Registration at Arizona’s state-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites in Maricopa, Pima and Yuma counties will be open to all Arizonans 16 and older beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 24. ADHS now opens appointments at 11 a.m. each Friday for State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona State University’s Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the University of Arizona in central Tucson, and, Yuma Civic Center in Yuma County. Read more about this here. Information about all vaccination sites across Arizona can be found at azhealth.gov/findvaccine.
The AZ Health System Covid-19 Vaccine Safety Task Force created a comparison table for the three current vaccines. Click here learn more and read about each vaccines.
On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. The emergency use authorization allows the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. Below is a factsheet for Recipients and Caregivers about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This factsheet is also translated and available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chuukese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), German, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Yiddish. More information on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be found here.
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. Below is a factsheet for Recipients and Caregivers for the Moderna vaccine. There are translated factsheets available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chinese, Chuukese, English, Farsi, French, German, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Iu Mein, Japanese, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Yiddish. More information on the Moderna vaccine can be found here.
On February 27, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the third vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The EUA allows the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. Click here to read more about the CDC’s summary about this vaccine – https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/index.html There are translated factsheets available in Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Cherokee, Chuukese, Farsi, French, German, Guajarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Yiddish. More information on the Johnson &J Johnson vaccine can be found here.
Governor Doug Ducey and AHCCCS, Arizona’s state Medicaid agency, today announced a first-in-the-nation initiative that will make it easier for Medicaid members to get transportation to drive-through COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Beginning today, AHCCCS will reimburse non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers for driving eligible Medicaid members to and from their COVID-19 vaccination appointments, including reimbursement for time spent waiting during the drive-through vaccination process. This is possible thanks to a temporary rate change, effective today, Feb. 22, 2021, that will cover the cost of transportation for eligible AHCCCS members who have appointments at drive-through vaccination sites. In accordance with federal guidelines, Medicaid members who cannot provide or arrange their own transportation have access to non-emergency transportation (NEMT) to and from appointments for covered Medicaid services. Click here to read more
Community acquired COVID-19 has been confirmed in Arizona and we believe it is important that refugees and partner service providers stay up to date with current outbreak information, CDC guidance on how to avoid infection and infecting others if ill, and existing translated resources. There is nothing refugee-specific about the virus. Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness.
COVID-19 Estimation Updates – Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Predicts hospital resource use and deaths per day assuming full social distancing through August 2021. To view data, click here.
There are currently 855,804 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in Arizona.
There are currently 17,199 deaths related to COVID-19 in Arizona.
From the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS): https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people. Signs and symptoms, similar to the common cold or the flu, include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and general feeling of being unwell.
Current Public Health Recommendations from ADHS:
Other important websites:
Join COVID-19 Task Force
RRP is bringing together a task force to coordinate getting the word out to our refugee neighbors about COVID-19 and staying healthy. If you would like to know more about this task force, please contact Juliana Davis, State Refugee Health Coordinator, at jdavis@azdes.gov.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Kibembe, Kinyarwanda, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
Refugee Council USA: Know Your Rights During COVID-19
“Know Your Rights During COVID-19” guide by the National Lawyers Guild to help communities, particularly important for communities that have been traditionally marginalized. Available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili.
Minnesota Department of Health: Ramadan 2020 and COVID-19
CORE: Resettling to the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic
CORE created a new fact sheet and podcast to help refugees understand how they may be interacting with their resettlement agency during the pandemic. The resources outline their responsibilities to stay informed and plan ahead. Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili.
