Financial Resources for Outer Banks Long Term Renters and Residents
As COVID-19 has evolved into a pandemic, many businesses — big and small — have been forced to close their doors, causing a spike in unemployment. According to online media sources, a record of 3.3 million people filed claims for unemployment in the US last week, and this number is only expected to grow.
We at OBX Housing are concerned about our Resident’s health, safety, and financial well-being. Fortunately, there are many organizations out there that have quickly mobilized funds and assistance to ease these financial hardships. Here’s a list of resources OBX Housing Tenants can check out to help support them during this tough time:
Financial Resources:
A cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government, the Department of Labor is responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, and more. Their unemployment insurance programs provide benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed due to coronavirus.
Led by advocates for restaurant workers, One Fair Wage is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. Right now they are providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, and personal service workers who are financially struggling due to temporary unemployment.
U.S. Small Business Administration
A U.S. government agency, the SBA provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. At the moment they are currently offering low-interest loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and nonprofits in certain states that have been impacted by COVID-19.
With the goal of promoting the health and prosperity of the foodservice industry, Restaurants Care is offering grants to restaurant workers who have tested positive for coronavirus, if they are a caregiver for an immediate family member who has contracted the disease, or if they have been out of work for 3+ weeks with no unemployment benefits.
National Domestic Workers Alliance
An advocacy organization promoting the rights of domestic workers in the U.S, the National Domestic Workers Alliance has created a Coronavirus Care Fund to provide emergency assistance for domestic workers, so they can stay home and healthy. Every qualifying applicant can receive up to $400 in emergency assistance from the fund.
USBG National Charity Foundation
The United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) is a professional and philanthropic organization for bartenders across the country. To help those in need, they are offering loans to bartenders who are out of work due to COVID-19.
A social impact technology startup, Savi works to solve the student debt crisis by helping student loan borrowers better understand their debt. Currently, they are providing assistance to borrowers who lost their jobs with a Free COVID-19 Student Loan Aid Tool, which helps determine if you’re eligible to lower or eliminate your student loan payments at this time.
With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, Americans for the Arts is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing the arts in the United States. In response to coronavirus, they have created a full list of coronavirus resources that are offering funds and grants for artists, performers, and musicians who have experienced disruptions in their employment.