The situation with the COVID-19 Outbreak is rapidly changing and knowing how to respond is a challenge. Our purpose is to connect our communities to resources that can improve their lives. This hasn’t changed – even in this time of social distancing. Our staff is working on innovative methods to serve our audience. We are collecting resources from our county and our colleagues across the state to help you navigate during this challenging time.
Research-Based Fact Checking Resources
The Medical College of Wisconsin #MCWScienceSays series has Doctors respond to COVID-19 myths.
Milwaukee County specific information on the Milwaukee County COVID-19 Ongoing Response website
Government Resources
The Centers for Disease Control has information on:
- How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
- What to Do If You Are Sick
- The Centers for Disease Control Cases and Latest Updates webpage.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single-family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the next 60 days (starting 3/18/2020).
The Federal Housing Finance Agency suspends foreclosures and evections for enterprise-backed mortgages for 60 days (starting 3/18/2020).
Milwaukee County Resources:
- Milwaukee County COVID-19 Ongoing Response website:
- Milwaukee County Resouces for people Suffering from Social Isolation:
- Milwaukee County’s 24 Hour Crisis Line phone number is 414-257-7222.
- IMPACT 2-1-1 is a free confidential helpline that can connect you with information and assistance. Dial 211 for assistance.
- Milwaukee County Closures and Service Changes (scroll down for an updated list)
- Milwaukee County Child Support Services on how to pay child support during the COVID-19 Crisis.
- The Stay Home Milwaukee webpage.
- Tips on Transitioning to Virtual or Homebased Work.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 webpage has guidelines for employers, schools and childcare centers, individuals returning from vacation, and other frequently asked questions.
UW- Madison Resouces:
Requesting an Absentee Ballot in Wisconsin online.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance webpage.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development webpage on Unemployment Benefits during the COVID-19 Emergency.
Youth Resources
Fun Hands-On Learning You Can Do at Home from Wisconsin 4-H! Split up by grade level, and includes resources in Spanish and Arabic.
Milwaukee Public Schools are providing meals for pick up along with enrichment activities for pick up between 11 am and 1 pm, Monday-Friday. See a list of pick-up locations on the MPS website.
You can call 2-1-1 for help connecting with food pantries, transportation, and food for children. There is also an Impact 211 online resource directory.
Not sure how to discuss the COVID-19 Outbreak with your child? Milwaukee Neighborhood News Network worked with Progressive Community Health Centers to created tips on how to have the COVID-19 “talk” with youth in your life.
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Network has a list of community resources for youth. Visit their website and scroll down in the article to get regular updates. This is a short list as of 3/19/20:
- Spectrum is offering free internet access.
- Safe and Sound is hosting youth discussions online every afternoon from 3-4 p.m. on Zoom and on Facebook Live.
- Urban Underground is periodically hosting virtual meetings for youth organizers.
- Discovery World is live streaming from the aquarium.
- Signature Dance is live streaming online dance classes.
- The Jewish Museum of Milwaukee is live streaming exhibit tours and storytelling.
Mr. Young’s Adapted Physical Education Youtube Channel is creating videos about how to have PE at home using materials you have on hand. Mr. Jordan Young is an Adapted PE teacher in La Crosse, WI, but his youtube PE videos can be used by anyone.
Storytime Online has videos of professional actors reading picture books with animated illustrations.
Cosmic Kids Yoga is a free youtube channel that combines storytelling with yoga movements for kids 3+ to get their wiggles out or deal with their anxiety.
Nutrition & Food Access Resources
Use your FoodShare benefits at the farmers market! Visit the Milwaukee Farmers Market Coalition webpage to learn how, and for a map of markets that accept SNAP/EBT, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. View the updated list of markets for the 2020 season made in partnership with Hunger Task Force. Many markets accept Market Match which allows you to stretch your benefits further, doubling up on FoodShare, WIC, and/or Senior vouchers for fresh produce at the market, for free! If you would like printed copies of this brochure, please contact Meg at meg.kilkenny@wisc.edu.
Information about public programs and community resources to help meet food needs during this crisis. Extension will continue to update this page with new and changing information.
Where to find food during COVID-19 if you are struggling to get food or experiencing food insecurity.
- Milwaukee Public Schools are providing meals for pick up along with enrichment activities for pick up between 11 am and 1 pm, Monday-Friday. See a list of pick-up locations on the MPS website.
- Milwaukee Emergency Food Distribution Map has an interactive map of food distribution sites that are still running and practicing safety protocols.
Information on how to apply for FoodShare (Federal food benefits).
- Information about changes to FoodShare benefits in light of COVID-19. Many families will receive extra assistance during the months of April and May. A summary of the changes to FoodShare due to COVID. A summary of the changes to FoodShare due to COVID-19
- Learn how to add or remove an authorized buyer or alternate payee for FoodShare benefits from Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. If you are caring for someone who is sick or is part of a vulnerable population during COVID-19, you can become authorized to use their QUEST card (SNAP/EBT) to assist with getting groceries. Info in: English | Español | Hmong | Russian.
Good and Cheap is a free PDF cookbook for people with limited incomes, specifically those who have a $4/day SNAP food benefits budget. Bueno y Barato, el PDF gratis en Español.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Community Gardens. En Español: Preguntas frecuentes para huertas comunitarias.
Personal Finance & Business Resources
Extension State Specialists put together information about:
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development webpage on Unemployment Benefits during the COVID-19 Emergency.
- Apply for Unemployment Benefits online at the Department of Workforce Development
- How to apply for unemployment in Wisconsin if you get laid off because of COVID-19.
The City of Milwaukee online form to request a “Restuarant Carry-Out Zone” in front of a restaurant you own. For more info about if Restaurant Carry-Out Zones visit the City of Milwaukee website.
Donate or request support from the MKE Artist Relief Fund managed by ImagineMKE
Learn about if your business qualifies for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the US Small Business Administration.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has a list of resources available to Wisconsin businesses from WEDC and other local, state and federal agencies
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce has a form to submit your business as a resource during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Video Meetings Options:
- Zoom Basic – Free – Meetings for a limited number of participants for up to 40 minutes.
- Zoom Pro – $14.99 per month – Up to 100 participants per meeting. No time limit. (Zoom is available Free for educational use – https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/13/how-to-use-zoom-for-online-learning/.
- Google Meet – Free – Restrictions vary based on whether they are using Google Suite or regular Gmail as a host account https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/g-suite/helping-businesses-and-schools-stay-connected-in-response-to-coronavirus.
- Cisco WebEx – Free during the Pandemic – https://help.webex.com/en-us/n80v1rcb/Cisco-Webex-Available-Free-in-These-Countries-COVID-19-Response.
- Microsoft Teams – Microsoft has tools within their MS Teams platform, both for paid and free users available as part of their response to the pandemic – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/03/05/our-commitment-to-customers-during-covid-19/.
Farming Resources
Health & Well-Being Resouces
Milwaukee County Resouces for people Suffering from Social Isolation:
- Milwaukee County’s 24 Hour Crisis Line phone number is 414-257-7222.
- IMPACT 2-1-1 is a free confidential helpline that can connect you with information and assistance. Dial 211 for assistance or visit the Impact 211 online resource directory.
Advice about Healthy Emotional Regulation During Uncertain Times.
