Families, restaurant employees and child care providers, among many others in Johnson County, are encountering unprecedented challenges as schools and businesses close and people are self-isolating in their homes due to the spread of coronavirus.

Iowa City schools will be closed until at least April 13. Public facilities for North Liberty, Coralville and Iowa City will be closed for several weeks.

Local restaurants have started to completely close while some are encouraging the public to order delivery to keep up with expenses and the loss of customers.

There is no clear end to the precautions being taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which is exacerbating the struggle.

However, with a long list of social services in the area, Johnson County agencies and businesses are providing ways to help people in need.

United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties – The organization's Community Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations to help people impacted by coronavirus. To support local individuals, families, and organizations in the community, visit the United Way donation page or contact their office at (319) 338-7823. United Way's emergency volunteer center is also available as a resource to connect people to organizations in the area in need of volunteers. For information on volunteering call 319-337-8657 or email vols@unitedwayjwc.org.

CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank – To limit the spread of coronavirus, the food bank is not accepting donation drop-offs from community members until further notice. The organization is accepting purchases from online retailers shipped to the Food Bank and requests items such as diapers (especially size 3-6), baby wipes, toilet paper, and other hygiene items. Purchases from online retailers can be shipped to 1121 S. Gilbert Court.

The Food Bank encourages people who are ill and those who need financial assistance to call 319-351-0128 to understand the available options. CommUnity’s 24/7 call, chat, and text Crisis Services are still operating. Call or text 1-855-325-4296 or chat at IowaCrisisChat.org.

Shelter House – The emergency shelter and crisis services organization urgently needs hand sanitizer and is also taking financial donations. In a March 16 news release, Executive Director Crissy Canganelli said Shelter House was providing services for upwards of 85 individuals and families. To donate go to https://shelterhouseiowa.org/donate/ or contact jake.masters@shelterhouseiowa.org.

Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity – For people seeking help for the first time, call advocates at (515-288-0881; 319-466-9000) or the helpline (866-881-4641) about services. To make a financial donation visit their website https://monsooniowa.org/donate/.

Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Anyone who needs help can call their hotline at 1-800-373-1043 where they are taking calls 24/7. The program announced several changes that will be in effect until April 13. This includes a suspension of In-person contact for in-kind donation drop-off locations. DVIP encourages people to contact Ashlee at (319) 359-9353 or to visit dvipiowa.org/donate for donating items or giving a financial donation. They are need of cooking oil, sugar, fresh produce, towels, among other items.

Center for Worker Justice – The center will be accepting donations to distribute to the workers who have been impacted by coronavirus. Visit this link: cwjiowa.salsalabs.org/SupportWageWorkersCOVID19/index.html. People interested in volunteering can contact Rafael Morataya, executive director, at rafael@cwjiowa.org or call 319-449-8363 for more information.

Blood Donations – Iowa's blood supply has seen a drop, according to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. For more information on providing blood donations, contact Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 800-747-5401.

Local businesses – Buy a gift certificate from your favorite local businesses or order something by delivery. Facebook pages and front doors of local businesses have updates on their closures and services still available. @CHOMPdeliveryIC is offering free delivery using the code THINKIOWACITY through April 1 so people can more easily support small businesses and restaurants.

Neighbors – Check in on your neighbors and friends that may need help running errands. Public health officials say vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions, should avoid unnecessary trips outside of their home where they can be exposed to coronavirus.

UI's Student Life Emergency Support Fund – The University of Iowa Student Government gives out at least $5,000 each year in "microgrants" to students in need. In light of COVID-19, UISG will award money from the Emergency Support Fund to students in financial stress, students coping with a loss of work hours and students saddled with unexpected travel costs. Community members can donate to the fund here.

This story will continue to be updated as services change.