COVID-19 Response and Resources
It is my goal as your State Representative to ensure that you get the help that you need when you need it. A crucial aspect of that goal is making sure the required information is easily accessible.
Below, you will find all of the possible resources that you may need. Such information includes updated press releases from local, state, and federal authorities, programs intended to support our community, and contacts for all agencies.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Your Representative,
Michael J. Soter
Updated Daily Cases
Local Resources
Bellingham Board of Health
Blackstone Board of Health
Phone: (508) 876-5130
Email: cstrapponi@townofblackstone.org
Website: www.townofblackstone.org/board-health
Millville Board of Health
Uxbridge Board of Health
State & Federal Resources
Department of Public Health
Representative Soter
Infectious Disease Emergencies: (617) 983 6800
Website: www.mass.gov/Covid19
The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention
Phone: (800) 232-4636
Website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Massachusetts 211
Phone: 211
Website: https://mass211.org/
IRS
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
Purpose: The IRS portal for filers who would like to provide direct deposit information or need to update a mailing address will be available through the same link soon (mid-April).
Website: https://www.mass.gov/pua
Purpose: Those not covered by Unemployment can file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. This includes gig economy workers, self-employed workers, along with others.
Unemployment
To assist individuals who cannot work due to the impact of COVID-19, the Baker-Polito administration filed emergency legislation that will allow new claims to be paid more quickly by waiving the 1 week waiting period for unemployment benefits. This means that DUA would be authorized to pay benefits without delay to persons who become unemployed because of lay-offs or business shutdowns taken in response to the virus, because of quarantine orders or directives or illness that prevents them from leaving their homes, or because they must care for a sick or quarantined family member.
Website: www.mass.gov/unemployment/covid-19
Small Businesses
State Assistance
A loan fund of $10 million has been created to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will receive and process all applications for this fund.
Website:
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
Small Business Administration
The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
Website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Other State Information
Registry of Motor Vehicles
MBTA
Website: https://mbta.com/covid19
Mental Health Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers that are available 24/7 to provide support for youth and adults who are in any kind of emotional crisis. In addition to the main hotline number listed above, there are several other numbers to call depending on your needs
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Spanish Language: 1-866-628-9454
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Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
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Veterans: 1-800-273-8255
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Disaster Distress: 1-800-985-5990
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Anyone can also use their online chat feature on their website.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: (877) 870-4673 (Call or Text)
Website: https://samaritanshope.org/
If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide, or learn how to help others in crisis, you can find support with us.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-7233
Website: https://www.thehotline.org/help/
The Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse. We also provide support to friends and family members who are concerned about a loved one.
Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224. Additionally, advocates who are Deaf are available 24/7 through the National Deaf Hotline by video phone at 1-855-812-1001, Instant Messenger (DeafHotline) or email (nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org).
The Trevor Project
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: 1-202-304-1200
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Trevor Project is a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth. Youth can also use the online chat feature on the Trevor Project's website.
TrevorText is available Monday-Friday between 3-10PM. TrevorChat is available seven days a week between 3-10PM.
MA Nursing Home Resource Line
Phone: (617) 660-5399
A dedicated telephone line that will connect family members of nursing home and rest home residents with the information and resources they need. This resource was created so that family and community members have one central contact that they can reach out to if they have questions or concerns about the care their loved one is receiving during the COVID-19 outbreak. The line is staffed from 9 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week.