Help is available to navigate pandemic impacts
December 8, 2020 | By Waterbury Roundabout Many Vermonters are having a hard time right now and there is help available on a number of fronts. Some programs are ending soon, so now is the time to reach out for assistance.
Even if it’s the first time you are seeking help, all services are open to all Vermonters who might be having trouble putting enough food on the table, juggling rent and other bills due to lost income due to COVID, or seeking help to manage stress or depression.
211: If you don’t know where to start, call 2-1-1. The trained responders there are working 24/7 and will get you to the right help, whether it’s unemployment, housing, food or mental health. You can also visit vermont211.org online.
FOOD: The Waterbury Area Food Shelf has plenty of fresh and non-perishable food. They do curbside pickup and can deliver if you’re homebound. Hours are Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to noon; Wednesday 3- 5 p.m. Phone 802-244-1561 or email wafsmainstreet@gmail.com with questions.
The Waterbury Area Senior Center delivers hot Meals on Wheels every day (with frozen meals for the weekend). There’s a suggested donation of $4.50 for those aged 60+ and $7.50 for those under 60. If that is a stretch, don’t worry - no one will be turned away. Phone 802-244-1234 or email director@wasca.org to sign up.
UTILITY BILLS: There are a number of programs to pay or reduce your utility bills (must apply by Dec. 15). Check out Vermont Legal Aid’s website for the complete list and instructions vtlawhelp.org/coronavirus-updates or call Capstone Community Action at 1-800-639-1053.
EMERGENCIES: The Waterbury Area Good Neighbor Fund has money to give as grants to cover emergency bills. If you can’t get help any other way or have a bill that just has to be paid, call Peter Plagge at 802-244-6606 or email peter@waterburyucc.com.
HANDS-ON HELP: Waterbury CARES handles requests for hands-on help (someone to pick up your groceries, walk your dog, shovel snow, wrap your holiday gifts, do other tasks that you can’t do because of COVID or just life). Coordinated by the Waterbury Public Library this program will match a volunteer to each request. Sign up online at bit.ly/WaterburyCARES or email wpl05676@gmail.com.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: The Vermont Department of Mental Health has a number of resources available for individuals and families including details on finding a counselor, tips on wellness and suicide prevention, connections for new parents. Visit online at mentalhealth.vermont.gov/Corona-MH.
SMALL BUSINESSES: Help is available for small businesses from the Vermont Small Business Development Center online atvtsbdc.org/covid-19-lending or call Revitalizing Waterbury at 802-585-9525.