Photo by Peri Pakroo.

Hi, everyone. How are you? No, really, how ARE you? Our daily lives and entrenched systems are undergoing some major changes right now! It has been heartening to see communities coming together across the globe, and we’ve been taking note of the many resources being offered to help folx get through this crazy difficult time. We thought it would be helpful to periodically summarize what’s out there to calm the storm of information that seems to be swirling around us. So here is a resource list focusing on mental health, wellness and financial assistance to help soften the impact of COVID on all our lives. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources

Crisis Text Line • Text HOME to 741741 or message them on Facebook

From anywhere in the US, just text or message, and a real person will respond. They’re ready to talk to you anytime and help you with any kind of crisis, including worries you might have about the coronavirus and quarantine. You can also call their hotline (1-855-662-7474) to get support and resources (24/7), or text/call their warmline (1-855-466-7100) to connect with a peer (see website for times).

Suicide Prevention Hotline • English: 1-800-273-8255 / Spanish: 1-888-628-9454 / For deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889

If you need help, please call. You can talk to a counselor about suicidal thoughts, fears, or other mental health struggles. This hotline is always open, 24/7. It’s free and confidential.

National Domestic Violence Hotline • 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

Anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship can reach out 24/7/365. Zero judgment or fees, just help from highly trained advocates.

Online Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous meetings • Intergroup Directory

There’s a virtual AA meeting to fit every need and accessibility requirement in this large online directory. Some meet on video platforms like Zoom, others via phone, and still others by email or chat.

CDC Guidelines on Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 • cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html

Good advice from the government? Actually, yeah. Check out this page for straightforward descriptions of what you or your loved ones might be going through, how to spot signs of stress in yourself or others, how to help, and support for parents. They also address first responders and people who’ve been released from quarantine.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention • Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

If you’re struggling right now, you’re most definitely not alone. Check out these clear, specific tips for coping by Doreen Marshall, PhD. Other AFSP resources related to COVID-19 are rounded up here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations • Taking Care of Your Mental Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

Download the PDF at the link for a fact sheet with specific guidance about coping with quarantine or social isolation. There’s a list of typical reactions, advice on being your own advocate, and guidance on educating yourself. You can also call SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline anytime at 1-800-985-5990 if you need support or feel lonely.

Financial Resources

WomenArts • List of Emergency Funds

A helpful roundup of organizations offering funds for emergency use by people in the arts. Disciplines like musicians, writers, and visual artists get specific breakouts.

Foundation for Contemporary Arts • FCA COVID-19 Relief Fund

If you’re an experimental artist who’s been negatively impacted by the pandemic, take a look at this temporary fund. They’re disbursing $1000 grants to artists whose already-confirmed performances or exhibitions have been postponed or canceled because of COVID-19.

Arts Administrators of Color Network • Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund

Pursuing a career in the arts or as an arts administrator as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color), but financially impacted by the pandemic? Immediate, short-term financial assistance in $200 disbursements is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

New Mexico-Specific Resources

Pyragraph is for artists and community organizers everywhere, but we’ll never forget where we’re from. Here’s some love for our home state of New Mexico, which is chock full of individuals, businesses, and organizations who are rising to the challenge of these strange times.

The New Mexico Crisis Line • 855-662-7474

Need assistance with your mental health? Want to talk with someone while you’re stressed? The New Mexico Crisis Line is remaining open 24/7. Free and accessible.

New Mexico MainStreet • Coronavirus Resources

A ton of useful information is rounded up here. Browse through links pointing to support for anyone in the arts, attend a free webinar to brush up on business practices or grants, and find scores of other tools to help you and your small business navigate these unusual times. Some information is national, but most is geared specifically at New Mexicans.

516ARTS • The Fulcrum Fund

Those who identify as visual or multi-disciplinary artists and are based within an 80-mile radius of Albuquerque (including Santa Fe, Española, Grants and Socorro) should consider applying for a $1,000 grant from the Fulcrum Fund. These emergency relief funds are intended for artists who have lost income due to cancellations and closures thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. See their FAQ and apply online via Submittable. Deadline is April 15, 2020.

City of Albuquerque Economic Development Dept. • Micro-Business Relief Program

Qualifying businesses impacted by (you guessed it) COVID-19 can receive working capital grants of up to $5,000. Start on their website to see if your micro-business meets the criteria (they consider things like the number of employees and whether you can commit to writing a report afterwards), and then apply online. If you need more help, reach staff by calling 505-768-3730 or emailing the Small Business Office at smallbusinessoffice@cabq.gov.