As the City of Hollywood continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand the importance of a focused response to assist those impacted by COVID-19. Here is a summary of social assistance resources gathered to assist those in need.
City of Hollywood
City of Hollywood Community Development Division’s Housing and Social Services Coordinator, Barbara Lawson, helps connect residents with various agencies that provide needed services. While the City does not directly provide these services, Ms. Lawson provides residents guidance with accessing an array of social services such as Food Stamps, Handicapped Services, Clothing, Shelter and more. Please call Barbara Lawson at 954.924.2952 or via email at blawson@hollywoodfl.org
Broward County
Broward County Agencies
Broward County Human Services
Broward Homeless Initiative Partnership or call 954-563-4357
Broward County Family Success Administration provides emergency assistance and case management services to prevent county residents from experiencing homelessness, evictions. foreclosures, loss of utility services and assistance with tuition, financial management, transportation, nutrition and child care. 954-357-6367.
Federal and State Benefits
Federal and state benefits
Reemployment Assistance:
Available for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In Florida, a maximum of $275 a week is currently available for a maximum of 26 weeks, though the federal assistance package will likely extend that eligibility. All claims must be completed online at http://www.floridajobs.org/ If you were working in Florida and are now:
Food Assistance
The Florida Food Assistance Program administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. To apply, go to myflorida.com/accessflorida and click the link “Apply for Benefits.”
Feeding South Florida: A regional food bank serving about 300 nonprofit agencies, is distributing ready-to-eat food. They have launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to help support those in need during the pandemic. Those who require assistance can visit feedingsouthflorida.org/benefits-emergency-services/ to apply. To determine eligibility for other benefits, go to feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954-518-1857.
Liberia Economic and Social Development Inc.: LES Food Pantry (walk-up), 2334 Green Street Apt. 3 in Hollywood. 954.924.3635.
- Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:30 to 12:00 noon
- Bring proof of Hollywood residency - Picture ID or other acceptable documentation
Community Enhancement Collaboration: Client Choice Health Pantry (walk-up), 5648 Wiley Street in Hollywood. 954.987.0625.
- Tuesday - open to low-income City of Hollywood seniors only (62 and older) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday and Friday - open to the general public from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Bring proof of Hollywood residency - Picture ID or other acceptable documentation
Summer BreakSpot Feeding Program begins in Broward County on March 20th. To learn more and see the locations, visit summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com/
Meals on Wheels South Florida
Area Agency on Aging of Broward’s Elder Helpline for Seniors over the age of 60 in need of food: 954.745.9779
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami “elderly service” program is providing meals to those in need who are 60 or older, live independently in their homes and are registered with the program. Instead of serving the food at its 12 senior centers across South Florida, employees are delivering meals. To learn more about the program visit www.ccadm.org/congregate-meals/
Free internet
Xfinity and AT&T have opened up Wifi hotspots across the country for the next 60 days so everyone can have access to the Internet for free, including non-customers. To find a hotspot near you visit wifi.xfinity.com and att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1103818/
Verizon and Xfinity have also agreed to waive late fees and not terminate the service of any customer who can’t pay their bill because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
AT&T has also promised to waive late fees and not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer who is unable to pay their bills because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Its also giving unlimited internet data to its home internet wireless and fixed internet customers.
T-mobile is giving all current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers unlimited data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming), an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service, and free international calling to any country listed as a Level 3 during the pandemic. The CDC lists the following countries as Level 3: China, Iran, South Korea and most European countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland. T-mobile says its also working to provide customers extra free data up to 5GB per month over the next two months for its Lifeline customers.
Childcare Options for healthcare workers, first responders, city and county staff
Select YMCA’s in both Miami-Dade and Broward will be providing child care services for kids of first responders, healthcare workers as well as city and county staffers. Some YMCA’s have a broader criteria. To find a YMCA near you and to learn more about the program, visit https://ymcasouthflorida.org/schools-out/
Small Business Loans
Gov. Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by the novel coronavirus. The bridge loan program will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses who were financially impacted by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through May 8. For more information on the program, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For questions, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 866-737-7232 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org.
