All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and (for life safety matters only) Animal Care and Control.
Inspections of buildings, roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure
Response to weather events
Refuse and recycling collection (see note below)
City parks (though residents are urged to stay off playground equipment, as their cleanliness cannot be guaranteed)
Pittsburgh City Council meetings (subject to health safety restrictions)
City Planning, Permits, Licenses and Inspections, and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will continue to review plans, issue permits, and intake applications. PLI and City Planning permits are available online; the application can be found here or you can send the full application and payment via US mail. Licensing late fees will be forgiven. Utilities needing public right of way permits can continue to apply online utilizing the established Google form. All other permit requests should be submitted by email to DOMIpermits@pittsburghpa.gov and further instructions will be provided
311: Operators will still be taking calls; however, some issues may not be addressed immediately as crews may be limited or helping to handle pandemic-related issues.
Office of Municipal Investigations intake
Commission on Human Relations complaint intake
All Finance and Office of Management and Budget functions essential to continue core city operations and payroll.
Questions about the City’s Paid Sick Leave law will still be collected and answered at the Sick Leave website

Closed Facilities and Operations, including Parks

Parks facilities are closed, including playgrounds, ball fields, and basketball courts. City park shelters are closed and refunds will be issued to those who made reservations by emailing Allison.botti@pittsburghpa.gov. Also closed/cancelled:

All water fountains and restrooms in parks will be shut-off, though portable toilets will remain in service
All programming from Parks & Recreation
Mellon Park Tennis Bubble
Morningside Healthy Active Living Center
Oliver Bath House City
Parks still can be used for walking, hiking, bicycling, and other activities when social distancing guidelines are followed

Department offices in the City-County Building and the Robin Civic Building (200 Ross Street)
Senior Healthy Active Living Centers (see note below)
Recreation Centers (see note below)
All in-person permit counters
Special Event permits issuance
City participation in community meetings
In-person tax assistance
Treasurer Sales (including already scheduled April 17 sale)

Public Transit

Port Authority COVID-19 info

UPDATE 03/19/20 - Port Authority Implementing “Social Distancing” operations

Refuse & Recycling Pickup

While curbside trash and recycling will still be collected, if the waste is not picked up on your normal collection day please leave it at the curb and do not call 311. It will be picked up later.

Please help protect the front line workers who are protecting you from spreading diseases by:

Properly bagging your trash prior to set out
Slowing down when you see refuse workers
Learn more about assisting refuse collection here.

Allegheny County

For a full list of impacted departments and changes, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/coronavirus.

County Parks

Currently, outdoor areas and restrooms in all nine county parks are open to the public. However, park users should practice social distancing by staying at least six feet apart from each other. If residents choose to use restrooms, playground equipment, exercise equipment, park benches or other outdoor items with touch surfaces, proper handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer is strongly encouraged before and afterward.

Hartwood Acres Mansion, Boyce Park Nature Center, North Park Golf Course, North Park Latodami Nature Center and South Park Golf Course are closed through April 6.. Park offices are open regular business hours with skeleton staffs to answer phones and email, but officials ask the public not to visit park offices in person. All park business may be conducted by emailing webmaster.parks@alleghenycounty.us or calling 412-350-2455, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:00 pm.

Under guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department, all facility rentals are being canceled through Monday, March 30, and all customers are receiving full refunds. All recreational programs, as well as park ranger and naturalist activities, are canceled through Monday, March 30, and all paid registrants are receiving full refunds. Cookies with Cottontail events are also canceled in South Park (March 22), Boyce Park (March 28), and North Park (March 29). In addition, star parties scheduled for April 3 and April 4 at Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park are canceled.

Park users who wish to cancel facility rentals or paid program registrations beyond March 30 will receive full refunds. Customers should email name, permit/activity number and phone number to webmaster.parks@alleghenycounty.us or call 412-350-2455, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:00 pm. This policy will remain in effect until further notice.

All sports programming scheduled to begin between April 1 and April 18 has been postponed by two weeks. This includes dek hockey, flag football, learn to ride a bike classes, mountain biking, soccer, softball, T-ball, ultimate frisbee and yoga. L.L. Bean programs in North Park are suspended through April 15. Tinkergarten classes have also been postponed until the week of April 20.

