Catawba County COVID-19 Community Resources

General Agency/Services Updates

YOUR SPOT. YOUR SHOT - Jan. 26: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched a new online tool to help North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get their vaccine. Find My Vaccine Group walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they are in. People can then sign up to be notified when their group can get vaccinated.

North Carolina’s goal is to vaccinate as many people as quickly and equitably as possible. Local vaccine providers have worked tirelessly to ramp up and vaccinate people under difficult circumstances. This past week, in response to indications that the federal government might base future allocations on the supply states have on hand, the state and providers worked to rapidly administer vaccinations and exhaust North Carolina’s current supply of first doses. 

VACCINATIONS - Jan. 20: Catawba County Public Health, Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) and Frye Regional Medical Center (FRMC) are working together to schedule appointments for those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through a new website, www.CatawbaVaccine.org.

Through the site, the newest appointment scheduling option being offered, those 65 years of age and older may request COVID-19 vaccination appointments and complete the state-required pre-registration process online.

The website provides a convenient option for appointment requests without requiring someone to spend time waiting to connect with an appointment specialist by phone. Due to the continued heavy demand for appointments and limited vaccine supply, appointments requested both online and by phone are currently being scheduled several weeks out from the time a person connects with an appointment specialist.

CDC HALT TO EVICTIONS: On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Section 502 of Title V of Division N of that Act extends the expiration date of the CDC Order titled, "Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" (85 Fed. Reg. 55292, September 4, 2020). The new expiration date is January 31, 2021 unless extended, modified, or rescinded. Section 502 does not make any changes to the September 4, 2020 CDC Order other than to extend its expiration date.

For more information on legal aid programs, see the following: Legal Services Corporation (https://www.lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid) and the ACL Elder Care Locator (https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx).

Tenants covered under the moratorium must provide a written “declaration under penalty of perjury” (affidavit) to the landlord, and/or owner of the residential property stating their inability to pay the rent.
There are a few things that are required of the person stated below;
• The tenant has made best effort to pay or is seeking assistance to pay
• Income level has to be $99K or less (individual) or $198K (filing jointly) for CY2020 or tenant was not required to file income in 2019,or if they received an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check)
• Unable to pay full rent or make a full payment due to loss of income, loss of work hours or wages, a layoff, or extraordinary out of pocket medical expenses
• Trying to make timely payments as circumstances permit
• Eviction would render household homeless or force to live in shared housing because there is no other housing options available

Visit https://www.federalregister.gov/…/temporary-halt-in-residen… for more information or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf to see the CDC Declaration.

LOCAL CHILDCARE RESOURCES: Have questions about finding child care or financial assistance for day care in Catawba County? The Catawba County Partnership for Children and the Children's Resource Center can help. They've compiled a list of resources for families. Visit: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/covid-19/ for more information.

COVID-19 STIMULUS CHECK INFO: If you have questions about the Economic Impact Payments through the federal government - the process and what you need to do to get our check - visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

CHILDCARE RESOURCES: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has partnered with the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network to launch a hotline to provide child care options for children of critical workers who do not have access to typical care because of COVID-19 closures.

Families who have flexible working arrangements are encouraged to stay at home with their children. Workers who need care may call 1-888-600-1685 to receive information about local options for children from infants through age 12. The hotline is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/div…/public-health/covid19/child-care

CALL 211 FOR COVID-19 INFORMATION: NC 2-1-1 is a good resource for any questions related to COVID-19 issues or needs. Just dial 211 for local, state and national updates or visit: https://www.nc211.org/coronavirus-covid-19

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM): Due to the immediate demand for crisis assistance by those impacted by COVID-19, GHCCM is expanding qualifications to meet those needs. The new COVID Relief Card provides quick access to financial assistance, food, prescriptions, and medical care. This COVID Relief Card is available beginning immediately. The cards are available on an emergency basis and will be processed by the Neighbor Engagement Team (NET- client services).  Call 828-327-0979 for more information, or stop by GHCCM at 31 1st Avenue SE, Hickory 28602, hours are Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Food Services

Catawba County Food Resources – As of May 1, 2020

This information details Free or No-Cost Food Resources available in Catawba County in response to COVID-19, including when and where to access those resources. This document will be updated as more information is available. Information gathered by Heather Ball, Catawba County Department of Social Services.

NEWTON-CONOVER CITY SCHOOLS

The NCCS Child Nutrition Department will be serving meals through the summer months, from June 1 to July 31. Meals will be available for pick-up only, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Meal service will consist of a breakfast and a lunch. Meals will be available for pick-up only at our South Newton Elementary School location. Friday meals will continue to include meals for Saturday and Sunday.

