As businesses shutter and New Orleans tourism grinds to a halt, workers throughout the city are feeling the pinch, especially those in the hospitality industry.
Here are some resources for those who’ve lost work because of coronavirus and consequent social distancing mandates.
Unemployment Benefits
Workers can apply for financial assistance and SNAP benefits (food stamps) through the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which has loosened eligibility requirements to help workers affected by COVID-19.
For more information, got to laworks.net.
Small Business Administration Loans
Gov. John Bel Edwards has requested Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Orleans and Jefferson Parish. This would provide business owners impacted by COVID-19 with up to $2 million dollars in low-interest loans.
The interest rates are 3.75 percent for businesses and 2.75 percent for non-profits (the average SBA loan is about 8 to 10 percent). That money can be used to pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
Once the SBA approves the governor’s request, business owners can call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for information on how to apply.
Gig Economy Fund
The New Orleans Business Alliance is awarding between $500 and $1,000 to musicians, drivers, and other gig workers affected by COVID-19. Must be an Orleans Parish resident.
Apply here.
MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Recording Academy is giving financial assistance to musicians whose liveliehoods have been jeopardized by the pandemic.
Apply here.
Food Banks
Beginning March 17, Nola Tree Project will be distributing hot meals at their headquarters (1509 Filmore Ave., New Orleans) from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Second Harvest is offering hot meals at all NORD Recreation Centers (except the Annunciation location) from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Locations are here:
Cut-Off Recreation Center
6600 Belgrade St.
Gernon Brown Recreation Center
1001 Harrison Ave.
Lyons Recreation Center
624 Louisiana Ave.
Milne Recreation Center
5420 Franklin Ave.
Rosenwald Recreation Center
1120 S. Broad St.
St. Bernard Recreation Center
1500 Lafreniere St.
Stallings St. Claude Recreation Center
4300 St. Claude Ave.
Treme Recreation Community Center
900 N. Villere St.
Did we miss anything? Let us know at tips@wwno.org.
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