COVID-19 Community Resources
During this difficult time, our center is compiling useful resources for our community. This page is frequently updated with the most current resources available to our students, staff and community members. If you have suggestions to add to the page, please email vxy3@psu.edu.
Are you a PSU student needing assistance with food, housing, and income needs in addition to health insurance resources?
Reach out to Student Insurance Advocate Natahsha G. Gates, LSW, at 814-865-7467 or via email at insuranceadvocate@psu.edu. Her mailing address is: 201 Student Health Center, University Park, PA 16802.
In her role as Student Insurance Advocate, Natahsha has been assisting PSU students from all campuses with identifying insurance resources, and she commonly assists eligible students with applying for Medicaid in different states. Often, applications for Medicaid include the option to apply for other benefits such as food assistance, housing assistance and cash assistance. As she assists students with Medicaid applications, she reviews the range of programs they may eligible for.
For more details, visit https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-wellness/health-insurance.
Where can I find help with meals and groceries in the community?
Campus Food Pantry for Penn State Brandywine Students in Need
NEW – MAP of Philadelphia County Food and Meal Assistance Centers
NEW – MAP of Delaware County Food and Meal Assistance Centers
- Delaware County Interfaith Food Assistance Network
- Food Assistance for Delaware County Residents during COVID-19 Pandemic
- Delaware County Food Resource Pocket Guide
- Coalition Against Hunger
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR SENIORS IN DELCO
During the COVID-19 pandemic, The County of Delaware Services for the Aging (COSA) and Community Transit are partnering to offer seniors an alternative to in-person grocery shopping. Community Transit drivers are available to get grocery lists and payment from seniors and shop and deliver their items. Seniors can stay safely in their homes. The cost of the shopping and delivery will be subsidized by COSA. To contact Community Transit for this service, please call 215-900-2519 or email GroceryDropOff@CTDelco.org.
Where can I apply for financial help from Penn State?
Penn State Student Emergency Fund – Penn State, in collaboration with Barnes and Noble College, has established a Student Emergency Funds Program to help meet the immediate needs of students experiencing crisis situations.
Financial Concerns NOT Related to Financial Aid: Contact Gary Miller at gmm21@psu.edu
Financial AID concerns: Contact Robyn Pettiford at rup235@psu.edu
Basic Needs Concerns: Contact Gary Miller at gmm21@psu.edu
Health Insurance, Food Assistance, Housing Assistance and Cash Assistance: Contact Student Insurance Advocate Natahsha G. Gates, LSW, at 814-865-7467 or insuranceadvocate@psu.edu
Where can I find COVID-19 info for PSU Brandywine?
General Info & FAQ – Learn about all of the campus’s services that are currently available to students (Advising, STEM Lab, Career Services, etc)
Job & Internship Search During Covid-19 – Career Services resource full of useful info
What’s the latest on instructional modes?
Free Access to eBooks at Vitalsource
- Use your psu email account to sign up
- You can get 7 free items
- You can use this site to get free textbooks! Searching via ISBN is the best way to make sure you get the right book.
Where can I get another device and/or tech support?
You can email requests for devices/laptops and/or your needs for tech support to bw-its@psu.edu.
Where can I find university-wide coronavirus information?
Where can I get the latest COVID-19 info for Chester and Delaware Counties?
Other resources to be aware of:
Free Wifi hotspots from Comcast- These hotspots are normally located in business areas, retail locations and transit areas.
Comcast Internet Access – New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service if they apply by June 31, 2021. After promotion, regular rates apply.
Sunshine Behavioral Health: Listing of free online telehealth and mental health resources
COVID College Support: College Student Guide for Philadelphia
Wondering about internships & more?
Click here for resources from Penn State Brandywine Career Services.
Need a job?
The following websites will help you find jobs in your communities (PA & NJ):
How can I volunteer or make a difference?
Volunteer with the Delaware County Citizens Corps
Become a volunteer with the Delaware County Citizens Corps, whose mission is to improve the emergency preparedness, health, and safety of the residents of Delaware County by establishing a group of individually affiliated volunteers and affiliated community, faith based, non-government, and business partners committed to augment our existing first responders and emergency management staff during times of a major emergency or disaster in or around Delaware County.
Make Homemade Masks for your Community or Local Healthcare Workers:
- Delaware County Emergency Service Dept. Accepting Homemade Masks: Are you or is someone you know making handmade facial masks and willing to donate some to residents in need? Residents or organizations who would like to donate handmade facial masks as well as other protective supplies, medical supplies, equipment and in-kind donations can call 1-800-253-3102 or email: EOC@DelcoDES.org. Donations will be distributed by the Delaware County Emergency Services Department.
- Sew Face Masks Philadelphia is a Philadelphia Area (including South Jersey) organization that provides handmade face masks to those who request it. They support individuals, essential workers, community organizations, local small businesses, as well as healthcare. You can connect with them to donate your masks or request them for your organization.
Some resources for homemade masks:
- Here are instructions for making homemade masks.
- Here are some great patterns to try.
Donate to Local Food Banks:
Philabundance – They are building and distributing emergency food boxes across their nine-county service area
Donate Blood:
There is a critical shortage through the country. Red Cross will help you find your closest donation site.
Recovered COVID-19 Patient? Donate Your Plasma:
The Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 and may be able to donate plasma to help current patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease.