If you are interested in utilizing the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), please take a moment to complete the Google Form below.

N-CCS - Summer Food Service Program 2020 Survey

For more information visit - https://www.newton-conover.org/apps/news/article/1229083

CATAWBA COUNTY SCHOOLS (School Age Children)

Child Nutrition Director- Valda Robinson valda_robinson@catawbaschools.net

Catawba County Schools is offering free lunch to all children 18 years and under during the summer.

Students do not need to qualify for free or reduced meals to receive a meal. No forms required. Students do not have to be present to pick up the meal(s). Pick up your meals at any of the locations linked below, regardless of your child’s school.

For Pick-up Details visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sHmI3N-Bg_8PviVhnY7qfi_HN8tYul4….

The Corner Table Soup Kitchen (feeds any age)

Location: 122 N Main Street - Phone: 828-464-0355 - Website: www.thecornertable.org
Lunch will be served to guests via a to-go meal from 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Monday through Friday on the back porch. Guests will not be allowed in the facility for any reason, including restrooms. Guests are encouraged to not arrive earlier than 11:15 am and will not be allowed to congregate. Friday to-go bags will be provided as usual. Guests will receive a hot meal as well as their weekly Friday to-go bag.

Hickory Soup Kitchen (feeds any age)

Location: 110 2nd Street Pl SE, Hickory - Phone: 828-327-4828 - Website: https://hickorysoupkitchen.org/
The Hickory Soup Kitchen will be offering meals Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in to go boxes as the dining room is currently closed.  At this time, the food pantry consisting mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables will remain open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm as long as supplies last.

Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry

Must meet eligibility requirements/taking application via phone.

Location: 245 E. N. St, Newton, NC - Phone: 828-465-1702 - Website: www.ecccm.org

Crisis Emergency Financial Assistance services are open Monday - Thursday, 8:00 - 4:30. Special allowances are being made for Covid-19 related cases. Student Hunger Prevention Program serves school children in Newton-Conover Schools and all Catawba County Schools, grades K-12, and their families, for twelve months. Quantities are sufficient for the total number of persons in a household.

Pickup times are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 4:30. Hunger Prevention Programs serve households in the ECCCM service area with quantities sufficient for the total number of persons in a household. Pickup times are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 4:30.

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM)

Must meet eligibility requirements/ taking application via phone.

Location: 31 1st Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 - Phone: Nutrition Center-Open: 828-327-0979

Open Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.  – 4:30 p.m. New food applications will be processed over the phone and in person -- instructions on our new process at that time. For monthly food assistance, please drive directly to the back loading dock where a staff member will assist you. Food will be placed on the pallet. The food will be taken off the pallet by the person picking up food.

Council on Aging (West Hickory Senior Center)

Pantry is available to anyone, no questions asked. Call 828-328-2269 or email councilonaging@catawbacouncilonaging.org for an appointment to pick up food. If there is a need for food to be delivered rather than picked up at the center, there are volunteers available to deliver food. Address: 400 17th Street SW, Hickory, NC 28602. Website: https://www.catawbacoa.org/

Sherrills Ford Community Food pantry and Clothes Closet

Phone: 828-478-9652 - Beginning April 6, the pantry will be open Mondays from 5 -6:30 and Thursdays from 10 - 12. Curbside service for food only. The clothing closet is temporarily closed. Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Christian-Food-Pantry-of-Sherrills-Ford-Clothes-Cl…

Springs Road Baptist Church

Hickory Church of Christ

Highland United Methodist Church

Hopewell United Methodist Church

AIDS Leadership Foothills Area Alliance (ALFA)

Centro Latino

NEIGHBORS NETWORK - YOUR NEIGHBORS PANTRY

Offers a food pantry and other services for seniors. Call before stopping by to check on available services. Phone 828-464-1111

Website: www.neighborsnetwork.org - Email: dianna@neighborsnetwork.org

HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES MINISTRY

Description: Offers dinner with message and free groceries or personal and household items. Offers a clothes closet and indoor yard sale. Delivers groceries, personal and household items to people without transportation. Helps with utilities, rent and other bills. Delivers free furniture and appliances. Call before stopping by to check on available services.

Phone: 828-781-8095 - Website: www.facebook.com/highwaysandhedgesnc/

BACKPACK PROGRAM

Bags will be provided to schools based on a situation by situation basis until further notice or stock is received. The backpack Coordinator is working with counselors to identify which families need assistance on an ongoing basis.

