WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL HUB

This site is designed to provide access to updated resources for students, staff and families.

Our Service Tabs:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

*For Orange County, evictions and utility shut offs have been suspended for the time being

• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Reemployment Assistance Benefits due to COVID-19 (Formerly known as unemployment assistance). The application for benefits can be filled out online for individuals whose hours have been cut or who have been laid off due to COVID-19 (individuals quarantined or taking care of a family member with a diagnosed case are also eligible).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Apply Here

• Orange County Government Rental Assistance : This program offers one-time rental assistance for those who are affected by the COVID-19 crisis. To apply, individuals call to schedule an appointment. There is a list of required documentation on the website.

• Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan : These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance.

• Crisis Assistance Program : Mortgage, rent and utility assistance for residents of Orange County who have insufficient resources to meet emergency needs. Appointments are made by calling (407) 836-6500.

• United Way Recovery Fund : In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Heart of Florida United Way has established a fund to support Central Florida residents whose financial stability is being impacted. The focus of the fund is to support the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) population experiencing hardship due to decreased hours or unpaid leave.

• Orange County: Water, Garbage & Utilities: Service disconnections for water customers are temporarily suspended through March 31. For assistance, please contact Orange County Utilities at 407-836-5515.

• Salvation Army: Emergency financial assistance is available for individuals who have been an Orange County resident for at least one year. This resource is limited and individuals can call 407-423-8581 x26491 to schedule an appointment or receive more information.

MENTAL HEALTH

• Coronavirus Sanity Guide: In times like these, we need practical, actionable ways of coping with stress, fear, and anxiety. The meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks on this page will help you build resilience and find some calm amidst the chaos.

• Florida Blue: Licensed clinicians are available to speak to anyone in Florida free of charge in both English and Spanish, including those who do not have insurance or have coverage with another health plan. The emotional support line can be reached at 833-848-1762

• Crisis Text Line: Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving. Free, confidential 24/7 support with a Crisis Counselor: Text “HOME” to 741741.

• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Resources on how to take care of emotional help, helping children cope, etc.

• Aspire Health Partners: Mental Health Assistance & Support: 407-875-3700 Ext. 2

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce your stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope.

• Suicide Prevention Lineline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness: 1-800-273-8255.

CHILDCARE

Child Support Updates: How to handle your child support case without visiting a local Child Support Office.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Harbor House of Central Florida: This nonprofit provides emergency shelter for families in crisis, as well as counseling, legal advocacy and other services. Pets accepted.

  • 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 407-886-2856

  • Email: contactus@harborhousefl.com

• SafeHouse of Seminole: Provides emergency shelter, personal and legal advocacy, counseling services, crisis intervention, and youth and community prevention education, among other services. 24 Hour Hotline: 407-330-3933

• Victim Service Center: This certified rape crisis center in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties serves victims of sexual assault, violent crime and traumatic circumstances through free and confidential crisis intervention, therapy, advocacy and outreach. For victims of any type of trauma, Victim Service Center provides confidential care. Modifications have been made due to COVID-19, but most programming is still available.

  • 24 Hour Hotline: 407-500-4325

  • Text (8am-5pm): 407-497-6701

OCPS DIGITAL LEARNING

• Coronavirus Internet Offer For Students: Spectrum is offering 60 days of free internet for students K-12. Spectrum News 13 live stream is also free to the public

  • • Call: 1-844-488-8395 -- Installation fees will be waived

• Comcast: "Internet Essentials" Package Free: Available for low-income customers for 60 days.

• Distance Learning with OCPS: Need to know information,

  • • • Parent Lunch & Learn: Coping 4.0 - March 27, 2020 @ 11:30am-12:30pm

• Instructional Contingency Plan: Logistics and guidance for OCPS’ emergency school closures

• Students: OCPS Continue Learning Online: Support for students and distance learning

VIRTUAL AP & SAT/ACT TEST PREP

College Board and ACT are offering free online resources to support students impacted by the COVID-19 Outbreak. See information on our Student Services tab. Please follow this link for assistance.

Our Core Partners