County Jail

Confined areas at the Allegheny County Jail undoubtedly present challenges, but through experience and defined policies, jail staff are adept at taking precautions to mitigate and eliminate the spread of illness or disease. The jail faces hurdles each year in dealing with influenza and other infectious illnesses between inmates and staff, and, through infection control procedures, the facility has been able to curb these conditions.

With COVID-19, jail administration has taken additional steps, including:

Increased availability of authorized cleaning agents effective at disinfecting the virus, as well as regularly scheduled mandatory cleaning sessions across the entire facility.
Reducing access to the jail from non-essential visitors by temporarily suspending professional and social visits.
Additional screening for new inmates at point of admission and incoming jail staff.
Conversations with multiple county stakeholders, including the Allegheny County Health Department, to ensure the most up-to-date information regarding epidemiology and risk.
Continued education of inmates and staff about disease transmission and appropriate hand hygiene.

Allegheny County Law Library

The Allegheny County Law Library located in Room 921 of the City-County Building is closed until further notice.

State

Stay at Home Order

The entire state is now under a Stay at Home Order through April 30. Essentially you are not to leave your home except to conduct essential tasks (such as obtaining food or health care or traveling to take care of someone) and engaging in outdoor activities at a safe distance. There are exemptions for those employed in essential industries. See the state's Stay-at-Home-Order-Guidance for details.

DMV/Drivers Licenses

All driver license centers and photo license centers are currently closed.
Online services are still available here.
Expiration dates have been extended as follows:

Driver licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.
Vehicle registrations, safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.
Persons with Disabilities Parking Placards scheduled to expire from March 16 through March 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended until April 30, 2020.

Real ID

The Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021, in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. Find out more about REAL ID in Pennsylvania.

PA Turnpike & Rest Areas

The Pennsylvania Turnpike has temporarily suspended cash payments. Find out more about accepted forms of payment.
Some PennDOT rest areas and welcome centers statewide will be closed to the public effective 12:01 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020. See below a list of open locations.

Unemployment Compensation & Federal Covid Benefits Expansion

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is implementing new federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The COVID-19 relief package temporarily provides an additional $600 per week, makes self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits and extends unemployment compensation (UC) benefits for an additional 13 weeks. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit this page.

For individuals who are filing for UC benefits for the first time, once applications are approved by L&I they must be verified by the federal government as well before they are considered to be officially approved and the first payment can be made. It typically takes two to four weeks for new claimants to receive payment, but it is possible that delays may be occurring as the federal government works to process the historic numbers of claims it is receiving from the states.

The one week waiting period and the work search and work registration requirements are all suspended.
For more info and to apply for regular UC, visit: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx

Essential Court Functions for Seniors

While courts have generally been ordered closed to the public through April 30, there are essential court functions that are still being conducted. These essential functions include:

Temporary protection from abuse actions;
Civil mental health reviews;
Guardianship defense and representation;
Any pleadings or motions relating to public health concerns and involving immediate and irreparable harm;
Emergency petitions related to protection of abused or neglected children; and
Any other function deemed by a president judge to be essential and consistent with constitutional requirements.

Senior-serving organizations available to help with legal assistance during this crisis include:

Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine: 877-PA SR LAW (877-727-7529)
Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE): 800-356-3606
PA Pennsylvania Law Help: Help Line 800-274-3258 or www.palawhelp.org

Taxes

The deadline for filing federal, state, and City of Pittsburgh taxes has been extended from April 15 to July 15.

Elections

2020 PA Primary has been moved to June 2.

Voting by mail is now an option for everyone in Pennsylvania. It's an easy, convenient and secure way to cast your ballot. The last day to register is May 18. To learn more about registering and/or voting by mail, visit www.votespa.com.

Not sure if this number is still being staffed, but you can also try 1.877.VOTESPA (1.877.868.3772).

Avoiding Covid Scams

The best and worst of people come out in times of crisis. There are unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of the uncertainty and fear around Covid-19. Some examples of COVID-19 scams include:

Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,” make predictions of a specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.

The above information is from the US Attorney's Office Western PA Covid website. There is more info there on avoiding scams. To report fraud, email their COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Senior Litigation Counsel Shaun Sweeney at USAPAW.COVID19@usdoj.gov or call 1-888-C19-WDPA.

Health Information

Where to get tested for Covid-19

WESA posted this list on March 24. You may want to call to confirm that they are still operating before going.

