COVID-19 Resource Guide

The coronavirus pandemic has had an effect on many Service members and their Families. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone as there are many resources that can help. Browse through this resource guide to learn more about various organizations that can assist in your time of need. This guide is not an exhaustive list. Please reach out to your nearest Family Assistance Center (FAC) for additional information and referrals. FAC services, locations, and contact information can be found at the end of this guide.

Financial Army Emergency Relief (AER): No interest loans and grants for Active, Retired and Reserve Army and their dependents as well as Surviving Families. https://www.aerhq.org/Financial-Assistance

Iowa Unemployment: Assistance for those who have been laid off, had reduced hours, or for those who have had their employment otherwise impacted by COVID-19. https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/COVID-19

USA Cares: Assistance with immediate, essential bills for post-9/11 Veterans and Military Families from all branches of service. https://usacares.org/programs

State Family Program Assistance Fund: The State Family Program Office occasionally receives funds from corporate and individual donors desiring to assist National Guard Service members, Family members, and Military Survivors residing in Iowa with critical financial needs. For more information or to find out how to apply, please contact your nearest Family Assistance Center (FAC). FAC locations and contact information can be found at the end of this guide.

Information in this guide does not constitute an endorsement by the . It is provided for informational purposes only. PENFED Foundation: Interest-free loans for Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Military. https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/interest-free-loan/?content=on

PENFED Foundation: The Military Heroes Fund emergency financial assistance program offers financial assistance for wounded, ill, and injured post 9-11 combat Veterans who are experiencing an unexpected short term financial setback. https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/emergency-financial-assistance/? content=on

Small Business Association (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters such as COVID-19. https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): Requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

USBG National Charity Foundation Bartender/Server Emergency Assistance: Offering emergency assistance grants for eligible individuals in the service industry impacted by COVID-19. https://www.usbgfoundation.org/covid-19-response

Mortgage, Rent, Utility, Auto Payment Assistance: Many lenders, utility companies, and landlords are working with those that are financially impacted by COVID-19. Please call if you are not able to make your payments due to loss of hours or due to loss of employment to make possible payment arrangements.

Employment Greater Des Moines Partnership Employment Ready Initiative: Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19? Businesses still need workers for immediate hire. Discover jobs available from employers located in your state and community. https://www.dsmpartnership.com/covid-19/employment-resources Food Assistance Food Bank of Iowa: Operations are continuing uninterrupted as the need for food grows during COVID-19. Visit the link below to search for a food pantry nearest you. https://www.foodbankiowa.org/

Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS): DHS submitted federal waivers to Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to ensure continued and expanded access to food. Food Assistance will continue for all current recipients. Benefits will increase for current and new recipients. https://dhs.iowa.gov/COVID19/FoodSecurity

Mental health National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line: Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Your Life Iowa: If you or a loved one are facing a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health or suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone. That is why the Iowa Department of Public Health has created YourLifeIowa.org so Iowans can chat live, text, or call and get reliable information and treatment options, and find nearby help. https://yourlifeiowa.org/ Call 855-581-8111 OR Text 855-895-8398

Military OneSource: Confidential non-medical counseling provides Service members and their loved ones with resources and 24/7 support to address a variety of issues. Counseling is available via phone or video chat. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-medical-counseling 800-342-9647 Child & Youth Iowa Child & Youth Program (CYP): Visit the link below for a free download of Iowa CYP’s Homebound Handbook, a collection of resources, activities, and educational ideas for families to use to engage, connect, and simply enjoy time while at home during the pandemic. https://www.iowacyp.com Engage in weekly, themed challenges together as a Family from your own living room. Iowa CYP started this initiative in order for Families to bond and to have fun during these trying times. For more information, follow Iowa CYP on Facebook. IA-ARNG Child & Youth Program https://www.facebook.com/iowacyp/

Military OneSource: Visit Military OneSource for a collection of resources to keep kids engaged and learning while they are out of school due to COVID-19. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-life/preparing-your- family-for-emergencies/online-learning-resources-while-schools-are-closed?redirect=%2F

United Through Reading: Connects tens of thousands of Military families through the read aloud experience, with positive effects on children and parents. The United Through Reading App is a fun, free, and secure way to stay connected through the read aloud experience regardless of activation status.

