Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools: Find Resources, Food Assistance During Winter Break
Read the latest announcement from Gwinnett County Public Schools.
12.10.21
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. During Winter Break, when school meals are not available, we know that some families in our community may need food assistance. Others may need help to provide holiday gifts, pay bills, or find temporary housing. 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.)
A number of organizations in Gwinnett and the greater Metro Atlanta area are sponsoring events or programs to provide holiday gifts for children and holiday meals for families:
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North Gwinnett Co-op, located in Buford Families with children who are residents of Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Auburn, Braselton, and Hoschton may register for a holiday meal box. (Note that the gift assistance program has no more openings.)
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Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, located in Grayson Families with children (birth to 18) who made six or more visits to the Co-op between January and September may qualify for gift cards through the Christmas Outreach: Glimmers of Hope program. Contact Holly Ballantine at 770-985-5229, ext. 102, or email [email protected].
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Gwinnett County Salvation Army Assistance Programs, located in Lawrenceville Families may request food assistance, financial support, holiday gifts, and other resources by calling 770-724-1661 or visiting the website.
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, located in Norcross Families with children who are residents of Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Doraville (Gwinnett), or Tucker (Gwinnett) may participate in the Merry Market, with toy distribution on Dec. 13-14. Families must register at the Co-op office during client hours before the event. Call 770-263-8268 with questions and learn more about assistance programs online.
Empty Stocking Fund, located in Atlanta Children (birth to 12) who are receiving CAPS, Medicaid, Peach Care, SSI, SNAP, or TANF assistance and children in foster care are eligible to receive gifts from the Empty Stocking Fund Toy Distribution Center. Register online and visit the website to learn more.
Feeding GA Families, located in Atlanta Families with children may apply for toy assistance through Dec. 12. Note that assistance is limited, and the program may not be able to serve all who register. Those who cannot be served through this program will be given information about other alternatives for gift assistance. Call 678-223-3663 with questions.
Many other faith communities, civic organizations, and businesses also support families in need, especially during the holiday season. 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 are accepting donations and volunteers to support their holiday programs. 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.