Free testing is available at the Monroeville Rite Aid; you must be at least 18 years old, non-symptomatic, and sign up in advance at https://www.riteaid.com/

CDC information

What to do if you’re sick. The CDC has launched a new “self-checker” on its website that allows individuals to answer a few questions and then offers advice. Most importantly, the tool also provides information on how to care for yourself at home. Visit http://j.mp/2QsphUr and click on the orange self-checker box in the lower right hand corner of the page.
High-risk individuals: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/high-risk/high-risk-complications.html
What to do if you’re sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Caring for sick individuals:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/caring-for-sick-person.html

Travelers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Managing anxiety related to Covid-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Covid-19 and Children: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html
Information for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Resources for coping with stress

If you feel anxious or overwhelmed because of coronavirus, you can call Resolve Crisis Services, at 888-796-8226, which offers 24-hour crisis counseling, support and referral services.
Residents who may simply need someone to talk to may call the Peer Support & Advocacy Network at 866-661-9726, where they can receive emotional support. “If someone can’t sleep or feels lonely or isolated, they are there to listen,” says Joleen Chiaverini, outreach and disaster response coordinator for Allegheny County.
Helping children deal with stress: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2

PA Department of Health Covid-19 Updates

including number of cases (updated daily):

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Allegheny County Health Department Covid-19 Updates

page updated daily: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/COVID-19/COVID-19.aspx

Resources for those coping with sexual assault or domestic violence

PCAR is a network that provides sexual assault crisis services. Those resources can be found at www.pcar.org or at 1-888-772-7227 for a 24-hour hotline to be connected to a local sexual assault center

PCADV provides domestic violence services 24-7 via PCADV.org/find-help and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.

Resources for Caregivers of Patients with Memory Loss

There are 400,000 Pennsylvanians currently living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and they face additional hardships during this time of uncertainty. Listed below are two of the resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association for anyone impacted by this disease.

Alzheimer's Association - COVID 19 Tips for Dementia Caregivers

24/7 Helpline (800-272-2900)

Additional Health Info

UPMC Updates: https://www.upmc.com/coronavirus

Social Distancing & Masks

Face Masks

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. If you have N-95 respirators at home that you would like to donate to a healthcare worker, please post on the list serv of Highland Park Helping Hands Facebook page and someone who works in health care will reach out to you.

There are lots of websites with instructions on how to make masks:

For simple no-sew masks made with a square of fabric and two rubber bands: watch this CDC video
No-sew masks made from a long socks: here's how
No-sew masks made from old T-shirts: repurpose a Tshirt you don't wear anymore!
Easy sew instructions - plus more info on masks - from the CDC here

Once you’re back home after wearing your spiffy new mask in public, remove it without touching the front and without touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You’ll want to clean it before wearing it again. You don’t need to wash your mask differently than other laundry because the soap in detergent should destroy any viruses.

What is it? How do I social distance?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/03/14/with-covid-19-coronavirus-here-are-10-ways-to-social-distance-yourself/#373e8382606c

Why social distancing works:

Tips for travelers, transit users, gym-goers, parents, and others:

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615355/coronavirus-social-distancing-during-pandemic/

Strategies for being social while social distancing:

https://thewirecutter.com/blog/coronavirus-socializing-online/

Things to do in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Public Theater. 7 p.m. every Thursday and Friday night, make a standing date with Pittsburgh Public Theater Artistic Director Marya Sea Kaminski, who will bring iconic plays and the work of extraordinary writers right to your living room. Don’t miss this week’s edition, when Kaminski is joined by special guests to reading Oscar Wilde’s quick-witted classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.”

Cry It Out with City Theatre Company (through April 4). If you missed the chance to see Molly Smith Metzler’s play, “Cry It Out” before it ended its run early due to COVID-19, then don’t miss the virtual performance available through April 5. Directed by Kim Weild, the new play chronicles Metzler’s real-life experiences with maternity leave. Thanks to the theater’s organization’s Pick Your Price initiative, virtual tickets start at just $10.

Heinz History Center. The Heinz History Center is presenting a rich array of virtual offerings available through its website and digital platforms. Through its “History At Home” portal, you can read 30o fascinating blog stories, check out thousands of collection artifacts and listen to The Cornerstone podcast exploring local Jewish historical sites. You can also take a virtual tours of the site’s most popular exhibitions.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Face it, some days the only thing that can lift our spirits is an adorable animal. Bring the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium right to your living room with live webcams, a podcast series and educational activities for your entire brood. Go wild watching resident penguins and cheetahs play, see Danny the rabbit get a tooth exam and download the zoo app to play games, check out 360-degree videos and collect digital stickers.

