To all of our Byte Back student community: We hope that you all are well and staying safe at home during this crisis. Please review the resources listed below to assist you during this difficult time. Students, if you need additional resources or assistance, please reach out to Martika at gro.kcabetyb@llertufm.
This was updated on April 20, 2020.
Free and Low-Cost Internet & Computers
- Xfinity is opening up their public WiFi for free.
- Comcast Internet Essentials program is offering the first two months free to new customers.
- Everyone On has a listing of free or reduced internet services across the US.
- Find free hotspot areas in the city here.
Low-Cost Refurbished Computers
- In DC: If you or a family member are in need of a low-cost laptop, please reach out to Martika at gro.kcabetyb@llertufm. WildTech still has a limited number of laptops available.
- PCs for People sells low-cost refurbished computers online.
Unemployment Benefits
DC residents who have lost employment or temporarily lost employment can file for unemployment benefits by calling (202) 724-7000 or going online at dcnetworks.org. Please prepare for long wait times when using both phone and online systems.
Maryland residents can file for unemployment benefits by calling (410) 949-0022 or going online.
Sick or caring for a loved one? If you’ve worked for your job for at least a year you may be eligible for 16 weeks of leave for under the DC Family Medical Leave.
Public Benefits
- Current Public Benefit Recipients: If your benefits (TANF, SNAP, DC Medicaid, DC Alliance, childcare vouchers) are set to expire in March or April, your benefits will be automatically renewed. You do not need to visit a DHS center to renew.
- To apply for TANF, SNAP, DC Alliance, or childcare vouchers, you can print and drop off an application at your local DHS Service Center.
- To apply for Medicaid or DC Health Exchange, visit dchealthlink.com
Free Meals & Groceries
In DC, meals for K-12 students are available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the following sites:
Anacostia High School- 1601 16th St. SE
Ballou High School- 3401 4th St. SE
Kelly Miler Middle School- 301 49th St. SE
Kimball Elementary School-3375 Minnesota Ave. SE
Stanton Elementary School- 2701 Naylor Rd SE
Woodson High School- 540 55th St. NE
Martha’s Table will also be providing bags of groceries for the community at the above sites and at: Jefferson Middle School, 801 7th St. SW
For up to date info from Martha’s Table, visit marthastable.org/covid19
SOME is providing hot takeaway meals at 60 I St. NW.
DC Greens provides an extensive list of restaurants and organizations providing food to the DC region, visit dcgreens.org
In Baltimore City, please see a this regularly updated list of Youth Food Sites, Senior Lunch Sites, and special grocery services for seniors.
Father McKenna Center (located next to Gonzaga and directly across from our office at 899) is distributing canned goods and soups, packaged items like rice and dried beans, along with produce, Monday-Friday from 1:30m-2:30pm
Medical Care & Screening
- So Other’s Might Eat (SOME) has a medical clinic that opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.Located: 60 O St. NW Call for an appointment at (202) 797-8806
- Children’s Health Center at THE ARC opens at 8:30am, Monday-Saturday.
Located: 1801 Mississippi Ave. SE. Call first at (202) 436-3060 - In Baltimore City, check out this map of primary care clinics for uninsured people.
- Mental Health services are available 24 hours a day at (888) 793-4357 and free online virtual counseling is available through the Boris L Henderson Foundation.
- DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence has an extensive and updated resource list for survivors, visit dccadv.org
Evictions, Utilities & Bills
- In DC, evictions are prohibited during the state of emergency. Late fees cannot be charged on rent during any month of a public health emergency.
- Electric, water, and gas cannot be disconnected during the health crisis and until 15 days after the state of emergency ends.
- In-person intakes for the family shelter system have been suspended. Intake can be done by phone using the 24-hour Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093
- Tzedek DC advice for DC residents facing late fees, monthly late fees, or overdraft fees can be found here.
- New Student Loan Relief guidelines related to COVID 19 have been released.
Employment Opportunities
- Harris Teeter is hiring- click here for more details
- Whole Foods is hiring for multiple positions.
- Nesco Resources is hiring Decontamination Technicians.