COVID-19 resources for the Cambridge community

Published On: March 16th, 2020

Do what you can because we’re stronger together: Long before state and national emergencies were declared, we saw members of our community jump into action—organizing volunteer efforts, assessing needs and connecting resources, sharing information and strengthening networks. Learn about some of the resources available to the community on in the list below.

We hope you and your family are safe and healthy during this challenging time. With a community like ours we know we will get through this together.

COVID-19 responses in the Cambridge community

FOR THE COMMUNITY:

City of Cambridge’s COVID-19 page
Cambridge Mutual Aid Network: This community organizing initiative connects neighbors to neighbors and provides opportunities for us to support each other in these changing times. The site includes forums, neighborhood pods to facilitate communication between neighbors, resources, and a direct aid emergency fund for those in need.
Cambridge Public Schools: Information for families.
Cambridge Health Alliance’s COVID-19 page. CHA hotline for coronavirus questions: covid19inquiries@challiance.org.
- The CHA is asking for face mask donations and for those who can to help sew masks.
Cambridge Public Health Department’s resources on food security, healthy eating, and active living during COVID-19.
A current list of Cambridge Food Resources available during COVID-19.
- Cambridge Community Center offers a Food & Supply Pantry at 5 Callender St., Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 3pm. Open to all on a first come, first served basis. In partnership with the Central Square BID.
Cambridge Arts’ list of resources for the arts during coronavirus
Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse, which connects volunteers to agencies, is compiling a list of ways that community members can help. Check out CVC’s COVID-19 “Needed-Now” chart and Volunteer Interest Form .
Visa gift cards for those who need it in Greater Boston. Union Capital Boston is collecting one-time direct gifts in a campaign to send Visa gift cards to families in our area. 100% of donations will go immediately to families in need.
For artists and performers:
- Passim Emergency Artist Relief Fund: Club Passim’s Emergency Artist Fund will assist musicians in our community who are in dire need of financial aid due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where a huge amount of musicians are losing income due to relying on a gig economy.
Cradles to Crayons has been partnering with Food for Free to distribute diapers and hygiene items to those in need. It has also established an Emergency Essentials Fund which will distribute items like diapers, school supplies, and hygiene items to their partner organizations.

FOR NONPROFITS:

Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition compiled resources here.
Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse will post your material or volunteer needs on their COVID-19 webpage and also will reach out individuals whose interests and skills match your needs.
U.S. Small Business Administration offers Disaster Loan Assistance to private nonprofits. Learn more.
Nonprofits are eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The loans cover payroll, rent, and associated expenses, and the loan balances could be forgiven in the amount of those expenses over an eight-week period.
Massachusetts offers disaster loans to nonprofits and businesses.
- The MA Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Baker-Polito Administration are working closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration to activate the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program which would provide assistance to eligible businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
  - The first step in this process is to meet a minimum threshold of affected businesses within Massachusetts.
  - Affected small businesses and non-profits should download, complete, and submit the SBA EIDL Worksheet & Instructions to expedite activation of the EIDL program.
  - Completed forms can be submitted by email to Disaster.Recovery@mass.gov. Please note, this initial survey form is not a SBA loan application.
MA Nonprofit Network’s resources for nonprofits
Nonprofit Risk Management Center’s COVID-19: Five things to know and do
A guide to remote working for nonprofits
What to do if your fundraising event is canceled due to coronavirus