The Frick. Virtual resources including kids activities, exhibitions, and tours: https://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/virtual

Virtual City Scavenger Hunt. Make your way all around town — and learn about the people and places of Pittsburgh — all from the safety of home. Search for the clues, use Google street view and guess the answers you’ll need to move on to the next stop. Designed by the Pittsburgh-based tour and concierge business, Street Lark, the virtual scavenger features visual, prompts, fractionating facts and more.

Assorted things to do in Pittsburgh, all on-line, including reading hours for kids, taking classes (painting, wine tasting, yoga, cartonning, and more), concerts, museum tours, and more: https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/events/things-to-do-in-pittsburgh-this-month-when-all-the-events-are-canceled/

On-line Resources

Play games with friends or strangers (just one site of man): http://www.vassalengine.org/

Georgia Aquarium live cam: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Cincinnati Home Safari: http://cincinnatizoo.org/home-safari-resources/

Scholastic releases free daily courses for kids stuck at home: https://www.wavy.com/news/health/coronavirus/scholastic-releases-free-daily-courses-for-kids-stuck-home-amid-coronavirus-school-closures/?fbclid=IwAR01ImGnzRGIPvYZI8MBkLwa2imrcC1jy-79iMM3S2ov106ODhag1t3aHfI

30 Virtual Field Trips:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/preview?fbclid=IwAR2rTgAAq6ivuV1rmk-JeauBPI6p2uT2kerYcomWD69pw0ytxbADfJK2GvI

Virtual Friend Movie Night: If you want to still have movie night with friends without risking COVID-19 spread, Chrome has an extension called Netflix Party that allows you to simultaneously stream Netflix with friends. It has a chat window & play/pauses for everyone in the group so you stay synced.

Use the library: Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Libraries have ebooks, streaming services, and read alouds: Carnegie Library, or check out other libraries’ free collections such as the New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/books-music-movies/ebookcentral/simplye

Broadway Plays: https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home

Virtual tour of the Louvre: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

More free virtual tours:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/03/16/social-distancing-free-virtual-tours/5060244002/

Many companies are making their subscriptions free during this time:

Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr. free during school closures: https://go.brainpop.com/accessrequest
Storyline Online (always free): Books read out loud by authors / famous people: https://www.storylineonline.net/
Scholastic: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Learning A-Z: https://accounts.learninga-z.com/accou.../marketing/trial.do
Accessibyte makes fun, funky, fully accessible apps for users who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, dyslexic, or have other reading difficulties: https://www.accessibyte.com/stay-safe
See a large list of more resources HERE.

Resources for Parents

Also look for resources under Social Distancing / Online Resources and Assistance / Community Resources

Pittsburgh Public School Updates

All schools in Pennsylvania are closed indefinitely per order of Governor Wolf.

Mandatory lessons in a variety of formats will start April 14. According to the district's Chief Academic Officer, "We’re doing our best to address as much as the current instructional day that students have in all grade levels.” They will also be evaluating what changes, if any, will need to be made to ensure that seniors can graduate. The district has been assessing the technology needs of students over the past week and it asked parents to fill out a survey that is available online (https://pghboe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_803PDJabeIJpH2R) and at grab and go meal locations. They are developing online materials, physical packets, and materials for students who are English-learners.

Grab and Go meals are available Mon, Wed, and Fri from 11 am - 1 pm. Obama IB School (515 N. Highland Ave.) and the Homewood Salvation Army (8020 Frankstown Ave.) are the two closest locations. A full list of locations is here: https://www.pghschools.org/Page/5356

Resources compiled by PPS parents: https://pghleaf.org/covid-closure-resources?fbclid=IwAR0Ot4CSG2-1k8CKixs8tslHp_SJPpttOazEIPYEeL4WK8Pv3oOU3mmlgTg

Complete PPS updates can be found here: https://www.pghschools.org

Family-specific PPS Survey of Student Technology Resources

https://pghboe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_803PDJabeIJpH2R

