Are we prepared to serve our homeless youth on the Lower Shore? Like, really.

Fenix Youth Project is dedicated to serving the population that is nicknamed “Invisible”. Children and youth experiencing homelessness are disproportionately likely to have special needs and to be Hispanic or African American.

Homelessness has a negative impact on academic achievement that is over and above poverty. In 2017-2018, the national average high school graduation rate for homeless students was 67.8% — 10% below other low-income students

More than ever we need youth, parents, and educators to come together and respond to school closures and COVID-19. Together, we need to ensure these plans equitably and adequately address the unique needs of students experiencing homelessness.

Check out this info graphic we created to share the facts provided by the 2018 Youth Count sponsored with Youth REACH MD.

Please see the bottom of this page for a list of Community Resources. We will continue to update this page with new information as it comes in.

Fenix Youth Project Inc. is also hosting free, virtual programs for young people and community members.

Learn more here.

RESOURCES

We will continue to update this list of community resources. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates!

Updated HALS Resource Guide for Homeless

CALL FOR SUPPORT

2-1-1 MARYLAND

Need Help? Dial 2-1-1 | Text Zipcode to 898-211

24 Hours a Day - 7 Days A Week - In over 180 Languages

WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.

COVID 19- CALL CENTER

(410) 912- 6889

Managed by Wicomico County Health Department in partnership with Peninsula Regional Medical Center and the Somerset County Health Department.

24 HOURS EMERGENCY HOTLINE

410-543-6996

WICOMICO COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

(410) 546-5400

To provide a safe, healthy, and stable environment for Wicomico County children and families. Follow them on Instagram: @wicomicopartnership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wicopartnership

CHILDCARE SERVICES

If you are an essential employee and need child care call Locate Child Care: 877-261-0060

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Contact Eastern Shore Mobile Crisis at 1-888-407-8018

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

Contact Wicomico County COAT Program at 443-783-6875

WICOMICO CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER

Help ensure the safety of our children. Call 410-713-3900

Governor Hogan’s [MD] COVID-19 A-Z Resource Guide

Health Care | Health Insurance Resources

In response to the coronavirus emergency, now through April 15, Marylanders can enroll in quality, affordable health plans through @MarylandConnect. Coverage selected during this time will have a start date of April 1, 2020. Don’t wait! #GetCoveredMD

UTILITY RESOURCES

Governor Hogan has issued an Executive Order that prohibits shut-offs of gas, electric, water, phone, Internet and cable services during the State of Emergency, except for safety or hazard reasons. Some utilities have made additional commitments to work with customers on reconnections. Check out the information sheets for details. The organization has also provided updated information about assistance programs for those who have experienced a loss of or reduced income. They are available at www.opc.maryland.gov.

If you experience a problem related to payment plans, service disconnections or reconnections, or if you have a question, please contact OPC at DLInfo_OPC@maryland.gov. E-mails are reviewed several times a day.

Comcast [Free] 25mb / WiFi; Option to purchase a low-cost computer - https://internetessentials.com
Charter/Spectrum [Free] 30mb / Option WiFi ($5/mo) https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
AT&T Cellular Bill forgiveness, temporary unlimited data
https://www.att.com/wireless
T-Mobile Cellular Bill forgiveness, temporary unlimited data
https://www.t-mobile.com
Verizon Cellular Bill forgiveness
https://www.verizonwireless.com

Somerset/Wicomico County Public Schools Information

Somerset County Public Schools will continue to provide meals for students throughout the mandated closure. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the closure, Somerset County Public Schools will deliver meals to locations throughout the county. For a list of service dates and locations, visit https://www.somerset.k12.md.us/apps/news/article/1183951.

Domestic Violence Resources

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

1-800-799-7233

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

6911 Laurel Bowie Road, Suite 309 Bowie, MD 20715

TOLL-FREE: 800-MD-HELPS

Phone: 301-352-4574

http://www.mnadv.org

Are we prepared to serve our homeless youth on the Lower Shore?