our response to covid-19

First and foremost, please know that you are not alone. If you are a survivor or victim of domestic or sexual violence or elder abuse, Vera House is here for you anytime day or night. Please call our 24-hour support & information line at (315) 468-3260 and you will receive free and confidential help. 

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In an effort to keep our community updated, we have outlined information and resources regarding our service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated periodically.

Our primary focus is on providing client services, which we do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we are going to do our best to continue to do that. We are committed to the health and safety of survivors, along with our staff and volunteers. As things are unfolding and changing rapidly, we are doing our best to respond in the moment and to plan for future necessities. 

Vera House’s 24-hour support & information line is open and available 7 days a week. Call us anytime day or night at (315) 468-3260. We have also have a Web Chat support option. Click HERE to chat with a Vera House advocate.

Our programs and services are deemed essential. Currently:

• Our shelter program will remain open. Call us anytime at (315) 468-3260.
• Most of our advocacy and clinical services will be provided remotely through phone or video options.  
• Our in-person groups have been discontinued indefinitely, but we have introduced a video option support group with much success.
• Vera House advocates are not currently responding in-person to sexual assault victims at area hospitals. The responding SANE nurse will call an advocate who will offer support via phone. 
• Our volunteer program is not accepting new volunteers at this time, and all volunteer training has been suspended. 
• As we encourage social distancing to slow the progress of coronavirus, many Vera House staff who are not providing services at shelter have been encouraged to work remotely. 
• We have a limited staff presence at our administrative offices, 723 James Street, Syracuse, for continuity of service and emergencies.

Here are some useful COVID-19 resources that we have gathered:

For Domestic Violence Victims & Survivors:

• Information on COVID-19 from Futures Without Violence
• Creating a Safety Plan from the National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Resources, News & Updates from NOVA

For Sexual Violence Victims & Survivors:

• Guidance for Programs from the NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Toolkit for Survivors during COVID-19 

For Older Adults:

• Resources for Older Adults in Onondaga County  
• Resources for Older Adults from AARP
• Resources for Older Adults and People with Disabilities from ACL
• Resources for Older Adults and Care Givers from the National Council on Aging 
• Keep Calm and Avoid Coronavirus Scams Poster from the FTC
• VIDEO: iPhone Tips & Tricks for Older Adults
• VIDEO: Android Beginners Guide: The Basics

Legal Resources:

• FAQs Involving Courts and COVID-19

Multilingual Resources:

• Updates on COVID-19 in Multiple Languages
• Downloadable Fact Sheets on COVID-19 in Multiple Languages
• What You Need to Know About Coronavirus in American Sign Language

Self Care for Victims & Survivors:

• Managing Anxiety & Stress
• Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
• Self Care Tips to Cope with Isolation & Stress

General Information for Residents in Onondaga County:

• Resources from the Onondaga County Department of Health
• 211 CNY
• Information from the CDC