Things to do in Pittsburgh

Hays Eagle Cam: http://www.aswp.org/pages/hays-nest
Carnegie Science Museum: Every morning at 8 a.m., Carnegie Science Center will share Three Things — a curated list of something to read, watch and do — via Facebook and Twitter. Then at noon, they’ll post a daily DIY science activity exploring how common household items can be transformed into functional objects. Learn to make a chromatography flower using coffee filters and a “rain cloud in a jar” keepsake with food coloring and shaving cream.
Assorted things to do in Pittsburgh, all on-line, including reading hours for kids, taking classes (painting, wine tasting, yoga, cartooning, and more), concerts, museum tours, check-out stuff from the library,and more:
Things to do in Pittsburgh (when all the events are canceled)

In addition to the grab-and-go meals available at many public schools from 11 am to 1 pm, four city recreation centers and Salvation Army sites around Pittsburgh are also offering grab-and-go meals for school kids. The centers are: Paulson Rec Center, 1201 Paulson Ave.; Warrington Rec Center, 329 E. Warrington Ave.; Salvation Army Homewood, 8020 Frankstown Ave. (closest to Highland Park) and the Salvation Army West End, 1821 Broadhead Fording Rd. All meal locations will operate weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pittsburgh Public Schools is providing 100 lunches for each site.

Food Delivery & Take-out

Take-out - including Highland Park Restaurants!

Many restaurants have closed their dining rooms, but are offering take-out meals. Pittsburgh Magazine is updating this list daily. And don’t forget our Highland Park restaurants! They are part of our community and we want them to still be in business once this crisis is over:

Applewood Smoke Burger Company (Burgers)

@Applewoodsmokeburgercompany (Facebook)

5721 Bryant St. (Inside Park Place Pub)

(412) 522-4592

Bryant Street Market (Groceries, Household products, Deli)

5901 Bryant St.

M-F 6:30 am - 8 pm

Sat 8 am - 8 pm

Sun 8 am - 7 pm

412-661-8720

Casa Brasil (Brazilian)

@casabrasilpgh (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

casa-brasil.com
5904 Bryant St.

412-404-7573

Food Glorious Food (Bakery)

@foodgloriousfoodPGH (Facebook, Instagram)

foodgloriousfoodpgh.com

5906 Bryant St.

412-363-5330

Joseph Tambellini Restaurant (Italian)

@josephtambellinirestaurant (Facebook, Instagram)

www.josephtambellini.com

5701 Bryant St.

412-665-9000

LaScola’s Italian Ice & Custard

@lascolaspgh (Facebook)

lascolas_pgh (Instagram)

@LaScolas_Ice (Twitter)

lascolaspgh.com

1218 N. Euclid Ave.

724-766-1515

Smiling Banana Leaf (Thai)

smilingbananaleaf.com

5901 Bryant St.

412-362-3200

Teppanyaki Kyoto Restaurant (Japanese)

@teppanyakikyoto (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

teppanyakikyoto.com

5808 Bryant St.

412- 441-1610

Curbside Grocery Pickup

Highland Park’s Bryant Street Market will provide curbside pickup if you call in your order. Please call early in the day (not at lunchtime when they are swamped!) and have your list ready.

412-661-8720

Monday-Friday: 6:30AM-8PM

Saturday: 8AM-8PM

Sunday: 8AM-7PM

Grocery Delivery

Many of the local grocery stores (Giant Eagle, Whole Foods through Amazon Prime, Costco, others?) offer home delivery for free or a small fee. Waits after ordering can be up to a week.

Additional delivery options - thank you to the neighbor who posted this list on the list serv!:

Instacart: https://www.instacart.com/
Misfits Market, they deliver weekly. www.misfitsmarket.com If you use the code COOKWME-OS2PTE you will receive 25% off your first order.
Tiny Seed Farm still has CSA openings, they’re also doing weekly (I think) pickups at the farm and local deliveries. https://www.tinyseedfarmpgh.com/blog

Harvie - offers local CSA w/home deliveries. They offer "boxes" but really you just go online and buy what you want. There were some issues with shortages on basics like eggs, chicken breasts. https://www.harvie.farm/
Imperfect foods - another CSA with home delivery: https://www.imperfectfoods.com/
For eggs, meat, milk, and cheese, this service is usually a restaurant supply, but is doing $10 home delivery, and has been good about doing non-contact options. Have put in two orders, and glad to recommend. https://wildpurveyors.com/pittsburgh-home-delivery/
https://isidorefoods.com/

Assistance & Community Resources

State Benefits

Even during closures, the PA Department of Human Services will continue to process SNAP and other benefits applications. Pennsylvanians can apply online at: www.compass.state.pa.us.

