COVID-19 Resources
Where to get the help you need in Sonoma County during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
We're in this together!
Updated on Tuesday, July 28th 2020 at 10:43AM
RE/MAX Marketplace wishes to extend all of our support to our community during this difficult time. As residents of Sonoma County, our resilience has been tested by fire, flood, power outages, and financial crises over the years which has displaced many, affected us deeply, and taught us how to be #SonomaCountyStrong.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is forcing all of us to shelter inside and is proving to be our next unprecedented challenge. As you know, Sonoma County has instituted a shelter in place policy similar to those in several Bay Area Counties. The situation will continue to change as the days go by and surrounding areas will likely follow shelter in place policies.
We are actively monitoring the rapidly changing situation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy. Please also note that not all the content on this page is original. We have sourced a multitude of local websites to create this page in hopes of helping our communities during these difficult times. If you are a content creator and would like for us to take down elements of this page for proprietary reasons, please email pierre@sonomacountyhub.com.
Please call 211 or click here if you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills or finding essential services.
If you'd like to volunteer, please visit the CaliforniaVolunteers website.
Effective statewide as of July 13, 2020:
All counties must close indoor operations in the following sectors:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Wineries and tasting rooms
- Movie theatres
- Family entertainment centers (e.g. bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages and arcades)
- Zoos and museums
- Cardrooms
Additionally, bars, brewpubs, breweries and pubs must close all operations both indoor and outdoor statewide, unless they are offering sit-down, outdoor dine-in meals. Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal.
Effective in 30 Counties, including Sonoma, Napa and Marin
Counties that have remained on the County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days will be required to shut down the following industries or activities unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up.
- Fitness centers
- Worship services
- Protests
- Offices for non-essential sectors
- Personal care services, like nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Indoor malls
Real Estate in the World of COVID-19 as of May 19 2020
In Person Showings Are Now Allowed On Occupied Properties
Here is the verbiage directly from the Sonoma County’s Shelter in Place Order:
"Service providers that enable residential transactions (including rentals, leases, and home sales), including but not limited to real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, and title companies. Residential viewings should occur virtually as much as possible. In person residential viewings shall be by appointment only, and shall be limited to two visitors (from the same household or living unit) and one individual showing the unit. In person visits are not allowed when the occupant is still residing in the residence unless gloves, facial coverings, and shoe coverings are worn during the visit, there is no contact with staging items or personal property during the showing, and the seller or landlord cleans the property after the visit with products on the Environmental Protection Agency’s approved list of disinfectants, paying attention to any areas that may be commonly touched, such as door knobs, handles, counter tops, and staging items."
We understand that moving is often essential, so we are doing our best to work with our buyers and sellers to ensure that all parties are safe during the pandemic.
For Owner Occupied Properties
In addition to the County required protocols, we have implemented additional levels of screening before a buyer and their Realtor are permitted to enter our listings. We are now pre-screening agents and buyers alike to ensure that only ready, willing and able principals are entering the home. The buyer’s agent also needs to confirm that the buyer has viewed all of our virtual media, online property brochures, disclosures and any inspections if available. We are asking that agents provide us with the buyer’s pre-approval letter or proof of funds for cash purchases to further ensure that only qualified buyers are entering the residence.
For Tenant Occupied Properties
In addition to implementing the above protocol, we are requesting that buyers present offers subject to inspection before entering the units.
We have geared up with proper protective gear to ensure that all parties are protected during visits.
Open House Protocol
Due to COVID-19, in order to keep everyone safe, we kindly ask that you follow this safety protocol when entering one of our open houses.
- All parties are required to wear masks covering their mouth and nose when showing or viewing this property.
- Use hand sanitizer before and after your showing. Wearing protective gloves is required during the length of your visit. We have provided disposable gloves for you to open doors.
- Please refrain from touching any and all surfaces. If practical, we ask that you keep your hands in your pockets.
- Observe social distancing. Please keep a 6 to 10 feet distance between each other while in the residence.
- Upon completion of your visit, please place booties and gloves in the receptacle.
If you start to feel unwell within the next 14 days of viewing one of our homes, please let us know immediately!
Before Every Showing
- Please leave all lights on in the house and try to leave all interior doors ajar if possible. This will keep buyers and agents from touching light switches and possibly spreading contamination.