King County WA: COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations
Available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Available in Amharic, Burmese, Chinese, English, Karen, Korean, Nepali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. CORE: COVID-19: Understanding Guidance and Rules CORE created an additional new fact sheet and podcast to help refugees recognize how the coronavirus spreads, typical symptoms, and the terms used by health officials (isolation, quarantine, social distancing, and shelter in place.) Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Kinyarwanda, Russian, and Swahili. Equity Labs: COVID-19 Community Guides Equality Labs has created a series of medically vetted COVID-19 Community Guides in partnership with the WHO that are available in 13 languages – Bengali, Burmese, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Orange County NC: FAQs COVID-19 Available in Chinese, English, Kinyarwanda, and Spanish. Harvard Health Publishing: COVID-19 Healthy Literacy Project Multilingual resources from Harvard Health Publishing, including fact sheets on pregnancy and age appropriate fact sheets for children and youth. Available in Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Creole, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Dutch, English, Farsi, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Hiligaynon, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Malayalam, Marathi, Navajo, Oromo, Portuguese, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Siberian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. CDC: Guidance For Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Household Available Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Swahili, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian. Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program: Face Mask Instruction Available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili. Switchboard: Mask Guidelines Available in Arabic, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Nepali, and Spanish. Switchboard: Social Distancing Guidelines Available in Arabic, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Nepali, and Spanish. Department of Health WA: BE a Germ Buster… Wash Your Hands Available in Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Minnesota Department of Health: Be A Germ-Buster (24 Languages) For more hand washing resources, click here. Minnesota Department of Health: Wash Your Hands Poster (24 Languages) For more hand washing resources, click here. Minnesota Department of Health: Cover Your Cough Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Lao, Nepali, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Slum and Rural Health Initiative: Translated “Stop COVID” Pictures Pictures and text explaining how to prevent the spread of germs, in 60 languages (mainly West African). To see list of languages, click here. Vermont Department of Health: Keep Illness from Spreading Available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, and Vietnamese. CDC: Stop the Spread of Germs Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Kinyarwanda, Oromo, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Department of Health WA: Caring For A Loved One Available in Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Dari, English, Farsi, French, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Available in: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Kunama, Lao, Nepali, Oromo, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian (Bosnia), Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese CDC: 10 Things You Can Do To Manage Your Symptoms At Home Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, French, Haitian-Creole, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Lao, Marshallese, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese NCHHHS: Ways To Manage Your Symptoms At Home Available in Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, English, Falam Chin, German, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Jarai, Kayah, Kinyamulenge, Mizo Chin, Polish, Punjabi, Rhade, Rohingya, Sango, Serbian (Cirilica), Serbian (Latin), Swahili (Congo), Tedim Chin, Thai, and Urdu. International Rescue Committee: Feeling Sick? Fact Sheet Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, French, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Spanish, Swahili, Russia, and Tigrinya. Department of Health WA: If You Have Been Exposed to COVID-19 But Show No Symptoms Available in Amharic Arabic, Bangla (Bengali), Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chuukese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Khmer (Cambodian), Kinyarwanda, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese Department of Health WA: What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 Available Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chuukese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, German, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Marshallese, Nepali, Oromo, Portuguese (Brazil), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Department of Health WA: People who are sick but have not been exposed to COVID-19 Available Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chuukese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, German, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Marshallese, Nepali, Portuguese (Brazil), Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. To access resources, click here. CORE: COVID-19 Resources for Providers and Refugees Click here to view resources. Office of Refugee and Immigrant Services: Resource List Click here for information. IOM- Italy: Multilingual Resources Available in Amharic, Arabic, Bambara, Bengali, Chinese, Edo, English, Esan-Ishan, French, Fula, Hausa, Igbo, Italian, Kurdish-Sorani, Mandinka, Pachto, Pidgin, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Soninke, Spanish, Tigrinya, Urdu, Wolof, and Yoruba. Switchboard: A List of Translated Coronavirus Resources Click here to view resources. Alberta Health Services: Editable Printable Resource Health Design Studio LA, Unity Health Toronta, Alberta Health Services For healthcare professionals: Editable printables about COVID-19 in 26 languages on self-management (for patients that have been assessed in emergency rooms, urgent care, etc.) and self-isolation (for patients to give them things they can do to self-isolate). Self Management – Albanian, Bahasa, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Farsi, Filipino-Tagalog, Gujarti, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Marathi, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Tamil, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Self Isolation –Albanian, Bahasa, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Farsi, Filipino-Tagalog, Gujarti, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Marathi, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Tamil, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Los Angeles County CA: How To Cope With Stress Available in Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Farsi, Russian, and Spanish. The Center for Victims of Torture: List of Translated COVID-19 Mental Health Resources Click here to see the full list.Health, Hand-washing, and Hygiene
Getting Sick
Other Resource Lists
Coping With Stress
Many things you read or hear about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) on social media and on the internet are wrong. USAHello helps us understand what is true and what is false about coronavirus information.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Chinese, Creole, English, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Hindi, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Turkish, and Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Available in Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.