Unemployment Compensation

The one week waiting period and the work search and work registration requirements are all suspended.
For more info and to apply, visit: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx

Food Assistance

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank maintains an up-to-date map of food distribution sites here.

The Allegheny County Dept of Human Services has a map of free food distribution sites across the county: Food Distribution Map Zoom in and recenter the map, then click on the circles to see more information about each site.

East End Cooperative Ministry in East Liberty is providing hot bagged lunches to go Monday through Friday, 12:15 - 1 pm. 6140 Station Street, use entrance G facing north towards Eastminster Church; “Impacts” is on the door. Open to all.

Little Free Pantry - The Little Free Library at 5543 Black Street has been converted to a pantry. Please take if needed and give if able.

US Dept of Agriculture provides Emergency Food Distribution. For income guidelines and to apply, the form is here.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps families, older adults, and individuals pay for groceries. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which can then be used to purchase food at grocery stores, supermarkets, some farmers markets, and other stores that accept SNAP. Emergency SNAP applications can be expedited and issued in five days. Pennsylvanians can apply for SNAP online.

WIC helps with nutrition for pregnant women, nursing women, postpartum women, and infants and children younger than 5. Benefits can be used for approved grocery items at stores that accept WIC. Apply by calling the toll-free hotline at 800-WIC-WINS, or start your WIC application online.

For Service Industry Workers. The Warren Bar and Burrow and Penn Cove Eatery are joining with local chefs to provide up to 100 meals a day to feed service industry workers who have lost work due to coronavirus. Every night from 7 to 9 pm., starting Friday, March 20, the Warren will provide a takeout meal to anyone with proof of bar or restaurant employment. To limit exposure, there is a one in, one out policy. The meals are available one per person and accompanied by a shot while you wait, for those 21 and over. The Warren is located Downtown at 245 7th St. in the Cultural District.

For School Children. In addition to the grab-and-go meals available at many public schools from 11 am to 1 pm, four city recreation centers and Salvation Army sites around Pittsburgh are also offering grab-and-go meals for school kids. The centers are: Paulson Rec Center, 1201 Paulson Ave.; Warrington Rec Center, 329 E. Warrington Ave.; Salvation Army Homewood, 8020 Frankstown Ave. (closest to Highland Park) and the Salvation Army West End, 1821 Broadhead Fording Rd. All meal locations will operate weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pittsburgh Public Schools is providing 100 lunches for each site.

Senior and Recreation centers
Senior Center alternative meals will be provided to those seniors who are currently registered for normal congregate meal service beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. A pre-packaged (likely frozen) meal will be available through the current food distribution providers that are used through the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging program. Seniors who are registered for this program have previously identified as being in need and regularly receive these meals.
Pre-packaged meals will be available for take-out only and will be served between 11 AM – 1 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at one of these City Healthy Active Living (Senior) Centers

Rent/Mortgage

Tenants cannot be evicted for missing a payment in April. There is currently an eviction and mortgage foreclosure moratorium throughout the state of Pennsylvania. If your landlord tries to evict you by either shutting off utilities, by locking your doors, by removing your stuff from your house, you should call 911. Landlords also can't go through the process to evict tenants because the courts are closed. There is a tenant hotline for all the legal services agencies in the city if you are facing what you believe is an illegal eviction: 267-443-2500

If you can’t cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments. Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan or offer loan forbearance.

Mortgage information: visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or find a housing counselor.
Rental assistance: visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Utilities

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman signed an emergency order prohibiting terminations by utilities that are under the PUC’s jurisdiction, including:

Electric
Natural Gas
Water
Wastewater
Telecommunication
Steam

This memorandum is in place for as long as Governor Tom Wolf’s Proclamation of Disaster is in effect. If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider for possible emergency assistance programs.

Comcast says its WiFi is open to anyone for the next 60 days (posted March 16). Comcast is also offering 2 months free to new Internet Essential customers (more info at https://www.internetessentials.com/ or call 855-846-8376).

T-Mobile is giving unlimited smartphone data (excluding roaming) to all current T-Mobile/Metro by T-Mobile customers for the next 60 days. Also an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot, free international calling for all current customers to Level 3 impacted countries (Iran, S Korea, China, and various European countries).

