COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Food Insecurity & Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
If you or someone you know is in need of food, visit the Greater Boston Food Bank's partner hunger-relief agencies. Find your local food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers here: https://www.gbfb.org/need-food/.
If you would like to apply for SNAP (formerly food stamps) or need assistance with your existing case, visit DTA Connect today at
https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits (Filing a claim, reporting fraud, etc.)
Are you unemployed, or worried about becoming unemployed? Visit about the state's webpage on all things unemployment and coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19
You may be aware that the federal government has enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the
CARES Act. This new law will impact unemployment policy in Massachusetts, please refer to the state's webpage for the latest up to date information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares.
If you have more questions about employee rights and employer obligations during the coronavirus public health emergency, please visit the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division (FLD) for general guidance on some of the most frequently asked questions:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19-employee-rights-and-employer-obligations.
Going Back to Work?
If you're an
employee going back to work and have questions, please refer DUA's FAQ page for employees:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/unemployment-insurance-benefits-and-returning-to-work-guide-for-workers.
If you're an
employer going back to work and have questions, please refer DUA's FAQ page for employers:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/unemployment-insurance-benefits-and-returning-to-work-guide-for-employers.
Reporting Fraud
Criminal enterprises using stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches have been attempting to file fraudulent unemployment claims through the DUA system. This is part of a national unemployment fraud scheme.
If you believe someone has applied for benefits using your information fraudulently, please visit the following webpage:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-unemployment-benefits-fraud.
You will be able to report fraud on this site.
Milton & Randolph Updates (Closures, COVID-19 Testing, etc.)
For the most up to date information, please refer to each town's website.
Milton - Access
HERE for Town website
Randolph - Access
HERE for Town website
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Milton & Randolph
Milton and Randolph residents can locate COVID-19 testing sites nearest to them
HERE.
Temporary Closures
Town Halls
Milton Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice, but services will continue to be available.
Randolph Town Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some services still require appointment.
Please refer to
Milton's or
Randolph's website for more information on how to conduct town business during this time.
Schools
More information about Milton and Randolph Public Schools can be found at their respective websites:
Libraries
Both the Milton Public Public Library in Milton and Turner Free Library in Randolph are open. Please refer to each library's website for more information about services offered
Milton Public Libary - Website
HERE
-
Hours
-
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
-
Friday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
-
Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 (beginning October 18th)
Turner Free Library - Website
HERE
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Hours
-
Monday-Thursday | 11am - 7pm
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Friday-Saturday | 11am - 3pm
State Updates & Resources (Emergency Orders, Contact Tracing, Reopening MA)
For the most up to date information on the Commonwealth's response, please visit mass.gov/covid19.
On March 10, Governor Baker issued a
state of emergency in response to the outbreak. A complete list of emergency orders and guidance can be found
HERE.
REOPENING
On May 18, the Baker Administration unveiled the state's four-phase approach to reopening sectors across the Commonwealth. You can view and download the
Reopening MA Report
HERE. For the most up to date information on the state's plan, visit
mass.gov/reopening.
Other state resources...
COVIDMA Text Messages
Receive the latest COVID-19 updates straight to your mobile device by texting COVIDMA to 888-777. Read more about the program HERE.
211
Text courtesy of South Shore Stars
How 211 Works
211 works a bit like 911. Calls to 211 are routed by the local telephone company to a local or regional calling center. The 211 center’s referral specialists receive requests from callers, access databases of resources available from private and public health and human service agencies, match the callers’ needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help.
COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC)
In April, the Baker Administration lauched the Community Tracing Collaborative in effort to identify and support those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who may have been exposed to the virus. To learn more about the MA COVID Team and the Community Tracing Collaborative, visit www.mass.gov/MATracingTeam.
Nursing Home Family Resource Line - (617) 660-5399
Text courtesy of the Office of the Governor
Description: 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.
Hours of Operation: The line is staffed from 9 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week. Staff will coordinate across state agencies to help callers find answers to their questions.
Telephone Line: Families and community members can call the line at (617) 660-5399.
SafeLink - A service for all survivors
Text courtesy of the Office of the Governor
The state has expanded
SafeLink, the Commonwealth’s statewide, 24/7, toll-free and confidential domestic violence hotline to now include resources and support for survivors of sexual assault. Previously, SafeLink served as a hotline to specifically connect domestic violence survivors to services. This expansion of services will allow SafeLink to triage calls to local area rape crisis centers and create a centralized number for any survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault to call and receive services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This hotline is designed for crisis intervention support for those who need assistance in safety planning measures for both themselves and their families. This resource is now available through the 2-1-1 line as an additional method for victims to access help and resources.
The
SafeLink toll-free number is (877) 785-2020. For the
hearing-impaired, the SafeLink TTY number is (877) 521-2601. Advocates are available in
English and Spanish and can provide translation in
more than 130 languages.
If you are experiencing violence within your home or concerned about a loved one that may be experiencing violence, please call the SafeLink hotline for support and resources.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Federal Updates & Resources
For federal resources and the most up to date information on the Federal response, please refer to https://www.coronavirus.gov/.
Public Transportation (MBTA)
The MBTA is still operating, but all services are now running on a reduced schedule in effort to support physical distancing, in addition to increasing cleaning and sanitation at stations.
Please visit the MBTA's FAQ page (
mbta.com/covid19/faq) for more information regarding how long these changes will be in effect, how frequently the MBTA is cleaning stations and vehicles, etc.
Interfaith Social Services
Courtesy of Interfatith Social Services, 105 Adams St., Quincy, MA 02169
Interfaith Social Services is
OPEN
FOOD PANTRY
Interfaith Social Services’ food pantry is an essential program and is open regular hours (Monday-Friday, 10-11:45am, and Wednesday evenings 5-7pm).
We’re following guidance from the CDC and local health officials and have implemented protective measures to limit person to person contact. We are also having our building professionally disinfected on a regular basis. We strive to continue providing exceptional service as well as food and emergency assistance to our neighbors in need.
Clients who drive will wait in their cars instead of waiting in the food pantry waiting room. They will pull up to our front doors and a volunteer will come out to their car and check them in. Groceries will then be brought out to the car. Clients who walk or take public transportation to the pantry will check in at the front desk as usual and may wait in the waiting room. We are limiting the number of clients in the building so that people can keep a safe distance from each other.
New clients are welcome. Please arrive during regular pantry hours and bring:
- Identification for each member of the household
- Proof of residency (ex. A utility bill, rental agreement, etc.). Our food pantry only serves residents of Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate and Weymouth.
More details here:
https://interfaithsocialservices.org/food/
BUREAU DRAWER THRIFT SHOP
The Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop is
CLOSED until further notice.
We are unable to accept Thrift Shop donations at this time.
NEW DIRECTIONS COUNSELING CENTER
Interfaith cares deeply for all who depend on our programs. We want to make sure counseling clients can still access services, even if they cannot or do not feel comfortable coming into the office. The Counseling Center remains open, though therapists and clients may choose to conduct sessions over the phone.
The Counseling Center is accepting new clients. Please call 617-773-6203 ext. 12 to schedule an appointment.
Check Your Symptoms Online (Buoy Health Care Tool)
Massachusetts residents who suspect they might have COVID-19 can now use this Buoy Health COVID-19 Web App, which will help to screen them based on a series of questions and connect them to a health care provider via telehealth. Visit Buoy.com/mass to learn more and use the tool.