Available in Burmese, English, and Pashto.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Karen, Kirundi, Maay Maay, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, Maay Maay, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.
A video by Refugee Response on how to manage stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, French, Kachin, Karen, Karenii, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kiswahili, Nepali, Pashto, Rohingya, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, English, Karen, Pashto, and Swahili.
Available in Arabic, French, and Spanish.
Available in French, Kirundi, Maay Maay, and Somali.
Available in French, Lingala, and Swahili.
Available in Arabic, Dinka, French, Lingala, Nepali, and Somali.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, French, Nepali, Pashto, Somali, and Tigrinya.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, English, Karen, Nepali, Pashto, and Spanish.
Click here to view video.
Click here for full list.
What is Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 2019)?
Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that was first identified during a breakout in Wuhan, China in December of 2019.
People from China and Chinese ancestry are not more susceptible to this disease than other people. Any person, regardless of culture or nationality, can get sick with COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
Who is susceptible to COVID-19?
Anyone can get COVID-19, but not everyone will have symptoms. Some people will only have mild symptoms, like the common cold, and can rest and recover at home. Some people get very sick from the illness and need hospitalization. Anyone can get very sick from the disease, regardless of age.
However, people who are older than 60 years old and people who have medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 and need hospitalization. Complications from COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 are
You should go to the hospital immediately if you experience:
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any symptoms that are severe or concerning.
How to protect yourself and others.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor for medical advice before going to the hospital.
COVID-19 Screening Tool – An app and a website created by Apple and the CDC. This tool can help you understand what to do next about COVID-19. Click here to see what steps you should take during the outbreak.
24-Hour Nurse Line Numbers by Health Plan
If you don’t have a primary care provider or health home, and you have AHCCCS / Arizona Medicaid, then call one of these numbers if you think you have COVID-19. For the MercyCare RBHA line, call the number listed, press 1, then say “nurses line”.
How To Get Healthcare Coverage – Market Watch
Workers facing a coronavirus-related loss of employer-based health insurance should move quickly to assess coverage alternatives, health-policy experts say — and be open to pursuing options they hadn’t considered. For more information, click here.
Banner Health Drive-thru Testing Sites:
Banner Health opened four drive-up testing sites in Arizona. Individuals need to call (844) 549-1851 to speak with a clinician to determine if testing is appropriate for them.
Drive-through or onsite testing will be available at various locations across the state. Arizonans can find the nearest testing location and hours of operation as well as pre-register by visiting the Arizona Department of Health Services page here. Testing will be available to anyone who thinks they have been exposed to and could be infected with COVID-19 and will be based on criteria set by each testing site. Most sites require pre-registration, please call or visit the website listed before visiting the location.
If you or a loved one is sick:
If you or a loved one becomes sick, check out this COVID19 online symptom checker through Banner Health. You can determine if the symptoms warrant a call to the doctor or general self treatment. For more information, click here.
Maricopa County School Food Distribution map – Find food distribution locations at Maricopa county schools! Make sure to contact the school to confirm that food distribution will occur at the time and date listed.
UPDATED 03/11/2021 List of places that are providing free meals for Tucson children:
Factsheets covering important information about going to school during the pandemic are available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Spanish, Swahili, and Tigrinya.
– If schools are canceled, and students don’t have access to the internet, Spectrum company, an internet, phone, and cable company, is offering free services to those students. All they have to do is call 1-844-488-4398. https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist.html
– During this time of uncertainty and required in-home learning, Cox is helping get families in need connected to the internet through our Connect2Compete program. Through June 30th, 2021, Cox will waive late payment fees and work with Connect2Compete customers experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to create a payment plan.
