Community Resources FAQs
The City of Palo Alto answers the most frequently asked community resources questions related to COVID-19.
Are Palo Alto school athletic fields, blacktops, and other facilities open to the public?
While Palo Alto parks and open space preserves remain open with restrictions, all portions of school campuses operated by the Palo Alto Unified School District are closed to the general public. This includes the school athletic fields, blacktops, basketball courts, and playgrounds. District security personnel are patrolling the campuses during the facility closures. For more information, visit the PAUSD website here.
Is there any local organization that can assist seniors directly impacted by the County Health ordinance?
Avenidas Care Partners continues to support seniors in Palo Alto and Santa Clara County through telephone and email support. They are experts on elder care resources and part of a community network of professionals working to create a safety net for seniors in our community.
Paula Wolfson, LCSW, Elder Care Support, 650–289–5438 pwolfson@avenidas.org
Thomas Kingery, BSW, Elder Care Support: 650 289 5433 tkingery@avenidas.org
Where can I find out more information about the federal government relief package (the CARES Act)?
Official information on the CARES Act can be found here.
For residents, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue service are issuing economic impact payments (aka “stimulus payments”). For more information on timeline, process, and eligibility, please go here.
For businesses, the Paycheck Protection Program is a Small Business Association loan that helps businesses (including certain non-profits, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals) keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis.
Where can I get assistance caring for pets?
Pets In Need is providing financial assistance to low-income pet owners and pet owners who have lost their source of income due to COVD-19. They are helping owners secure the supplies that they need to care for their pets and are assisting in defraying costs for veterinary care. As of right now, they are only serving Bay Area residents. More information and to apply for help, go here.
Are there any changes to state leave laws in response to COVID-19?
State details on this is the best source and comes from the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency. This informs Californian employees what they may be entitled to. Its intent is to help employees determine what is best for them and their families. This webpage includes information and clarification about the types of leave available to employees, COVID-19 FAQ on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office, and more.
How can I volunteer to help in the community?
The City recently created a website that shares volunteer opportunities and community resources. Go here for more details.
In addition, the City’s Office of Emergency Services is recruiting actively during this crisis for interested community members to join our Emergency Services Volunteer program. You must be 18 years or older, have no felony convictions, and be willing to comply with the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for the ESV program.Please visit: www.cityofpaloalto.org/emergencyvolunteers or e-mail us at esv@cityofpaloalto.org
Where can I donate medical supplies?
Both Stanford Medicine and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health are in need of and accepting medical supplies (including protective masks). To better assist Stanford and PAMF/Sutter Health by supplying them with the proper supplies, please go here and here.
Other FAQ Links
Go to the main FAQ blog post.