- We will set up cleaning stations with alcohol-based hand sanitizer available throughout the house. Please keep dispenser soap, paper towels, and cleaning wipes on the counter top for everyone’s use. We will work with you to ensure that these items are stocked.
- Masks, gloves and foot booties are required. We will set up a bootie, glove, hand sanitizer and garbage receptacle station by the front door. We will require that all visitors cover their shoes with booties and then dispose of them in the receptacle upon completion of the showing. Buyers and their agents will supply their own masks. The receptacle for dirty booties, masks and gloves should be kept next to the cleaning station and should be emptied every day.
After Every Showing
We'll clean common surfaces. Wipe down the doorknobs, cabinet handles, counter tops, faucet handles, staging items and other areas the visitors may have accidentally touched.
General Resources
Health
Get tested for COVID-19 in Sonoma County
Food Resources
Text FOOD
Residents of nearly 30 ZIP codes in Sonoma County can text “FOOD” to 707-353-6333 to receive a list of local organizations that provide free groceries and meals in their area. After texting the number, residents will be asked to indicate whether they’re in need of meals or groceries and provide their ZIP code.
Gillian Haley, the executive director of Justicewise, has partnered with several local organizations in Sonoma County to create the platform. For more information, email Haley at gillianohaley@gmail.com.
Santa Rosa City Schools
Santa Rosa City Schools is offering free meals to students as part of a summer program that ends Aug. 7. After filling out an application here, families may pick up meals Mondays-Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. at six alternating locations throughout the city. Students from any local district will receive five breakfasts and five lunches once per week. For more information, visit srcschools.org/freemeals.
Redwood Empire Food Bank
The Redwood Empire Food Bank is providing free food to residents in need without proof of income, Food Connections Manager Maria Fuentes said. Residents can visit the office (3990 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa) for a box of dry goods or to be directed to a pick-up location. Coronavirus concerns have forced some pickup locations to close and others’ hours to be extended, so visit getfood.refb.org for an updated list. Additional questions can be directed to 707-523-7900.
Meals on Wheels
Run by the Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels provides seniors with food in exchange for a small monetary donation, although no one is turned away for their inability to pay. For more information about meal delivery, call 707-525-0143. Meals on Wheels also is distributing meal packs at nine pick-up locations throughout Sonoma County for residents ages 60 and older. The suggested donation is $20 per pack, and residents must register the day before by 10 a.m. to receive the meals. For more information, call 707-525-0143 ext. 013.
Corazón Healdsburg
Corazón Healdsburg (1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg) is offering a drive-thru service for Healdsburg residents to receive free groceries and takeout meals on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Residents do not need to show ID but will be asked to give their name and address. For more information, visit the organization's Facebook page.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is continuing its free food distribution programs for anyone who needs help feeding their family throughout the pandemic. Go here for a list of days, times and locations. Call 707-528-8712 or go here for additional information.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army is providing free food to any resident in need Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon during the pandemic, said Santa Rosa Salvation Army Capt. Rio Ray. To receive food, go to the parking lot of the Corps Community Center (93 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa) with a valid ID. Families are limited to picking up groceries once per week. For more information, call 707-542-0981.
Windsor Service Alliance Food Pantry
The Windsor Service Alliance Food Pantry (8987 Windsor Road, Windsor) is doling out free fresh produce and packaged groceries to Windsor residents on Fridays from 2-5 p.m. Go here or call 707-838-6947 for more information.
Healdsburg Food Pantry
Healdsburg Food Pantry (1505 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg) is providing Healdsburg and Geyserville residents with free groceries on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3-4:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 3-5:30 p.m. Free meals also are offered Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (209 W. Matheson St., Healdsburg). Go here for more information.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin are providing free grab-and-go lunches for children who live in Windsor and Cloverdale. Meals can be picked up at Brooks Road Clubhouse (9640 Brooks Road S., Windsor) or the Cloverdale Clubhouse (686 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. Children must be present to receive the meals. For more information, go here.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley are providing free meal bundles with five breakfasts and five lunches on Mondays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Maxwell Farms Regional Park (100 W. Verano Ave., Sonoma). Meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 10. Children do not have to be present at the time of pickup, but drivers must wear a mask and remain inside their vehicle. For more information, go here.
