Information and resources are available for small business owners, homeowners, renters, hospitality workers and others who have been hard hit financially during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are a few places to turn for guidance and assistance. The PRC will continue sharing links to resources as we come across them. If you have a program that you would like PRC to share, please email Susan Langenhennig at susanl@prcno.org.

 

For service and hospitality industry workers:

With support from Gayle Benson and the McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand pepper sauce, the Greater New Orleans Foundation launched the Service and Hospitality Family Assistance Program in partnership with the Louisiana Restaurant Association. The program will provide grants up to $1,000 for service and hospitality workers whose families are experiencing financial hardship, according to GNOF.org. The fund has already received 1,000 applicants and has reached capacity, according to the website, but GNOF is actively fundraising for additional money. Those interested should visit GNOF.org for updates.

 

For nonprofits:

Greater New Orleans Foundation is offering a free webinar series to help nonprofits navigate issues such as human resources, communications, short-term financial responsiveness and “continuity of operations.” The webinars are offered through a partnership with CoronaVirusReady, a group of local education consultants led by Jay Altman, Adam Hawf and Meghan Turner. Visit https://www.gnof.org/covid19-nonprofits/ for details. GNOF also has a link to a detailed summary of the $2 trillion CARE act economic stimulus, with information on key provisions that would be of interest to nonprofit organizations.

 

For displaced gig workers:

The New Orleans Business Alliance has developed a grants program for displaced gig workers. “NOLABA is committing $100,000 to initiate the fund, with a goal of increasing the fund assets to a minimum of $500,000,” according to www.nolaba.org/relief-fund/. “We have issued a charge across the community to encourage business leaders, philanthropy, and concerned New Orleanians to contribute to increase the potential reach and impact of this relief effort.”

 

For business owners:

Greater New Orleans Inc. has information about the CARES economic stimulus act, including a webinar with experts discussing the Payroll Protection Program and links to other resources. Find them at https://gnoinc.org/initiatives/coronavirus/

 

For homeowners, renters, real estate agents and others:

The Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) announced immediate policy modifications due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law on March 27, 2020. The law provides immediate protections and financial relief for families, and a federal eviction moratorium for tenants receiving housing payment assistance. Learn more: http://www.hano.org/attachments/Public-Notice-04022020.pdf

The National Association of Realtors provides information on the CARE act. Find it here: https://www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy

 

For restaurant workers:

The National Restaurant Association has launched a Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, offering grants of $500. Find it at https://rerf.us/. The James Beard Foundation also launched a Food & Beverage Relief Fund, which will offer $15,000 grants to small, independent restaurants. Find it at https://www.jamesbeard.org/relief-fund-application.

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