This blog post will be updated with additional resources as they become available.

According to an analysis of U.S. Census Data by The Philadelphia Inquirer, women in Philadelphia outnumber men by 90,000. If you factor in the demographics of a city that is 42 percent Black and 14.5 percent Latinx and has a persistent poverty rate that hovers around 25 percent, it stands to reason that COVID-19 would have a substantial impact on women and especially women of color. In Philadelphia 55 percent of COVID-19 cases are women. And tragically, 48 percent of Philadelphia’s deaths from COVID-19 have been women.

This pandemic has deepened the many ways the gender gap impacts women socially and economically—particularly women of color. Here are a few resources to help you and your family that you are encouraged to share. 

COVID-19 Testing Sites

A new testing site finder at phila.gov/testing helps people find a free COVID-19 test in Philadelphia. Anyone can search for a site by address, click on a map location for specific site information, and filter by day of week and by drive-thru or walk-up.

Each of the 48 testing sites has its own requirements, and that information is included for each location on the map. For example, some sites require referrals, appointments, or certain criteria for patients. No sites require payment, insurance, or proof of citizenship.

The finder is available in six languages, and the map will continue to be updated as new testing sites are opened.

If individuals are not able to get tested through their medical provider or do not have a medical provider, they can be tested at one of the public testing sites listed on the website.

Health Insurance

Public Citizens for Children and Youth Helpline is available to help families get access to health insurance. For help in any language, call: 215-563-5848. Find more information about health insurance. 

Caring for Your Mental Health 

If you’re experiencing anxious thoughts or overwhelming sadness right now, you’re like many other people. Challenging times have forced many of us to recognize that we need to take care of our mental and emotional health. Free help is available through public resources. 

Food Guide 

Many Philadelphians are in need of free food due to school closures, loss of income, or other challenges caused by COVID-19. Here you can find out where to pick up free food boxes and meals during the COVID-19 crisis. Please, check the specific site information as hours are subject to change. 

Food Pantries

The food box and meal distribution sites supplement Philadelphia’s existing food pantry network. To find a food pantry near you:

• Call 311. Make sure to call the pantry in advance to confirm their hours.
• Call the WhyHunger hotline at 1-800-5HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479 to receive a list of nearby food pantries.
• Visit the Community Resource Connects website to find food and other resources in your area.

Food for People with Disabilities

Food deliveries for people with disabilities are available through Liberty Resources. To join this program, call or text 215-709-9619, email food@libertyresources.org, or fill out this online form. A program representative will call back to discuss the food delivery plan.

Resources for Mothers/Expecting Mothers

Are you pregnant or caring for an infant or toddler? Read on for the City’s list of resources and free supplies available to you and your family during COVID-19.

Free Baby Food and Diapers

Residents can pick up free food and baby supplies. Many sites require appointments, so make sure to check the list and call ahead. 
Resources are also available in Spanish. 

Breastfeeding Support

Pacify is a free, mobile app that gives you on-demand access to professional lactation (breastfeeding) experts who can help you with feeding your baby.

• Download the Pacify app for Apple or Android devices—available in English or Spanish versions.
• Enter the enrollment code PHILLY at signup for free 24/7 access.

Women Infants and Children (WIC)

To enroll in Philadelphia WIC, email phillywic@northwic.org (preferred option), apply online, or call (215) 978-6100.

Free Cribs

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health continues to offer free Pack n’ Play cribs so babies have a safe place to sleep. Expecting moms who are having trouble getting a crib are encouraged to call the Health Department at (267) 432-5844 or fill out the online form to request a crib delivery. 

Domestic Abuse Resources

Domestic violence is more than just physical abuse. It is a pattern of behaviors that a partner uses against the other person to gain and maintain power and control in the relationship. 

These behaviors can include:

• Isolation.
• Financial deprivation.
• Stalking.
• Emotional abuse.
• Verbal abuse
• Threats to harm a partner, children, or pets.

If you believe you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact the police at 911.
If you think that your relationship is abusive, or if you think someone you know is being abused, call the 24-hour Philadelphia domestic violence hotline at (866) 723-3014.
Below you will find a list of resources available for people affected by domestic violence. All resources are free and available to all Philadelphians.

Philadelphia 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline Number: (866) 723-3014

Protection from Abuse Order

Residents can file for emergency Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs) at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice (1301 Filbert St. Room B-03 Philadelphia, PA 19107)  all day, every day – except from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

To file remotely, residents can call the Domestic Violence Unit, Monday through Friday, from 8:30  to 11:00 a.m. at 215-686-6311, ext. 19217

Note: emergency orders remain in effect until Family Court reopens and the court starts the process for a temporary order.

Women’s Law Project: the Women’s Law Project has information about protection from abuse orders and other domestic violence resources. Phone number: (215) 928-9801, ext. 5760

WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape): access resources from WOAR online or call them 24/7 at (215) 985-3333.

Women Against Abuse: resources are available online or you can call at (215) 386-1280.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting: during COVID-19, attention to this issue is more important than ever as schools and childcare centers are closed and children are at home—often without outside supervision. The City has produced a list of child abuse prevention resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members. If you are worried about the safety of a child or youth, please call 1 (800) 932-0313 or (215) 683-6100 to make a confidential report.

Workplace Issues Related to Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Sexual Harassment

The Women’s Law Project website offers information about breastfeeding rights, pregnancy discrimination, and sexual harassment. 

Unemployment Resources

Workers impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefits. 

• Information on unemployment
• Help with unemployment
• Other benefits help

Utilities relief

• Help with water bill
• Low-cost internet and phone plans
• Help with utilities
• Current Information from PGW

Resources for Businesses 

To help contain the spread of COVID-19, the City of Philadelphia has prohibited the operations of non-essential businesses until further notice. We recognize the significant impact these restrictions have on businesses, especially women-owned businesses.   The following resources and relief are available to business owners. 

Resources for Immigrant Communities 

Resources for immigrants, refugees, asylees, and organizations serving these communities in Philadelphia can be found here.

Resources for Women in Reentry

Philadelphia Department of Police has issued guidelines for handling arrests and the release of people in custody during this pandemic. 

Consideration for release may include individuals who are medically vulnerable, who are 60 years of age or older, who are within six months of serving their minimum sentence, and individuals who are pretrial on low bail amounts.

There are bail fund organizations that provide assistance with posting bail for people who are incarcerated pretrial. Families and loved ones can also request video visitation with individuals incarcerated in state correctional institutions. 

This resource guide provides information on organizations that will help women navigate the justice system, prevent recidivism, and provide resources as they reenter the workforce. Additional reentry resources available during COVID-19 can be found on this blog post.

Balancing New Responsibilities while Staying at Home 

Since the beginning of Philadelphia’s Stay-at-Home Order, many parents have been playing double (or even triple!) duty as caregivers, workers, and teachers. Juggling these different roles is a lot to balance even on the best days, and the stress and anxiety of COVID-19 can make it even harder. Here are some tips to help you and your kids have a smoother stay-at-home experience!