COVID-19 External Community Resources

List of Madison Resources for Impacts of COVID-19

This document was created to collect resources for alleviating primarily non-medical problems caused by the public emergency surrounding COVID-19. These issues include financial, emotional, logistical, and childcare challenges. Resources have been collected from news articles, local Facebook groups, grassroots organizations, etc.

Dane County Neighbors Helping Neighbors COVID-19 Assistance Request

Members of the Dane County Neighbors Helping Neighbors can use this form to request assistance. Please be as specific as you can about the support that you are requesting.

Madison Community Cooperative Suggested COVID-19 Protocol for Houses

This protocol is especially important because: "Community spread" has reached Madison. There’s some evidence from Korean COVID-19 testing that people in their 20s are the most likely asymptomatic carriers. Furthermore, asymptomatic transmission is an important way COVID-19 is spread. Early research is showing that "the viral load of the specimens from the asymptomatic patients was higher than the viral load of the specimens from the three patients who did have symptoms." The more social distancing, the better it will be for everyone.

Your Money: A Hub for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis

If your income has fallen or been cut off completely, we’re here to help. This guide will connect you to the basic information you’ll need to get through this, including on government benefits, free services and financial strategies. This guide has been updated with the details of the $2 trillion relief plan that has been enacted by Washington.

Google COVID-19 Support Resources

Google.org has announced expanded  COVID-19 Support Resources: free access to Google tools and distance learning. This includes support on Google Classroom, the virtual meeting tool Google Meet, and preparing students for distance learning on Google Chromebooks.

HealthConnect: Financial assistance for health insurance premiums

HealthConnect helps local families pay for health insurance premiums. Generously funded by UW Health and Quartz. Eligibility guidelines and application details are found here.

Urban League of Greater Madison Lost Employment Assistance Form

The Urban League has a long history of helping job seekers meet their employment goals through our vast network of partnerships with employers across many industries and job types. During this unprecedented crisis we remain ready to help! %p If you have been laid off or furloughed due to the current public health situation (or for any reason), let us help. Our team of highly experienced employment specialists can provide you with an array of support to meet your immediate and future employment needs. This includes connections to our network of business partners, many of whom are seeking immediate. There is NO COST for our services. Complete the interest form below and we’ll contact you within 24 hours for an initial consultation to discuss your employment needs. You can also reach us by calling (608) 729-1234. We understand these are difficult times, and we stand ready to help!

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation has published a guide on the Paycheck Protection Program with a checklist and guidelines, including for nonprofit organizations.

Public Health Madison and Dane County

Public Health Madison and Dane County latest updates on COVID-19 cases and public health guidance.

Petition: Suspend Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Collections During the Coronavirus Crisis

This form is intended to (1) collect signatures and (2) mobilize people across Wisconsin to pressure Gov. Evers to freeze rent, mortgage and utility collections during the coronavirus. In addition to signing this form, we encourage you to email Gov. Evers' office (EversInfo@wisconsin.gov) and encourage him to suspend rent, mortgage, and utility collections during the coronavirus crisis. In these interactions, be direct and personal. Our governor must hear how we, and our communities are being affected by this crisis.

Staying Safe in Unsafe Relationships While Self-Quarantining

Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. We know that any external factors that add stress and financial strain can negatively impact survivors and create circumstances where their safety is further compromised. Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.

Madison Homeless Resource Guide

This Madison Homeless Resource Guide was compiled by Tami Fleming and done in cooperation with many Homeless Service Consortium Agencies and Advocates. It is intended to help any and all first responders find the information they may need to assist a homeless individual or family immediately.

COVID-19: An Explainer

A guide to COVID-19 from an MD-PhD student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

COVID-19: Esenciales

Una guía para COVID-19, creado por una estudiante MD-PhD de la Universidad de Wisconsin Escuela de la Medicina y la Salud Público

Information for Foster Parents

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has requested that this letter be sent to all foster parents. Please continue to check the DCF website for regular updates. Questions about the information in this letter can be submitted to DCFMBCOVID19@wisconsin.gov.

Responding to Coronavirus: Ensuring Housing Stability During A Crisis

Policymakers are considering a legislative spending package aimed at addressing the impact of the Coronavirus on public health and the economy. Any comprehensive response to Coronavirus should include resources to help ensure housing stability for low-income individuals and people experiencing homelessness. Access to healthcare, housing, food assistance and other services provided in response to Coronavirus should be available to everyone, regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance.

Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies

Acknowledging, recognizing and acting on mental distress in these uncertain times is key to lessening the impact. Here are a few of our coping strategies to help those who may be experiencing mental health challenges during this health pandemic. 

Madison, WI: Free Healthy Meals for Kids

Schools are closed but MMSD will be providing free, nutritious meals for kids daily at sites around Madison. A take-home breakfast and lunch will be provided in pre-packaged paper bags at each drop-off site, once per day. Sites and times are listed below.%p Given that our school buildings are closed, meals will be distributed at these sites to children from a food truck stationed outside of the school building. We strongly encourage practicing social distancing when picking up meals and thorough hand-washing with soap and water before eating the take-home meals.

Here's where you can get free meals in Madison during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic

Families can get free grab-and-go meals from several sites throughout the Madison area during the COVID-19 coronavirus emergency, and local organizations continue to open even more. 

Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund

The Dane County COVID–19 Emergency and Recovery Fund was created through the generosity of area businesses and individuals for the purpose of addressing the needs of the community that arise as a result of the COVID-19 emergency in Dane County. The Fund is designed to complement the work of the City, County, public health officials and school officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak’s effect on our community as efficiently as possible. 

gener8tor Emergency Response Program for Small Businesses

gener8tor is hosting emergency one-week virtual programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

These programs will feature daily webinars designed to identify, understand and help small businesses secure resources to withstand the current crisis. One-on-one office hours will also be available. 

Small business loans from Kiva Wisconsin

Microlending is available through Kiva Wisconsin; they're now offering $15,000 loans statewide.

ASK4BIZ Q&A on COVID-19 and your business

Please ask questions related to COVID-19 and business here. Note that if someone has already asked a question that you were hoping to see answered, you can “up vote” that question using the “thumbs up.” Questions are moderated.

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 FAQ

Donation opportunities, insurance policies, mail delivery, “safer at home” order, small business assistance, unemployment benefits, and more.

Responding to the Census

The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail.

Unsafe at home? Call DAIS hotline.

Not everyone is safer at home. If you feel unsafe, call DAIS free 24/7 confidential hotline at 608-251-4445, or email them at crisisline@abuseintervention.org. In an emergency situation, call 911.

Struggling with addiction?

Isolation and loneliness can be powerful amplifying forces for substance use disorders. A lack of connection to others can allow bad habits to form or be reinforced. Learn how you can address these feelings or behaviors.