Hey FosterStrong Family, As you know, news and updates around COVID-19 are rapidly changing by the minute and organizations are providing timely guidance and resources around free or low-cost resources to support families and youth. We wanted to share with you some of those resources and invite you to participate in a Virtual Town Hall tomorrow, March 19th to share how COVID-19 is impacting you.
Virtual Town Hall for Older Foster Youth Thursday, March 19, 2020 12:30pm-1:30pm PT Featuring Dr. Jerry Milner, Associate Commissioner of the Children’s Bureau at the Administration for Children and Families Washington, D.C The United States Children’s Bureau and Think of Us are hosting a Virtual Town Hall for Older Foster Youth on March 19. In this town hall, Dr. Jerry Milner will address how coronavirus is impacting older foster youth and answer questions. Adolescent foster youth, extended foster care youth, former foster youth, state foster care leadership, staff, and other members of the foster care community are invited to attend this virtual town hall. Please RSVP for the town hall. To register: https://www.thinkof-us.org/town-hall?fbclid=IwAR2opZtaV3QwNXWmmIA3EVF6pNERMrkTzXM0lzz2MhvUz6dsl3-boRcH6x0
RESOURCES
Below are resources John Burton Advocates for Youth is actively gathering from partners to help you navigate and identify the resources you may need.
FREE LAPTOPS
John Burton Advocates for Youth is working with iFoster to distribute laptops to campus programs and organizations working with foster and homeless youth impacted by classes going online. Campus programs and organizations interested in accessing this resource should complete this FORM. Requests must come from campuses or organizations who will then distribute the laptops to their students. Individual students should contact their campus support program or the organization that assists them.
FREE CELLPHONES
iFoster distributes cell phones to foster youth. A fact sheet, FAQ and application are available.
FREE STORAGE
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage for college students.
FREE INTERNET
Comcast and Spectrum are offering free Wi-Fi to households with students.
WORK STUDY PAYMENTS The Department of Education has issued guidance clarifying that work study payments may continue in the event of a school closure and other clarifications related to financial aid policies. OTHER SAN DIEGO RESOURCES:
Just in Time for Foster Youth JIT's office is open, if you need immediate access to a computer.
For additional resources and the most up-to-date information, please use this running list created by John Burton Advocates for Youth COVID-19 Resources.