VRI Services for COVID-19 Vaccine Sites

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing ASL VRI services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people at vaccine sites.

If the site has their own interpreters or VRI units, please use them. If not, access the FEMA service.

Use your smartphone to connect to

www.femavri.com

using any browser.

Click the blue ‘Connect to FEMA VRI’ button.

Allow the site to access your camera and microphone, then wait to connect with an interpreter.

Accessing the service will use data from your cellular plan, but FEMA will pay for the VRI services. This service is only for use at COVID-19 vaccine sites.

Federal Programs Provide Assistance During COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided a range of programs to support individuals, families, and communities. While some of these programs are long-standing, others were formed in direct response to the challenges created or exacerbated by the public health emergency. As we continue to move forward towards a “new normal,” the following resources remain available for those in need (click in the blue to open the agency website):

• The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing discounts on service and devices.

• The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program from the Department of the Treasury assists families that are unable to pay rent or utilities so they can remain in their homes during the pandemic.

• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) provides federally funded assistance to cover home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs to eligible households.

• The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) from ACF is a new emergency program that provides funds to low-income households for water and wastewater bills, helps avoid water shut offs, and supports water system reconnections caused by missed payments during the pandemic.

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides monthly benefits that help families purchase healthy food from authorized retail food stores.

ACL.GOV/COVID-19

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Launches Rental Assistance Finder to Help Renters and Landlords

consumerfinance.gov/renthelp

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, billions of dollars in federal rental assistance are reaching renters who are behind on housing costs, as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. Right now emergency rental assistance is available across the country through locally run programs.

Today, the CFPB debuted a new tool that helps renters and landlords look up rental assistance in their area and apply for assistance.

The Rental Assistance Finder is designed to help tenants and landlords take advantage of emergency rental assistance that can be used to cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Ultimately, the goal is keep people in their homes.

Related Resources

The CFPB’s site also includes resources to help homeowners, renters, and landlords navigate various financial hardships related to the pandemic:

• Help for Homeowners

• Help for Renters

• Help for Landlords

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

https://www.cdc.gov/

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Info

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

COVIDFederal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA

https://www.fema.gov/

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance is Now Available

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

On January 14, the White House announced a new initiative to help ensure Americans have COVID-19 tests on hand – if needed.

The website to order at-home testing kits — at no cost — is now live and accepting orders – click here.

No Internet access or need assistance with ordering?

Both phone lines are staffed Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern).

Orders will begin shipping at the end of January, for both people who placed their orders via the online form in the days when only the online form was available and those who began ordering when the phone lines became available.

VRI Services for COVID-19 Vaccine Sites

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing ASL VRI services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people at vaccine sites.

If the site has their own interpreters or VRI units, please use them. If not, access the FEMA service.

Use your smartphone to connect to

www.femavri.com

using any browser.

Click the blue ‘Connect to FEMA VRI’ button.

Allow the site to access your camera and microphone, then wait to connect with an interpreter.

Accessing the service will use data from your cellular plan, but FEMA will pay for the VRI services. This service is only for use at COVID-19 vaccine sites.

You will need to request an interpreter. See tab on the left for instructions.