Community Resources

We know that many people currently do not have all the resources that they need for an extended stay at home or may be struggling with other COVID-related non-medical emergencies. The United Way of Greater New Haven has compiled a list of Community Resources that could help families in addressing some of those needs. Please also reach out to our student support staff (contact information to the right) to communicate those needs, and see additional resources below.

For Families: Supporting Students Who Are Learning at Home

If you are in need of emergency food while school is not in session, please contact the school office. Common Ground is delivering food to Common Ground families who need it on a weekly basis, in partnership with CT Core, Haven’s Harvest, and community volunteers.

Click here for a list of food assistance resources from the City of New Haven.

The State of Connecticut has created an emergency Pandemic EBT system to provide food support to all families that qualify for free & reduced lunch. All Common Ground families are eligible. You should be receiving an P-EBT card by mail between mid-May and June, with mailings first going to families that already qualify for SNAP, TANF, and HUSKY. The mailing will contain instructions on how to access this benefit. Click here for a copy of the brochure you should receive along with your card.

New Haven Public Schools has reinstated its Summer Meals program, which allows any students living in New Haven to go to a neighborhood school and pick up meals to go. Click here for a list of sites and times. UPDATE: New Haven will now  open up schools for food pickup between 9 and 12 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

Hamden is also providing meals for students residing in Hamden. Information about getting meals at a Hamden school can be found here.

Health & Mental Health Supports

We also know that these are incredibly challenging times on so many levels. Engaging students in the routines of school with regular check-ins and scheduled support helps, but certainly does not address all of the needs arising from this public health crisis. Please check out the resources below for COVID-related stress and anxiety and contact school administrators with other concerns. Our school Social Worker, Rachel Haymann, is also available by email to respond to questions and concerns. Rachel’s’ email: rachel.haymann@commongroundct.org.

• Here are three resources for parents, recommended by our school social worker:
  • Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis 
  • Taking Care of Your Family During Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks
  • When_a_Loved_One_Dies_from_COVID19.pdf  
• Here are three resources for students and parents, recommended by our socail worker:
  • Tips For Coping with Quarantined COVID-19 Family Members
  • Managing Family Conflict While Home During COVID-19: Intimate Partners
  • Resources: Digital Social Support and Connection Options
• We encourage you to read through this CDC guidance on managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis, which contains much helpful advice and information about additional resources.
• We are also recommending an app called CALM, which has been researched and found to be effective in decreasing stress among college students. The app has different sections such as sleep, anxiety, self-care etc. In each section there are free activities and some that can be purchased. 
• The NAMI Information and Resource Guide, and Mental Health Coping Strategies, published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, utilizes a Q&A format to share information and advice about many COVID-related concerns
• A Guide for Parents and Caregivers  recently released by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) contains guidance to help family members cope with COVID-related stress.
• The COVID-19 MUTUAL AID & ADVOCACY RESOURCES: a resource for people looking out for themselves and their communities through personal preparation, collective care, mutual aid and advocacy.
• Coronavirus quarantine resources for parents and caregivers: Info for parents/caregivers, ideas for keeping children busy at home.

Also, the Yale COVID-19 call center at 203-688-1700 is a great resource for COVID-related health questions.

Lose Health Insurance Coverage? Access Health CT has a special enrollment period for people who have lost their coverage. Get more information here.