The Dollar Energy Fund is accepting grant applications for utilities and customer assistance program applications by phone at 800-683-7036 and online at www.dollarenergy.org

Financial / Employment

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Covid Extension and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Covered employers must provide employees job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons, which may include the flu where complications arise (including the need to take time off to care for family members). Employees on FMLA leave are entitled to the continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms as existed before they took FMLA leave. See US Dept of Labor for more info or call the Pittsburgh Department of Labor office at 412-395-4996 or (1-866-487-9243).

Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center - A joint service of the City of Pittsburgh and Neighborhood Allies - is operated by Advantage Credit Counseling and is now operating virtually. This free financial counseling service is available to area residents over age 18 by video and/or phone. Certified professional counselors are available for free one-on-one sessions to help people focus on their specific situations with a tailored individual approach. Counselors have extensive training navigating financial systems to help clients reduce debt, build credit, build savings and have access to safe, affordable banking products to manage student loans, consumer debt and long-term financial goal setting. For an appointment

Schedule online
Call the FEC intake line at 1-800-298-0237
Email us at fecinfo@advantageccs.org

Financial resources available to Allegheny County residents: click here.

Emergency Fund for Artists
In response to COVID-19, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) has expanded its Emergency Fund for Artists to support those impacted by the virus as events and performances are being canceled. GPAC has temporarily expanded its application guidelines to meet the profound challenges being faced by regional artists. The fund is designed so that artists can quickly access up to $500 to recoup financial losses due to canceled events, offset the loss of expected income and assist with rent, food and other needs. Artists living in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Lawrence, Indiana, Greene, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties are eligible. To donate to the fund, go here.

PGH Artists Emergency Fund.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has left artists and performers with no safety nets to support their immediate critical needs, as events, tours, shows, workshops and jobs are being canceled. The proactive PGH Artists Emergency Fund is here to help by providing payments of up to $250 per artist. Funds can go toward helping artists pay their rent, cover bills, purchase food and other essentials, and more. Established by local artists and community organizers based in Pittsburgh, the initiative has already raised $13,518 toward its $15,000 goal.

Support for low income households.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Board of Directors approved a new program on March 19 for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) who have been affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities. Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh at 412.227.4163 to be screened for assistance.

Hebrew Free Loan Association
is offering up to $5,000 in interest-free loans to cover the financial impact of COVID-19. More information at HFL Unveils Loan Program to Address Financial Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Small Businesses

Support from the URA:
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) is taking several steps to help businesses affected by the current crisis. For one, the URA is halting all loan payments for URA small business borrowers for the month of April. Secondly, the URA is offering to its small business borrowers Emergency Extended Credit to help ease cash flow difficulties over the next several weeks. Loans are up to an additional $15,000 with no interest. The special loans are only available to existing URA small business borrowers. Lastly, the URA is streamlining its Micro-Enterprise Loan Program to support up to 30 small businesses that are not currently URA borrowers. Loans may be used for rent, payroll and other approved fixed monthly business expenses. More information and updates are available on the URA’s COVID-19 resource page.
Small Business loans from the State
Leaders from each of the four caucuses of the General Assembly and the Governor agreed to move $40 million under the Commonwealth Financing Authority to a small business loan program to aid businesses impacted by the COVID 19 outbreak. These funds will be combined with $21 million in other available funds for a total of $61 million. Starting next week (March 23), businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for a loan at newpa.com

Health Care

iHealth Clinic in East Liberty reduced their flat fee for visits to $20 to help those affected by the pandemic. No insurance necessary.
Pennsylvania Medicaid and CHIP will cover Covid-19 testing and treatment: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-medicaid-and-chip-recipients-covid-19-testing-and-treatment-resources-are-covered/

College Students

Pitt Student Covid Response Resource Guide: Pitt’s COVID-19 Response Resource Guide
Pittsburgh Student Mutual Aid spreadsheet

Additional Emergency Relief

United Way is operating a free helpline for housing and other emergencies serving 14 Southwestern Pennsylvania counties. The PA 2‑1‑1 Southwest line is part of the national 2‑1‑1 Call Centers initiative providing an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for finding health and human services and meeting everyday needs and in crisis. The public can also search United Way’s vast database of services and providers to find the help that’s needed today.