To be eligible for the Connect 2 Compete (C2C) service, families must meet the following requirements:
Go to https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html to learn more
– Low-Cost Internet & Computers: Multiple Internet Service Providers have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find low cost internet service and computers / laptops in your area at EveryoneON. Some wireless service providers are helping you stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by not terminating service due to inability to pay, waiving late payment fees and waiving charges for data, voice or text. Click on your specific provider to see how they are supporting their customers: AT&T, Sprint, Boost Mobile, T Mobile, Verizon. For more information, click here.
Meals available for any kid, mapped out. Check directly with your nearest School District to confirm hours and location. https://www.azhealthzone.org/summerfood
Wildfire: Igniting Community Action to End Poverty in Arizona – Wildfire compiled the following policy updates and how they impact nutrition assistance, utility assistance, cash assistance, tax prep assistance, eviction relief, employment assistance, health insurance coverage, paid sick leave, and other COVID-19 resources. We included direct links to agency webpages if available for additional information. For these resources and contact information, click here
The CDC Moratorium is a Government order that prevents landlords from evicting a renter if they meet certain eligibility criteria. The order is in effect from September 4th 2020 until December 31st 2020 and protects renters who cannot pay their rent due to income loss. This income loss does not have to specifically be caused by COVID-19. To learn more about this eviction moratorium and how to avoid being evicted, click here. More information and resources are listed below:
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) will be launching a new Emergency Rental Assistance Program in the following twelve counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Navajo, Santa Cruz, Pinal, Mohave and Yavapai. Renters and landlords can apply for assistance through the DES online portal beginning February 23, 2021 at des.az.gov/ERAP. Below are links to other rental assistance programs or you can click here to find rental assistance program for you.
The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed and translated two Covid-19 related fact sheets for tenants in HUD public housing or HUD voucher programs. In addition to discussing the temporary suspension of evictions for nonpayment of rent under the CARES Act, these documents also discuss requests for income recertification and interim reexaminations for people who lost their job or had a significant reduction in income due to Covid-19.
Addressing Tenant Concerns Regarding Rent and the Temporary Suspension of Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent (HUD public housing and voucher residents).
Available in Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, English, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Spanish (Puerto Rican), Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Addressing Tenant Concerns During the COVID-19 National Emergency
Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Portuguese, Spanish, Spanish (Puerto Rican), Russian, Somali, and Tagalog.
A new partnership between the City of Phoenix and Community Legal Services – City of Phoenix Tenant Eviction Assistance Project (TEAP). Though special funding, Community Legal Services will be providing no-cost legal services for ANY City of Phoenix Resident at risk of eviction or who have received an eviction judgment, regardless of income. If you need assistance contact TEAP at (602) 386-8880 or Community Legal Services at (602) 258-3434. More information about TEAP can be found here and more information about the City of Phoenix’s COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Relief Services can be found here and here in Spanish.
Tenant COVID-19 Notice for Postponement of Eviction Enforcement form and document with tips for using the form. For more information and Spanish translated printables, click here.
COVID-19 Notice – Click here.
Tips for Using the Attached COVID-19 Notice – Click here.
Mortgage Assistance Programs are in place to help homeowners who have been directly or indirectly affected by the corona virus and are struggling to make their mortgage payments.
The Landlord and Tenant Program provides educational services and information to landlords and tenants in-person. Walk-in client hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The following are recommended information to consider bringing to the counseling session:
Our program provides education to both landlords and tenants on their rights under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. For more information, click here.
Pima County has launched an Eviction Prevention Program to help individuals and families who’ve been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and are facing eviction. The program, which was announced in late August, will run through the fall, helping to disburse funds acquired through the CARES Act. Funding is being administered by the Community Investment Corporation with a number of other local nonprofit service agencies assisting tenants and landlords in processing their requests. For more information, click here.
Family Housing Resources is supporting the City of Tucson to qualify homeowners and distribute funding to those who are in jeopardy of losing their home due to financial hardship related to COVID-19. Funding will be administered through the Community Investment Corporation once a household qualifies and will be sent directly to the mortgage loan servicers and will include fees incurred due to the nonpayment of mortgages. The total amount of funds available are $500,000. Each household is limited to $3,000- $5,000 in total support. For more information and to see if you qualify for assistance, click here.