For information visit: http://www.thecornertable.org/backpack-program-food-for-students

THE SALVATION ARMY

The Shelter of Hope is back open and accepting new intakes. The hours have changed and are now 4:30 p.m. - 8 a.m. daily and intake hours are starting at 4:30 p.m. every day.

And our Crisis Help Center hours of operation are M-Th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. We are asking that people contact the main number 828-322-2535 to complete an intake/application over the phone. They will also contact that number to inquire about food, clothing, and financial assistance.

SENIOR NUTRITION SERVICES

Phone: 828-695-5610 - Website: http://www.catawbacountync.gov

Program includes: Seniors Morning Out (Seniors age 60+) and Meals on Wheels (Homebound Seniors age 60+).

Hours of Operation: M-F 7am-4 pm

Sheetz Bag Meals for Children

The Sheetz food program offers one bag meal per child. The program expanded companywide on 4/16/20 and will operate while supplies last. Go to the website for more information: https://www.sheetz.com/news/kidzmeals.

Effective Monday, April 21, 2020: Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, to help families purchase food for children impacted by school closings due to COVID-19. NCDHHS is working to operationalize the program and families will begin to receive this benefit in coming weeks. For details visit: https://governor.nc.gov/news/ncdhhs-provide-additional-food-benefits-mo…

Health/Human Services

THE HOPE4NC HELPLINE (1-855-587-3463): Connects North Carolinians to additional mental health and resilience supports that help them cope and build resilience during times of crisis. As part of the state’s recent hurricane recovery efforts it served over 4,400 people in the most impacted counties, and now it is being made available to everyone in North Carolina’s 100 counties during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information visit: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/new-mental-health-supports-a…

FAMILY CARE CENTER: To try and do what we can to limit the impact of this virus, Family Care Center will close our doors to the public at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19 until further notice. Applicants to our program may access the application outside our front door but there will be no client interaction or face to face meetings. We will be in touch with our current guests via phone and email. For information visit: familycare-center.org.

ADULT LIFE PROGRAMS: After careful (and sometimes agonizing) consideration, consultation with NC Department of Health and Human Services, Catawba County Health Department and other officials I have made the decision to close Adult Life Programs from March 19-30, 2020 due to the COVID 19 outbreak. We plan to open March 30 conditions permitting. For information visit: https://www.adultlifeprograms.com/central-office

LIFE HOUSE: The Life House has amended hours 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday - Friday. No more than 10 people (elderly and disabled) allowed inside with very limited seating. Outside property and seating is available and all services and request are being delivered through walk up window. The agency has a mobile van unit prepared that will be available and is stocked with needs for the community.

GREATER HICKORY COOPERATIVE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY: Medical Clinic:  828-345-0854 - Providers are contacting patients with appointments to provide telehealth services. Patients/Neighbors will need to call the Clinic for specific questions and the Clinic Staff will follow up with them. For anyone coming in to get a new Healthcare Card, we are not seeing patients until further notice. Pharmacy Hotline:  828-323-7914 - Primary contact information for refill requests or pharmacy concerns. Pharmacy Team is distributing prescriptions through the back window in the ministry

SAFE HARBOR: The agency has suspended all classes, support groups and events through the end of March, then we will reassess the situation. We have also asked all volunteers to stay home. Right now, the Day Center remains open, but we are taking it day by day. Things are subject to change. For information visit: safeharbornc.org.

AMERICAN RED CROSS:  At this moment the agency’s most pressing concern is the blood supply. The Red Cross accounts for 40 percent of the nation's blood supply and we collect more than 80 percent of that blood is collected at offsite drives including at schools, churches and businesses.             

Over the last few days, the Red Cross has seen blood drive cancellations grow at an alarming rate. Through March 13, about 1,500 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in some 46,000 fewer blood donations. We expect that number to rise. In our region alone, we have lost over 60 drives which equals approximately 1,800 units.
Donating blood is safe. Receiving blood is safe. If this trend continues, we may experience another national health emergency on top of the virus. For more information visit: cdc.gov/covid19.

