get 20GB as well per month for 60 days (a minimum of two bill cycles) at no extra cost.
- Starting on March 17, per-minute calling rates for international long distance calls to countries identified by the Center for Disease Control as Level 3 are waived through 5/31/20. Customers are still responsible for any monthly charges for add-on international long-distance calling plans.
TDS: On March 17th, 2020, “Customers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will remain connected and late fees will be suspended for at least the next 60 days. New customers with students or financial need will be eligible for 60 days of free internet access, to help assist with work- or school-at-home scenarios.” Learn more at https://blog.hellotds.com/important-news-from-tds-covid-19-update-for-customers/
Verizon: “Verizon will waive late fees for 60 days from March 16, 2020 to May 16, 2020, and will not terminate service to a customer who’s been impacted by the events involving the Coronavirus. If our customers are experiencing a hardship, they should call our customer service team to discuss their situation and available options.” Learn more at https://www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus
Xcel Energy: “We will not disconnect service to any residential customers until further notice. If you are having difficulty paying your bills, contact us and we will arrange a payment plan that works for you.” For more information, visit https://www.xcelenergy.com/covid-19_response