Emergency Rent and Utility Funds: Pio Decimo Center is providing emergency rent/utility funds for COVID-19 related hardship (e.g., decreased work hours, job loss, illness, etc.). Must meet income guidelines. Call (520) 416-4760 for more information and application appointment.
The City of Tucson has set aside specific funds for refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers in need of rental and utility assistance. You can apply for assistance by downloading and filling out this application, available in English and Spanish.
Simple, free resource that generates a letter to the individual’s landlord or lender to make use of the allowances available during the COVID-19 crisis. While it doesn’t pay rent, it does help keep them in good standing with their landlord by initiating communication regarding their payment status and provides a layer of protection stating that they are aware they cannot be evicted for not paying rent during this time. This resource is available to everyone: refugees, immigrants and asylees. Please feel free to share it widely.
For more information, click here.
We have established a temporary new Customer Support Fund to provide bill assistance to residential and small business customers who are experiencing financial strain due to the COVID-19 virus.
Customers who are having any of the following difficulties paying their bill due to COVID-19 can call our Customer Care center for assistance:
Below are the details of the program:
UPDATE 9/15/2020 APS has decided to further extend its assistance to those who need it. Residential and business customers will not have their service disconnected for non-payment through the end of 2020. Additionally, late fees will continue to be waived until October 15, 2021.
SRP is extending its pause of disconnections until the end of 2020. As part of our latest customer support efforts, SRP will extend its disconnect moratorium for customers on its limited income program the Economy Price Plan (EPP) through end of 2020.
Customers on monthly discount EPP
Non-EPP customers
Bill paying customers
M-Power, Prepay, or “The Box” Early October
Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order today extending the expiration date of certain standard drivers licenses by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Standard driver licenses [Class D and Class M] that have an expiration date between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are now extended by one year from their original expiration date. Any driver may see their updated driver license expiration date at AZMVDNow.gov. Drivers have the option to order a duplicate license with the updated expiration date.
Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) is collaborating with Maricopa County, to run the Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program. The purpose of this program is to support community members experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and have suffered the loss of a loved one. Burial or cremation of a loved one is a significant investment, and usually unplanned. In the unfortunate event a loved one passes away, the family may not have the financial capability to pay for final disposition. The Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program does not require that a decedents cause of death be associated with COVID-19.
The program will pay up to $1,200.00 per a decedent to offset the financial burden of final disposition of a family member at a licensed facility WITHIN MARICOPA COUNTY. If the itemized price total from the licensed Funeral Home is under $1,200.00, that amount will be paid. If the invoice total is above $1,200.00, only $1,200.00 will be paid to the licensed Funeral Home. The difference will need to be paid by the family PRIOR to Maricopa County payment.
To effectively carry out this program and determine eligibility, visit https://funeralassistanceprogram.org to read and register to complete the application.
For any questions on this program/application or VSUW call 602-240-6384 or email funeralassistance@vsuw.org.
Unemployment Insurance Questions and Answers – Click here to view.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Family Assistance Administration Conference Call – To hear the recording, click here.
Multilingual Videos on Unemployment Insurance
Available in English, Karen, Karenni, Kirundi, Lingala, and Swahili.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits – Arizona
Click here for Unofficial guide.
This is not an official guide to unemployment insurance benefits. The official DES unemployment insurance guide can be found here: https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/dl/UIB-1240A.pdf.
Accessing Unemployment Insurance Benefits
For employment programs that serve refugees and asylees, helping clients become self-sufficient and work towards personal career goals is always the main objective. However, in the course of providing employment services to refugees and asylees, you may encounter situations where it is beneficial for your clients to apply for unemployment insurance. While this process varies by state, this information guide reviews how to get started. For more information, click here.
Immigrant Workers’ Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance (UI) provides periodic payments to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and are looking for work. The amount that workers receive depends on the wages a worker earned during a “base period.” Although it varies from state to state, the base period generally covers the past year to 18 months of work. For more information, click here.
