COVID-19 ACTION RESOURCES - FOR INDIVIDUALS

This page has been created for you to more easily navigate your way through the maze of resources available to you during this pandemic. Simply click on the icon, link, or make a call to the listed businesses and organizations below related to your concern or need. You can also download a simple one page document here. You can read it in Spanish here.

If you need more assistance or a need isn’t listed, use the resource and referral options below:

  • Use the Iowa 211 resource and referral helpline for other community resources available to you.

    • Visit 211Iowa.org.

    • Text your ZIP code to 898211 or

    • Dial 211 or 800-244-7431 from any phone. An interpretation service supports more than 150 languages.

  • Other community resident resources available on The Cedar Rapids Gazette website: thegazette.com

Bus Transportation

Neighborhood Transportation Service may be able to assist you in finding transportation to and from work and other required destinations.

For more information on transportation options, visit the LAP-AID transportation page.

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Car Loans

Call your bank or car loan company and ask to pay interest only or small amounts.

Cell Phone

  • Call your cell phone provider.

  • Ask if you can set up an extended payment plan.

  • Some providers are answering their local phone numbers others are sending you to their national call center.

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City Water

  • Call the city that provides your water service.

  • Ask how you can manage your payments.

  • Ask if small payments will help keep your water on.

Diaper Assistance

If you need assistance getting diapers, go online to Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank or call (319) 364-8909.

Food Assistance

There are many organizations offering food to those in need. For example, you can call HACAP at (319)393-7811 for food pantry times or Horizons at (319) 398-3943 to learn about older adult delivery options. For a list of meal sites and other organizations offering assistance, visit the LAP-AID food assistance page.

 Home Mortgage

• If you cannot make your mortgage payment, call your bank or mortgage company.

• Tell them your situation.

• Ask if they would offer an interest payment only until you find a job or have other income. Most banks or mortgage companies will be willing to work with you.

If you need legal help, Iowa Legal Aid may be able to help. https://www.iowalegalaid.org/

Mental Health

Everyone is experiencing the challenges of staying at home. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or concerned about your family interactions, call:

You can also visit the LAP-AID mental health page for resources.

Older Adult Assistance

If you are a senior citizen and need help with emergency home repair access to groceries, start by calling Heritage Area Agency on Aging at (319) 398-5559 or visit their website for more information.

You can also find information regarding older adult assistance on the LAP-AID Older Adults page.

Rent

  • Call your landlord if you cannot pay your rent.

  • Tell them you want to make a small payment towards your rent.

  • Ask if you can pay small amounts until you can pay more. This will help you in the future.

    If you think you will be evicted, reach out to Legal Aid COVID Advice Hotline by calling (800) 332-0419.

Unemployment

  • If you need unemployment assistance, call (319) 365-9474 or go online at IOWAWORKS.

  • Be prepared with your:

    • drivers license (if you have one)

    • name of most recent employer

    • reason for unemployment (COVID response is OK)

    • most recent paystub social security #

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Utilities

• Call the utility company. Gas (888) 427-5632 Electric (800) 255-4268 or visit their website. Gas - Mid American Electric - Alliant Energy

• Let them know you cannot pay your bill.

• Ask if you can make small payments for now.

• For resources to help pay utilities, call 211.