Resources for students and families during the coronavirus outbreak

With the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic causing closures throughout Michigan, students and families may be scrambling to deal with all of the changes. If you’re facing challenges due to these closures, check out the resources below. You can also find Davenport University’s coronavirus FAQ for students here.

Internet access

Several media companies have vowed to offer free internet while schools and universities across the country are closed. If you need access to the internet to complete your work but don’t have it at home, here are a few resources.

Comcast

• • Comcast is offering its Internet Essentials plan for free to low-income families for two months of service. You must be a new customer to take advantage of the offer.
  • If you’re not a new customer, inquire about making your current plan more affordable or how you can keep your internet during the outbreak, even if you can’t pay. Contact Comcast for more information.

Spectrum by Charter Communications

• • The company is also opening its WiFi hotspots to all users free of charge for the next 60 days. Find a hotspot hear you and learn how to connect by visiting spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots.
  • Offering free broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Find more options on Michigan.gov.

Computer access

If you need to work or complete school work from home, but don’t have access to a computer, there are resources available.

Comcast

If you become a customer of Comcast’s Internet Essentials plan for low-income individuals and families, you may also be eligible to apply for a low-cost computer. Find more information here.

Other options

Here are a few places you can find free or very low-cost computers:

• • Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
  • Connect All
  • Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR)
  • Everyone On

Feeding yourself or your family

As schools close for kids and many adults find themselves unable to work due to the outbreak, getting enough to eat has become an issue for some. These resources may be able to help.

• • Detroit residents and those in the surrounding area, check out this list of food and education-related resources.
  • Grand Rapids and West Michigan residents can find a list of nonprofits and restaurants donating food here.
  • For those with children, check with their schools first – many districts are offering lunches during the closures. Some offer breakfast as well.
  • Many local businesses and non-profit organizations have been stepping up to help out, too. Research restaurants, grocery store chains, food pantries and other non-profits in your area for specifics.
  • If you’re stuck and can’t find the resources needed to feed yourself and/or your family, call the United Way Hotline at 2-1-1. The hotline is open 24/7.

Health concerns

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide hotline to answer coronavirus-related questions. Residents can call 1-888-535-6136 to speak with health officials.

Any other need

If you’re a Davenport University student, check the coronavirus FAQ for more answers to frequently asked questions.

United Way hosts a hotline to help people access resources during times of crisis. If you have a need that we haven’t covered here and you don’t know where to turn, start by contacting United Way – just dial 2-1-1. The hotline is open 24/7.

For continuing updates and information on COVID-19, visit davenport.edu/coronavirus