Unemployment Resources in Karen
DES “Returning to work – Guidance for employers and employees” – here. This contains important information on many topics related to the return to work and UI benefits including:
Chicanos Por La Causa – Refugee and Asylee Employment Assistance – Check out this flyer to get more information on how you can get assistance with job searching and applying for a job.
Pima Works – Because so many people are out of a job, Pima County launched a new website with resources that can offer some help. The county says the site has information about employment training. There will also be access to specialists who can offer guidance on accessing the state’s unemployment insurance benefits. Those specialists can also help find job leads and make referrals to other resources in the community. For more information, click here.
Goodwill – Get the help you need to land a better job with Goodwill’s My Career Advisor. Signing up is quick, easy and free. To sign up, click here. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona has reopened its walk-in career centers to help job seekers displaced by COVID-19 who do not have access to a computer or the internet. For more information, click here.
Job Readiness – Switchboard – As we continue practicing social distancing amid COVID-19, you may be wondering how to stay in touch with your clients and continue job readiness training. While you may not be able to resume your job readiness classes in person for some time, there are many online resources you can share to keep your clients engaged and focused on their career paths. This blog post provides suggestions tailored towards clients who have computers or smartphones, internet access, and higher levels digital literacy. Stay tuned for a future Switchboard blog that will provide suggestions for serving clients with lower digital literacy. To view blog, click here.
Where To Find Information On Job Openings
ARIZONA@WORK staff can provide people with no-cost job assistance to help them get back to work. More information about the services available and a list of jobs with immediate openings can be found at: www.ArizonaAtWork.com or here.
For more information about Unemployment Insurance, or to apply, please visit https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
Job Finding Assistance – Looking for a job? Check out this list of 200+ employers who are hiring right now, including links to their job pages. The Arizona Hospitality Workforce Connection connects trained and motivated tourism industry employees to employers who have urgent hiring needs. View openings in the areas of customer service, front office, HR, food service, housekeeping, security and more. For more information, click here.
Pipeline AZ – Pipeline AZ has employment, education and financial resources for Arizonans in need. Individuals who lost their jobs to COVID-19 can register for virtual hiring events, find immediate jobs and access other opportunities. For more information, click here.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides benefits to certain individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. DES has been communicating, and will continue to communicate, to all individuals who have been denied for being monetarily ineligible for regular Unemployment Insurance back to the effective date of the CARES Act. Individuals should keep a record of their earnings each week as this information will be required to determine eligibility when PUA is implemented. Visit https://des.az.gov/pua for updates and additional information.
Weekly Claims Reminder
Unemployment Insurance claimants must file weekly claims to continue to receive benefits (even if the initial claim is still pending, individuals must file a weekly claim to receive benefits for that week). UI claimants can file weekly claims at www.azui.com. The online Weekly Claims System is available from 12:01 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Friday. More information about filing weekly claims can be found HERE.
Where to Fill Out this Form:
Eligibility Requirement
To be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, an individual needs to have lost their job through no fault of their own and their employer needs to be a participant in the Unemployment Insurance program and meet one of the following criteria:
Note: It is likely that clients will need to have worked full-time for six months to one year to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits.
What Do You Need to Apply?
It is very important applicants are prepared with this information as they begin to file the claim. As applicants move through the process, any eligibility issues will be identified. An individual can know his or her application is successfully submitted when reaching the end of the application, certifying the statements made on the application are true, and receiving a confirmation number.
Note: The requirement to actively seek work (“work search”) has been temporarily suspended. You will not be able to enter information regarding these questions in the online system. The answers to these queries will not be used to determine your eligibility.
What Happens if you are Approved?
If an individual is approved, they must file a weekly continued claim regardless of their eligibility status. An individual may earn up to $30.50 in a week without affecting their weekly benefit. Claims can be filed online from Sunday through 6 PM on Friday.
The individual will also need to do the following:
If an individual does qualify for unemployment insurance and meet weekly check ins then they will receive four percent of your highest quarterly earnings from the past year. If an individual was working a full-time job and making minimum wage, they will likely receive about $200 per month but it will vary based on the salary they received prior to losing their job.
What Happens if you are Denied?
All decisions about an individual’s eligibility to receive unemployment insurance benefits are based on the laws, rules and policies of the State of Arizona.