Rotary Clubs of Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Rohnert Park
Several Rotary Clubs in Sonoma County are offering free drive-thru meal services every Saturday at noon for both laid-off and employed hospitality and service workers in need. Meals can be picked up at these locations: Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library (6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park), the Multicultural Child Development Center (1650 W. 3rd St., Santa Rosa) and the Petaluma Community Center (320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma).
Ceres Community Project
Ceres Community Project is providing free meals and food assistance to Sonoma and Marin County residents who are facing serious medical challenges and are unable to prepare their own meals. Residents who qualify for assistance will received seven meals once per week for up to 24 weeks. If you meet Ceres' qualifications, call the client intake line at 707-829-5833, ext. 201. It may take up to 72 hours to receive meals.
Food For Thought
Food For Thought provides free weekly groceries and frozen meals to people living with HIV and other serious illnesses in Sonoma County. The nonprofit also is now offering a COVID-19 nutrition program, which provides meals to people with the coronavirus who are struggling to access food while in quarantine. Go here for more information about the program. For assistance, contact client services director Nina Redman at NinaR@FFTfoodbank.org or 707-887-1647 ext. 119.
Friends in Sonoma Helping
Friends in Sonoma Helping (18330 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma) will provide Sonoma Valley families in need with free groceries twice per month. To receive groceries, call 707-996-0111 from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays. For more information, go here.
River to Coast Children's Services
River to Coast Children's Services (16300 1st St., Guerneville) is providing west county families in need with free groceries, formula, baby wipes and diapers. Items can be picked up Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Face masks are required. For more information, go here.
La Luz Center
If you are unable to attend other food distributions in Sonoma Valley because of lack of transportation or a health condition, La Luz Center (17560 Greger St., Sonoma) will work with you to ensure that you receive food, community engagement programs, according to Community Engagement Program Manager Angie Sanchez. To receive help, call 707-938-5131.
The Living Room
Since the pandemic, The Living Room (1207 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa) has transitioned from a women and children's day shelter to a crisis center. The organization is distributing free hot meals and groceries to anyone who is in need on Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It also is offering pet supplies, water, hygiene products and mobile showers on Wednesdays from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Go here for more information.
Food for All - Comida para Todos
Food for All - Comida para Todos delivers free weekly Redwood Empire Food Bank family meals and bimonthly supplemental essentials to Sonoma Valley residents who are homebound, economically challenged or do not have transportation and can't access other drive-up distribution sites. Go here for more information or to sign up.
Vía Esperanza
Vía Esperanza (2230 Lomitas Ave., Santa Rosa) has organized a drive-thru service for Santa Rosa residents to receive free groceries and meals. The service is available Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Although residents do not need to show their ID, they will be asked to give their name and number of people in their family. For more information, visit Vía Esperanza’s Facebook page or contact Iliana Madrigal at imadrigal@capsonoma.org
Click Here For More Food Resources
Labor
Benefits for workers
Get help with unemployment
Resources for businesses
Special Demographics
Seniors
Students
Veterans
VA COVID-19 Support for Veterans
Resources for Real Estate
Owners
Mortgage payment relief program
Renters
Defend yourself against unlawful evictions
Getting help if you've been evicted
Financial Resources
If you have been laid off recently or are seeking additional income, here is a list of businesses hiring locally right now.
File for unemployment
Residents who have become unemployed because of the pandemic can file an unemployment claim with the State of California here. Residents must meet the state's eligibility requirements, which include being physically able to work and being fully or partially unemployed, among other criteria. Click here for more information.
Utility Assistance
Salvation Army is offering to help people in need pay their water, electric and other utility bills. These services are available in the afternoon at the Corps Community Center (93 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa) by appointment only. For more information, call 707-542-0981.
The Santa Rosa-based nonprofit North Coast Energy Services is providing assistance with electric, natural gas, propane, kerosene or heating oil bills that cover at least 22 days of service. Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo county residents are eligible to apply. Once approved for assistance, a pledge is made on your account, and payment is credited within 8-12 weeks. The organization will repair and replace unsafe heating and cooling devices. For more information or to apply for assistance, visit northcoastenergyservices.com.
Actions from the County
Sonoma County Emergency Operations Plan
Aids from the Santa Rosa Fire Department
Community Resources from the City of Sonoma
California Coronavirus Response
California Department of Public Health