EXODUS HOMES: The is operating as usual but may suspend new admissions in the days to come. Residents have been advised to keep six feet of space between them whenever possible. Exodus Church held services last week, but they are not sure about this Sunday. For information visit: http://www.exodushomes.com/

PARTNERS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANGAMENT: Partners only has pertinent staff at its offices. The agency is continuing to work but through remote locations.  All functions of Partners are still operational. The ACCESS to care number for individuals to access services and crisis services is still available 24/7. You can reach any Partners staff through phone and/or email. The agency has looking for cleaning supplies for clients. If anyone has any ideas to help, contact Teena Willis at Partners. For information visit: https://www.partnersbhm.org/

FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER: The agency is rescheduling its clients until April 1st. The staff is currently available for individual/family counseling clients, consumer credit counceling clients, sexual assualt and domestic violence clients via phone conference or tele-conference. For information visit: https://www.fgcservices.com/

COUNCIL ON AGING: The Catawba County Council on Aging/West Hickory Senior is closed effective March 17 until further notice. For information visit: https://www.catawbacoa.org/

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER:

-We have paused our front desk Resource & Referral Volunteer program, in order to protect our elderly and immune compromised volunteers and reduce the number of persons in the building at any time. Staff will still be available to help with any questions, concerns or needs.

- If you are in need of Resources please call us prior to coming in. If you are in a high-risk category for COVID-19, we will work with you over the phone and offer curbside pick-up printed information and Pantry with a Purpose products.

- We ask that non-essential groups consider pausing their meetings or utilize virtual meeting tools such as Skype, Google Hangout, or Join.me or in order to maintain social distancing. Currently, this does NOT include groups vital to the mental or emotional well-being of our community, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or All Recovery.

- We will be cleaning our meeting room after each meeting during the week. We ask that any groups that meet in the evenings or weekends take advantage of the cleaning products provided to wipe down ‘high-touch’ areas, such as plastic chairs and door handles. We will not be providing self-serve snacks during this time. Additionally, we have reduced seating in our meeting room to provide more personal space between guests. For information visit: https://www.wrchickory.org/

ALFA (Aids Leadership Foothills Area Alliance): As part of ALFA's efforts to minimize the spread of the COVID 19 virus to staff and clients, the agency is limiting services from March 17 - March 29.

Staff will still be available via phone or email, but offices will be closed to foot traffic.

Client Services:

  • Services will be provided via phone or mail delivery whenever possible.
  • In office services will be by appointment only.
  • Deliveries of pantry products or medication may be possible depending on resources.

PrEP/HepC Services:

  • Services will be provided via phone or mail delivery whenever possible.
  • In office services will be by appointment only.

PEP: Call Jess at 828-322-1447 x 226

Harm Reduction:

  • Supplies will be available at Steve's Place on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Big Red van will be at Wilkes location for supply distribution Tuesday, March 17 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Two months supplies will continue to be distributed.
  • Distribution will be canceled beginning Wednesday, March 18.
  • Call or text 828-999-0055

Testing/Outreach: services will be suspended for 2 weeks.

For information visit: http://www.alfainfo.org/

OLIVE BRANCH MINISTRY: is prepared to continue its harm reduction services to those in need under our normal operating guidelines, maintaining regular office hours in each of its locations. The agency will continue to provide mobile exchange as requested to clients who have transportation barriers. For HepC rapid and confirmation testing and treatment, the agency will continue to provide these services by appointment at the Hickory location or in individual homes, if needed. If anyone is in need of syringe access, Naloxone or HepC testing, please let them know. For information visit: www.olivebranchministry.org

NORTH CAROLINA BAPTIST AGING MINISTRY (NCBAM): is available for those who may need someone to talk to during this period of isolation. The phone number is 866-758-4673. Please share as appropriate.

HICKORY HOUSING AUTHORITY/NU-DIMENSIONS: will be closing at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 30. Staff will be checking voicemails and emails daily and contacting tenants as needed.

Education services

PATRICK BEAVER LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER: Because the agency’s volunteers tutor in schools, it has had to cancel all tutoring until schools resume. Additionally, program such as the parent engagement/family literacy nights (LIFT) and the follow up meeting to the Orton-Gillingham Teacher Training have had to be cancelled due to numbers over 50 and school closings. The agency hopes to post resources all families can use to help students with reading on its Facebook page and/or website.

PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN: The agency has closed its office to visitors through the next two weeks.  All events, trainings, meetings have been canceled. All school-housed NCPK classrooms are closed, but the three in private settings (Tyndall, A New Beginning and Sherrills Ford Learning Academy 1) remain open for the time being. There is a place for families to turn in NCPK applications in the vestibule of the agency’s main building. For information visit: catawbakids.com.

COUNCIL ON ADOLESCENTS - The Lunch Buddy program: Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order over the weekend to close all NC public schools until at least March 30. The Lunch Buddy program has suspended all activities/meetings until at least April 6. For information: https://coacatawba.org/

OPERATION HOPE: Operation HOPE Inside office at First Horizon will be operating via email, tele-conference, or phone for the next two weeks. The agency helps clients with budgeting and credit management thru this crisis. For information visit: www.operationhope.org