Access to helpful resources and accurate information is more important now than ever. There is a lot of misleading stuff about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) right now (especially on social media), and it can be difficult to find the resources you’re looking for during a crisis. When I began working on this guide, it was with LGBT older people foremast in mind. Since then, I’ve continued to expand it, have broadened some of the categories, and added new ones. Ultimately, I hope that the information here will be useful for everyone. If you know of any other local, state, or national resources that you think should be added, please let me know. You can reach me at info@sageneworleans.org.
Evidence-Based Information on COVID-19
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
- Office of the Governor
- CrescentCare’s Podcast is a new resource for valuable, evidence-based information on COVID-19 and health, hosted by Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels.
- HRC Research Brief outlines health and economic risks faced by the LGBTQ community during the COVID-19 public health crisis, and provides critical data for policymakers and community advocates working to address the health and safety needs of the community during this crisis.
- When and How to Use Masks (WHO)
- Recommendations on Cloth Face Coverings (CDC)
Emergency Preparedness and Other Resources
- NOLA Ready is the City of New Orleans’ hub for disaster preparedness information. Their website has links to various resources, and you can sign up for text alerts about COVID-19 by texting COVIDNOLA to 888777.
- NOLA 311 is a local non-emergency services resource. Visit their website or call 311.
- LA 211 has information about critical health and human services, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, resources for disabled people and older people, etc.). Visit their website or call 211. You can also get text updates by texting LACOVID to 898211.
- CDC emergency preparedness information.
- SAGE’s Blog is being updated with information on COVID-19 and LGBT older people.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
Food Resources
- Call 311 for emergency food delivery services for seniors/disabled people who are home-bound.
- Call 211 for referrals to other food assistance resources.
- Crescent City Weekly Meal Assistance
- Greater New Orleans Caring Collective provides free grocery delivery for at-risk individuals.
- Second Harvest Food Bank
- Whole Foods Delivery
- List of Grocery Stores with designated shopping hours for seniors, people with compromised immune systems, and other vulnerable citizens.
- New Orleans Grocery Stores with designated senior hours.
Housing and Legal Assistance
Finances, Employment, Bills, Etc.
- File for Unemployment Benefits
- NOLA Ready Resources for when you’re unable to work.
- Employment/Financial Resource List
- Energy Assistance
- More Info About Help with Utility Bills
- Economic Impact Payments Information (IRS)
- Tips for Working Remotely
- Building an Emergency Fund
- Consumer Warnings/Avoiding Scams (FCC)
- Coronavirus Scams (FTC)
Transportation and COVID-19
COVID-19 and HIV
- Guidance for People Living with HIV
- Poz Magazine has information and resources on HIV and COVID-19.
- Tips from HIV Plus Magazine
- The CDC has information and answers to frequently asked questions on HIV and COVID-19.
- Policy Brief on COVID-19, HIV, and LGBTQIA+ People from Fenway Health.
- Tips and Resources from the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging.
Resources for People with Disabilities
- Administration for Community Living
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Access Living
- International Disability Alliance
- Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council
Resources for Transgender People
- National Center for Transgender Equality has a great section devoted to COVID-19 resources and information for trans people.
- Louisiana Trans Advocates Facebook Group is a resource to connect trans people who are looking for support from one another.
Low Impact Exercise to Stay Physically Active in Isolation
Mental Health Resources
- Metropolitan Human Services District is a mental health crisis response organization serving Orleans Parish. Their crisis hotline is (504) 568-3130.
- Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority is a mental health crisis response organization serving Jefferson Parish. Their crisis hotline is (504) 832-5123.
- Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline is available 24/7, and connects you to trained counselors who can offer support and who can also direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services. (Sponsored by Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health.) Call (866)310-7977.
- Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event (CDC)
- Manage Anxiety and Stress (CDC)
- The Science of Well-Being is the most popular class in the history of Yale University, and is available online for free.
- In the Rooms – Online 12-step meetings.
- SMART Recovery Online – Self-Management and Recovery Training (an alternative to 12-step programs).
Connection and Support
- SAGE New Orleans – NOAGE is available to help connect LGBT older people with volunteers who can help run errands, do wellness checks, etc. Call (504)517-2345 or email info@sageneworleans.org.
- SAGE Connect provides an opportunity for volunteers to connect with LGBT older people with weekly phone check-ins.
- COVID-19 and Caregiving
- Netflix Party lets you watch Netflix remotely with friends and family.
- Video Chat Tools
- Call your friends and family. Texts are all well and good, but during this time, a phone call can be a much more meaningful way to connect with the people who are closest to your heart.
Hotlines
- The SAGE National Hotline connects LGBT older people with friendly responders who are ready to listen. All hotline responders are certified in crisis response, offer support without judgment, answer questions factually and confidentially, and provide information about community support resources such as healthcare, transportation, counseling, legal services, and emotional support programs. Available 24/7. Call toll-free: (877)360-5428.
- LGBT National Help Center Hotline (888)843-4564
- Trevor Project Crisis Hotline (866)488-7386
- TransLifeline (877)565-8860
- HIV/AIDS Hotline (800)342-2437
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (800)799-7233
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800)273-8255
- Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
- Substance Abuse Helpline (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorders Association Helpline (800)931-2237
- Veterans Crisis Line (800)273-8255
Volunteer Opportunities
- HandsOn New Orleans is the best local resource for finding volunteer opportunities. During this crisis, they are narrowing their focus to getting volunteers connected with organizations that are serving people with the greatest needs.
Taking a Break from It All
- Virtual Museums Tours, and Streaming Concerts and Plays
- Free Audiobooks
- Comfort Books
- Spirituality Resources
- Internet Archive has free digital books, movies, music, etc.
- Poems for a World on Pause
- New Orleans Public Library (Online Resources)
- Blogs and Podcasts