How it works: Servicemembers download the App (through the Apple App Store or Google Play), record a story, share that story and then head to the United Through Reading site to get another book to record and send to family. Take the time to connect with each other through the App, even in these difficult times. https://unitedthroughreading.org/

Great Schools: If school has closed, visit Great Schools for a collection of resources that will help your child learn from home. Find out how to set up at-home learning and use the grade-based resources to fill in the gaps. https://www.greatschools.org/gk/coronavirus-school-closure-support/ Family Assistance can be considered ‘one-stop shopping’ for Military Families. Family Assistance Centers are offices that have been established in order to provide support to Service members, Veterans, and their Families. They are intended to simplify the process of accessing a variety of needed services and support. The primary mission of a FAC is to provide information and referrals to essential resources.

Essential Services

ID Cards/DEERS: Information and assistance for eligible Family members to obtain Identification cards and enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

TRICARE: Assistance in coordinating TRICARE claims and issues as well as information on TRICARE health and dental programs.

Financial Assistance: Referrals can be made for Family members to local, county, and state agencies that assist with resolving financial problems.

Legal Referral: Legal information and coordination with the State Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer for assistance with wills, powers of attorney, and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Crisis Intervention: Prompt and proper response/referral to the emotional well-being of our Service members and dependents.

Community/Deployment Outreach: Information on local, regional, and national community programs. Conduct monthly outreach to Families of deployed Service members.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Information and guidance regarding EFMP, a Department of Defense sponsored program that provides support services for Military dependents with special needs.

Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC): In the event of a State emergency, EFAC will be activated in order to provide information, referral, and outreach to help Families regain normal functioning, to help meet their needs, and to minimize impact of the event. Iowa National Guard Family Assistance Center Regional Map

Mary Anderson, Coordinator – Camp Dodge Office: 515-252-4758 [email protected] Cell: 515-669-7634 Bridgett Hasche, Central Specialist – Camp Dodge Office: 515-331-5856 [email protected] Cell: 515-240-8370 Alissa Morgan, North Central Specialist – Boone Office: 515-727-3629 [email protected] Cell: 515-802-1796 Sarah Peterson, NW Specialist – Sioux City Office: 712-252-4347 X 18030 [email protected] Cell: 712-577-3120 Merlene Freet, NE Specialist – Waterloo Office: 515-331-5589 [email protected] Cell: 319-830-7980 Gina Gentile, SW Specialist – Council Bluffs Office: 712-325-1218 X 18204 [email protected] Cell: 712-355-1283 Melissa Simatovich, SE Specialist – Davenport Office: 563-391-6441 X 19221 [email protected] Cell: 563-340-0582

Scammers follow the headlines Robocalls – HANG UP! Scammers or scammy companies use illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears – posing as the IRS or Medicare. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website to hear scam calls: ftc.gov/coronavirus.

Testing Scam – scammers are calling or knocking on doors in white lab coats or hazmat gear claiming to be with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention selling fake at- home Coronavirus tests.

Treatment Scam – scammers are calling or knocking on TOP SCAM: doors in white lab coats or hazmat gear claiming to be with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention selling fake cures, Fake Stimulus Check vaccines, and medical advice on unproven treatments.

Supply Scam – scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses to sell medical supplies in high demand, like surgical masks. When you try to purchase supplies, they pocket the money.

Provider Scam – scammers are contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or family member for COVID-19 and demanding payment.

Charity Scam – scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas impacted by coronavirus. BEWARE OF RED FLAGS Phishing Scam – scammers are sending emails posing as health officials, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for • Urgency – scammers will apply pressure Disease Control and Prevention. They want to trick you into or use fear to get you to act. downloading malware or providing personal identification and financial information. • Scarcity – scammers will claim there is a limited supply, so you must “buy now.” App Scam – scammers are creating and controlling mobile apps used to track the spread of COVID-19. If used, these apps insert malware on • Social Consensus – scammers want you your device that steals your personal and financial information. to think everyone else is doing it too, and you don’t want to be left behind!

Compassion & Romance Scams – scammers will use this opportunity to prey on your vulnerability while you are contained and • Credible Sources – scammers will claim isolated to your home, developing a friendship or romantic relationship they are with a reputable business or with you to gain your trust and obtain your personal and financial organization. information.

TIP: Do NOT click on links from Contact us for help or with questions sources you do not know, and only call known phone numbers.

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