Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools: Caring, Supportive Community Offers Resources, Food Assistance
Read the latest announcement from Gwinnett County Public Schools.
01.31.22
Our schools and students benefit from a caring and supportive community. Our community partners work with GCPS to ensure that appropriate resources are aligned with the needs of our families and that these resources are available and accessible so that all students can feel safe and supported—whether they need food assistance, help to pay bills, temporary housing, or other support. Following are community resources that may be of assistance if you or someone you know needs support:
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United Way’s 2-1-1 Contact Center is an information and referral resource that connects people to the essential health and human services they need. Due to extremely heavy call volumes at this time, United Way recommends that families access 2-1-1 online to chat with an interactive 24/7 chatbot to find assistance with food, housing, utilities, and other resources. 2-1-1 also has a mobile app. (Download from the Apple Store or Google Play.) Or, text GACOVID19 to 898-211 to receive a list of available resources related to the impact of COVID-19.
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Families may qualify for programs from the federal government to help pay for phone bills, home energy bills, medical bills, and other expenses.
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Need Help Paying Bills offers a list of emergency and long-term financial assistance programs in Georgia for those needing rental assistance, food, medical care, daycare vouchers, help with medical and energy bills, and other assistance.
Gwinnett Cares, powered by The Gwinnett Coalition, works with community partners to provide information about available food assistance in the county as well as resources for individuals and families in the areas of housing, healthcare, childcare, and more. Check out @Gwinnett Cares on Facebook for posts on pop-up pantries, mobile markets, food box programs, and community kitchens. Those in crisis should call the Gwinnett Cares Helpline at 770-995-3339.
Gwinnett OneStop connects county residents with community resources, including five overnight Warming Stations (located in parks and senior centers around Gwinnett). These stations are available to those needing shelter on cold winter nights (35° and below) from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. To get more information on warming stations and other resources, call 770-822-8850 or email [email protected]. Families also can request OneStop assistance online. OneStop Centers are located in Buford, Centerville, and Norcross.
Gwinnett County Public Library is hosting drive-through food distribution events at the Dacula, Lilburn, and Norcross branches of Gwinnett County Public Library.
FoodFinder offers a mobile and web app (created by a GCPS graduate) that allows families to find food distribution sites based on their location. Sites may include food pantries, co-ops, and drive-through distribution locations. (The app also designates schools as meal providers. Service at our schools will resume after the break.)
Many faith communities, civic organizations, and businesses also support families in need. In addition, local school Care Teams and partner organizations may offer food assistance and gifts for students at the school. Contact your child’s school counselor or school social worker to learn about available assistance.
If you are in a position to help, note that many of the organizations listed above accept donations and volunteers. Contact the organization to learn how you can help.
This press release was produced by Gwinnett County Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