Pittsburgh Mutual Aid Spreadsheet

A shared public spreadsheet for Pittsburghers to ask for and give assistance to one another.

Ways to Help in the Community

Vintage Senior Center

Vintage is a nationally accredited, non-profit senior center located in East Liberty (across from the Home Depot). They have served east end older adults for 46 years, with an average daily attendance of 130 seniors. Their normal programs and services are disrupted under the current social distancing recommendations. They are planning alternative ways to support those seniors who depend on the hot lunch program, and this is where you can help. They are in need of shelf-stable food items, frozen meals, and dry goods.

Examples:

Cereal
Crackers
Shelf-stable almond or soy milk
Instant oatmeal
Fruit cups
Canned vegetables
Ready-to-Eat meals, like stew or Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee
Soup (canned or boxed)
Peanut Butter
Pasta
Pasta sauce (smaller size)
Individual snack packs
Frozen meals – all types
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper (4-pack)

Most of the seniors receiving these boxes live alone, so keep that in mind in terms of sizes.

Staff will be in the building this week during business hours, but feel free to call to make sure they are on-site to accept delivery (412-361-5003). You can also leave donations on the porch at 1315 N. Sheridan Ave. - - we will be taking donations down once a week indefinitely. To learn more about Vintage, visit www.vintagepittsburgh.org

Little Free Pantry - The Little Free Library at 5543 Black Street has been converted to a Little Free Pantry. Please take if needed and give if able.

Neighbors in Need

Neighbors in Need is a not-for-profit program based in Pittsburgh, PA and fiscally sponsored by Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation. NIN strives to provide grants to those in the community who are going through crisis or are in need of services, but are not eligible to receive help from existing nonprofits. Currently NIN fulfills its mission by giving small, one-time grants to residents in crisis and by providing SAT Prep Scholarships to high-achieving students. For more information, contact info@ninpittsburgh.org, visit www.ninpittsburgh.org or call 412-441-1272.

Casa San Jose

Casa San Jose is the go-to place for persons who need help. Many immigrants living and working in Pittsburgh have been laid off, or otherwise found themselves without work. Monica Ruiz, the Executive Director of Casa San Jose said that their immediate needs are:

Diapers

Rice

Beans

Cleaning supplies

Feminine pads

Of course, donations would also be greatly welcomed. Donations can be made at https://casasanjose.org/donate/ or by sending a check to:

Casa San Jose

2116 Broadway Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA. 15216

412.343.3111

412 Food Rescue

To volunteer for 412 Food Rescue, go here. To donate, click here.

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

To volunteer for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, go here. To donate, click here.
https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/2020/03/12/coronavirus/

Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar

Another industry hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 pandemic is the service industry, as the State has ordered all bars, restaurants and other non-essential businesses to close. While we are practicing social distancing, we can help support the bars, salons, restaurants and businesses we regularly patronize and that help to make our region thrive. Send a tip to your favorite bartender, server, stylist or aesthetician today using this online form and do your part to help our region’s vital service industry workers make ends meet. And if you don’t see your favorite service industry folks listed, encourage them to visit the website to join.

Donate Blood

(March 19) Fears of coronavirus are severely affecting blood donations. Vitalant, formerly the Central Blood Bank, is struggling to maintain inventories to avoid a critical blood shortage and is looking for donors. Due to school and business closures, blood collections have dropped dramatically. Donations are needed to help patients recovering from cancer, trauma, obstetrics, surgery and other medical issues. Make an appointment to donate blood with Vitalant by calling 877-258-4825 or going online to vitalant.org. Vitalant in Pittsburgh has expanded the hours at its donation centers, listed here. The Red Cross is also seeking donors: American Red Cross.

Help for LGBTQIA+ community

Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community is holding a fund drive in an effort to create an emergency relief fund for its members, particularly those of color. Organizers say they fear they will be disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis. The group notes that many in the community are self-employed or in the service economy and many are living with disabilities, chronic illness or compromised immune systems. To donate or to get more information, go here.

Make-a-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has indefinitely postponed all wish travel and other activities and events that involve large gatherings. Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia has delayed 61 of 400 pending wishes and many other events have been canceled. The organization is making a plea for support. To make a donation go here.

East End Cooperative Ministry

http://www.eecm.org/give/

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

https://www.wcspittsburgh.org/how-to-help/