Share these resources for seniors, youth, and families impacted by COVID-19
Last updated: September 11, 2020, at 1:55 p.m. PT
Originally published: March 23, 2020, at 4:57 p.m. PT
At the Y, we are here for our community. We've tapped into our network to pull together resources for you and your friends, family, clients, or anyone else who may be experiencing hardship during this time.
As with any public health emergency, knowledge evolves with time. We will do our best to keep this page updated as more needs are known and new resources become available. You can learn more about our community response efforts here.
Crisis Support
Resources if or someone you know needs assistance with basic needs, such as:
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A place to stay
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Food for yourself or family
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Financial hardship
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Transportation
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Feeling sick or a need to be tested
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Help with a family member or friend at risk
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To feel safer at home
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Someone to talk to
Our partners Crisis Connections and 2-1-1 have search tools to quickly find resources by need and zip code. This includes professional therapeutic help for all ages. You can also text or chat confidentially with a trained referral specialist. If your need is urgent or after-hours, please call the 24-hour hotline: 866-427-4747.
Resources for Child Care & Parenting
We have transformed our King County YMCA branches into child care centers dedicated to serving the families of essential workers. This group includes medical providers, first responders, and other essential workers like grocery and drug store employees. This program is free for first responders and health care providers on the front line. Others may also qualify for financial assistance. Please email registration@seattleymca.org before registering. Learn more here.
Additional child care resources
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Boys and Girls Club of King County extended programming
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Child Care Aware of Washington child care search
Other resources for parents:
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Why Families Should Also Prioritize Fun During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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16 Self-Isolating Tips for Parents That've Worked for My Kids So Far
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Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus from NPR
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Seattle Children’s Advice on Helping Children and Teens Cope with Anxiety About COVID-19
Stay at Home activities
Bring the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s education and enrichment activities into your home. Add variety and creativity into days without school, child care, or work through our virtual family room. Try intentional moments to calm the soul, STEAM projects to keep minds moving and learning, family games to share laughs and smiles, or bring the magic of summer to your home with camp fun.
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The YMCA USA also has family-friendly links to inspire your little Michelangelo, Marie Curie, or George Washington Carver.
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Attention fans of Dog Man: Author and illustrator Dav Pilkey is collaborating with the Library of Congress to serve families at home.
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Looking for something to read, watch, or listen to? The King County Library System has a wide catalog of free digital services that you can use from home including eBooks, movies and tv, news, and more. Sign up for an online library eCard. If you already have a physical KCLS library card, you have an all-access account.
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Get the little ones involved in the kitchen with simple, kid-friendly recipes and ideas
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Why Families Should Also Prioritize Fun During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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16 Self-Isolating Tips for Parents That've Worked for My Kids So Far
Work out at home in our Healthy Living Room
Here are some workout videos from YMCA of Greater Seattle trainers, which are designed for individuals of all levels and require no equipment. These workout videos are designed to get you started with exercises that range from beginner, to advance and include everything from Yoga and Tai Chi, to Interval Training.
Quick Links for Seniors
Perhaps you watch the news regularly or have increased your consumption recently due to COVID-19. Here are some tips for staying informed while reducing any stress the news may cause. Related: The WHO debunks common myths
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The YMCA USA has content curated exclusively with Older Active Adults in mind to help you stay active, motivated, and inspired
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Social distancing may lead to feelings of loneliness. The AARP has created this social isolation assessment that connects you to resources to mitigate the negative effects of isolation.
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Stuck at Home (Together) provides resources and tools to encourage creative expression and enable social connection.
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Tips for talking to your grandchildren over the phone or video chat.
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Exploring a hobby can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being and improve your overall life satisfaction.
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Take in the beauty of the Vatican Museums with a 360 virtual tour, including close-up views of the magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling.
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Spring is here and you may be missing your usual outdoor gardening. Here are some tips for growing indoors and on decks during quarantine.
Support for Mental Health
Visit our blog with resources for crisis support, peer support, and self-care.
Spiritual Resources
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Westminster Chapel - Need emotional or spiritual hope in the midst of our current uncertainties? A trusted Hope Line chaplain is standing by to listen and encourage you. Call (971) 245-2129 and leave your name and phone number, and a chaplain will call you back between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also email your name and contact information to HopeLineBellevue@gmail.com to receive a reply by email or phone.
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Overlake Park Presbyterian Church Care Calls - Need someone to talk to or just a listening ear? A care call is a private one-on-one conversation to talk about anything from spiritual direction to getting something off your chest. Sign up today and a listening ear with call you to talk. Your conversation and information will stay private. Click this link to sign up for a call.
COVID-19 Testing Information
Drive-thru testing sites (ongoing)
There are two new free drive-thru testing centers established for Seattle protesters and those who have been exposed to crowds, even if they are asymptomatic. These sites are located at 12040 Aurora Ave North, and 3820 6th Ave South. They operate Monday through Saturday 10am-3:30pm, and clients can book ahead through the website. Please note that the sites are not ADA compliant for pedestrians.
Book ahead for either location here.
- 12040 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
- 3820 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
FREE Open Access Testing Locations
Click this link for a list of all locations and associated information.
Other COVID-19 Information
Get the latest updates from the experts:
