COVID-19 Resources

During this difficult and uncertain time, we hope you, your family, and other loved ones are staying safe. At New Futures, we remain dedicated to protecting your health and wellness. If you have any questions on COVID-19 or need to report symptoms, NH has a 24-hour hotline you can call: Dial 2-1-1. During this time public programs and systems are changing. Keep up to date with general information, guidance, and resources to help get you through these challenging times.  

Unemployment:

  • While all NH Employment Security (NHES) offices are closed, you can apply for unemployment and other services online or over the phone at (603) 271-7700. Visit their website at http://www.nhes.nh.gov/. During this time the usual one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits has been eliminated. Some workers who are usually not eligible for benefits may now apply if they have lost their job or experienced reduced work hours, if they or a family member have been diagnosed or are in quarantine due to COVID-19, if they have lost their job or experienced reduced work hours, or if work was interrupted due to school or child care closure.

Food Assistance:

  • If financial difficulty is a barrier to food, use the NH Food Bank to find your closest food bank and other food assistance programs in your area at https://states.aarp.org/new-hampshire/www.nhfoodbank.org/need-food/agenc...
  • The NH Food Stamp Program (SNAP) is about good nutrition and health. It provides eligible people with benefits to buy food items at grocery stores, farmers markets and other approved food retailers: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/foodstamps/index.html.
  • Your Local Meals on Wheels needs healthy volunteer drivers are needed by many of the agencies. If you are able, make a donation or volunteer today for one of your local agencies.
    • Community Action Program (Belknap & Merrimack Counties)
    • Gibson Center for Senior Services (Albany, Bartlett, Chatham, the Conways, Eaton, Hart’s Location, Jackson & Madison
    • Grafton County Senior Citizens Council
    • Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (Chesterfield, Fitzwilliam, Gilsum, Hinsdale, Jaffrey, Keene & Marlborough, Nelson, Rindge, Sullivan, Swanzey, Troy, Westmoreland &Winchester)
    • Tri-County CAP
    • Ossipee Concerned Citizens (Ossipee, Tamworth, Effingham & Freedom)
    • Ossipee Concerned Citizens (Tamworth)
    • Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels Program
    • Strafford County Nutrition and Meals on Wheels
    • Sullivan County Nutrition Service
    • St. Joseph Community Services (Hillsborough County)

Social SecuRity:

Behavioral Health:

  • If you or a loved one have struggled with anxiety or other mental health concerns, this may be an even more challenging time for you. The N.H. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has put together a great resource with important tips and information. Please read and share the information provided below.

Click here for great resources and information from NH DHHS: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/resources-guidance/documents/bh-covid19-resou...

General Information:

  • The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services including common office visits, mental health counseling and preventive health screenings. This will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries, who are at a higher risk for COVID-19, are able to visit with their medical provider from their home, without having to go to a doctor’s office or hospital which puts themselves and others at risk. Learn more here: https://go.cms.gov/2UeG26Y

ADVOCACY:

Amid rising COVID-19 state and global concerns, advocacy is more pressing than ever. As we are working to advocate for health and wellness policy solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to hear from you. What are you currently experiencing in your homes and communities, how can state policies change to help you, and what can New Futures do to support you?

Click here to fill out the survey.

While the New Hampshire Legislature suspended session at least through April 10th, putting votes and hearings on hold, this is a prime opportunity to catch your legislator by phone or submit a Letter to the Editor (LTE) on issues of importance; including the impact of COVID-19.

Click here to learn how to submit an LTE or join us for an upcoming online workshop on writing/submitting LTEs!

Social distancing & Advocacy: Click here to learn best practices for advocating from home!