Library Services & Support due to COVID-19
General Information
Walsh Library is here to help members of the SHU Community. We understand that right now that Quality of Life needs are very important. This page is to help answer some of those questions. The resources listed are primarily for the state of New Jersey. If you need additional help or information for a different area please reach out either through Online chat or email ask@shu.libanswers.com.
We have also included ways to help at the bottom. Remember physical distancing does not mean socially isolating yourself, reach out to friends and family.
New Jersey has a website dedicated to the resources for COVID-19 or you can call 2-1-1 or visit the 211 website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information if you feel sick and recommendations for staying healthy.
Sections in this guide:
Education Loans
Food
Near South Orange Campus:
MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity) is an interfaith network of 20 member food pantries in Essex County.
Our Lady of Sorrow Food Pantry - distributes food on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month (next date is 4/11), but we also provide food throughout the month on an as-needed basis. So if someone from the SHU community is in need, please contact Kate Cahill.
New Jersey:
New Jersey has an online application and screening tool, NJHelps, that can be used to see if you are eligible for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA), and health Insurance (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid). From there, you can apply for services or learn about additional resources.
You can also try New Jersey's Covid-19 Page for additional information about food and food services during this time.
Nationally:
Feeding America has a searchable network of food pantries across the country.
Housing
New Jersey:
One of the best places to start is New Jersey's COVID-19 page. There is information on rental assistance and mortgage relief, including information on eviction protection and 90 day grace period for mortgage relief.
See if you qualify for NJ Rental Assistance Programs.
On April 24, 2020 Gov. Murphy signed an executive order allowing renters to use their security deposits to cover part or all of their rent. This is effective for 60 days.
updated May 1, 2020
Mental Health
This can be a difficult time to navigate with stressors from school, home, and the outside world. There are steps you can take to help navigate this situation. Remember there are people here to help.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a robust site of resources, including COVID-19 Information and Resources
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has advice for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Mindful has a list of 5 free Mindfulness apps.
Technology
General Technology Issues:
SHU continues to support hardware issues remotely. We’ve been able to ship power cables and laptops to faculty and students who have had failures in charging or a broken device altogether. We’ll continue to do this as long as we can. If there is a need please let us know by emailing a note to ServiceDesk@shu.edu.
Wifi
Working from home might mean slow or no-internet. Below are some options. If you do not have internet at home and are unable to get it from these providers please email ServiceDesk@shu.edu.
Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: “Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch any browser.”
Optimum- “To enroll in Optimum's free service, call 866-200-9522, ask for the sales department and let them know you wish to qualify for the free service. Optimum services parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.” https://www.optimum.com/coronavirus
Spectrum- “To enroll in Spectrum's, call 844-488-8395. The companies, once they approve the free service, will deliver the equipment needed to access the internet and Wi-Fi. The companies also have pledged to open Wi-Fi hotspots for public use across their networks. Their offers will last for 60 days”. https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/coronavirus-internet-offer-students/
Unemployment & Sick Time
Unemployment
Sick Time
NJ Department of Labor put out a chart to explain COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Available.
It is also important to check with your employer about any policies that might be added in response to COVID-19
Ways to Help
Reach Out
Being physically distant doesn't mean you can't reach out. Call/Video chat/Text family and friends to check in with them. Reach out to neighbors (from a distance!) and see how they are doing, especially if they are elderly. We are stronger when we are working together.
Give Blood
Blood Donation is crucial at this moment, the Red Cross has seen a decline in blood donation due to COVID-19. Appointments are required to donate blood.
Give to Organizations Addressing Food Insecurity
FarmLink Project - Working to address the food waste issue during COVID-19 and connect farmers and food banks.
Feeding America - Locate a find a local food bank to donate to, or donate at their site.
World Central Kitchen provides meals to families in needs. They are working in cities across the country.
Support the SHU Student Emergency Fund
Seton Hall is relying on the strength of its community to help students who are most in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and invites donations to the Student Emergency Fund and other areas of need.