If an individual is disqualified, they will be mailed a written notice explaining the reason.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistant program is a new program that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance. DES is making changes to its system to process benefit calculations and eligibility determinations for PUA and will attempt to reach out to clients if additional information is available regarding their eligibility.
PUA provides benefits to covered individuals. Covered individuals are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or Federal law or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
This includes individuals who:
UPDATED DECEMBER 2020:
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
UPDATED DECEMBER 2020:
Short-Term Crisis Services
What is it? Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) Program provides temporary assistance to low-income families experiencing an emergency need that cannot be met immediately by their own income, and resources to help stabilize an immediate financial crisis. A dependent child must live in the home.
The program provides emergency assistance with:
What is a crisis, according to the STCS program?
Who is eligible?
How to apply? Contact your local Community Action Agency. Please note that there is high demand for assistance from Community Action Agencies, and their phone lines get very busy. It may take you some time to get through.
Maricopa County
Maricopa County, City of Glendale
Maricopa County, City of Phoenix
Maricopa County, City of Mesa
Pima County
Click here to see updated list of resources.
The Foundation for Senior Living is offering utility bill assistance, emergency appliance replacement and HVAC repair/replacement for residents in Maricopa County. Income limits apply, please call for eligibility: NW Valley Residents (Peoria, Sun City, Waddell, Youngtown): 623-979-3911 ext. 401 Other Maricopa County: 602-285-0505 ext 106
Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because:
If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
Stay home and call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Home Delivered Meals programs provide nutritious meals to eligible older adults. Contact the 24-hour SENIOR help line to find a meal delivery program in your area or inquire about funding assistance: 602-264-4357. You must be an eligible older adult to qualify. For more information, click here.
Available in Arabic, Burmese, Dari, English, French, Kachin, Karen, Karenii, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kiswahili, Nepali, Pashto, Rohingya, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.
In any severe mass event, like a pandemic, it is common to have a rapid increase in the number of people experiencing distress, including being scared, confused, overwhelmed, uncertain, angry, and sad. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based intervention designed to help stabilize and mitigate psychological distress and to facilitate coping and functioning in the immediate aftermath of disasters and other tragic events. PFA is not counseling or therapy and anyone in any sector can provide PFA. Some of the traditional approaches used in PFA must be adapted to fit the needs of a pandemic or epidemic, where the ability to connect with clients, social supports, and community resources may be compromised. This webinar will review the basic principles of PFA while modifying them for the unique context refugee service providers and their clients are currently facing due to COVID-19. For more information, click here.
The following organizations offer in-person counseling but may provide services through video or phone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact your desired location to inquire about virtual services.
The stress, fear and anxiety that many of us feel during this COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. During this time of uncertainty, it’s very important to acknowledge that you or a loved one may need help coping in a healthy way. The following organizations and hotlines are available if you need help:
People in helping professions are being challenged in numerous personal and professional ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Service providers are supporting clients who may be in crisis due to employment, childcare or healthcare needs. At the same time, we ourselves may be in crisis for similar reasons. The challenge of caring for and being concerned about family and friends, as well as clients, is leading to extreme stress in many helping professionals. For tips to cope with stress, click here.
This blog post offers tips on how to help your clients cope during the COVID-19 crisis, including suggestions for sharing information in a trauma-informed way and supporting clients’ mental health and well-being. For more information, click here.
This blog post offers tips on how to help families cope during the COVID-19 crisis. Helping children begin to develop coping skills in response to COVID-19 stressors can not only help them get through this volatile time, but also positively manage feelings during uncertain times in the future. For more information, click here.
Many young people suffer from the effects of traumatic experiences. To provide youth with an understanding of impacts accompanied by trauma, the booklet series “Trauma Surviving and Hope” addresses post-traumatic symptoms. In various picture stories, problems faced after emotional injuries like sleeplessness, lack of concentration, loss and grief, anxiety, anger and aggression and dark memories are described and strategies to alleviate them are suggested.
Click the category: Sleeplessness, Unfocused/Forgetful, Inactivity, Sadness, Anger, and Feeling Hurt.