Here is an excellent list of resources for anyone in need to tap into! Pass it on!
(Disclosure: claiming unemployment or asking for mortgage or rent forbearance may negatively impact your ability to qualify for a loan in the future).
Unemployment Assistance - FAQs, Info
U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200312-0
U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200312-0
Colorado Unemployment Insurance Info and App: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/file-claim
Mortgage Assistance:
Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/if-i-cant-pay-my-mortgage-loan-what-are-my-options-en-268/
On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.
Denver and Greater Metro Area: https://search.211colorado.org/search?terms=mortgage%20payment%20assistance&page=1&location=colorado&service_area=colorado
Rent Assistance:
Housing Counseling from HUD: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/housing-counseling/
On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.
Denver and Greater Metro Area: https://search.211colorado.org/search?terms=rent%20payment%20assistance&page=1&location=colorado&service_area=colorado
Utility Assistance:
Many utility and service providers across the nation are suspending disconnections and offering special allowances or payment plans at this time. First and foremost, reach out directly to your service provider to ensure no disruption in service and to make necessary arrangements.
Denver: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/housing-information/resident-resources/stay-in-your-home/rent-utility-help.html
Denver: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/housing-information/resident-resources/stay-in-your-home/rent-utility-help.html
Small Business Assistance and Loans:
Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance Program: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information or to apply: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit organization of thousands of volunteer business counselors trained to serve as advisors to business owners. https://www.score.org/
Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension: The federal tax return filing deadline is now July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses to July 15, 2020. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15 will now be due on July 15.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program: Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries due to the effects of COVID-19. Not much information is currently available, but sign up to be included as more comes available here: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants?ref=alias
SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit organization of thousands of volunteer business counselors trained to serve as advisors to business owners. https://www.score.org/
Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension: The federal tax return filing deadline is now July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses to July 15, 2020. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15 will now be due on July 15.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program: Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries due to the effects of COVID-19. Not much information is currently available, but sign up to be included as more comes available here: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants?ref=alias
Denver Small Business Emergency Relief, program offers cash grants up to $7,500 to business in industries particularly hard-hit by COVID-19, including restaurants, retail shops, babershops and nail salons. Grants will be distributed monthly and the first applications are due by March 31. Interest Form here: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/support-services/small-business-emergency-relief-program-form.html
Other (Student Loans, Food, Internet Resources):
Student Loans Deferment: Student Loan Deferment or Forbearance
Information from the Department of Education: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Internet Resources:Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country are available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, you can select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
Industry-Specific Assistance:Bartender Emergency Assistance Program Grant through the United States Bartending Guild Foundation for eligible industry workers that have been displaced during COVID-19: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/
If you are a bartender, barback, bar server, or are otherwise engaged in the service or preparation of alcoholic beverages, you are eligible.
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation (RWCF), its COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund has been established to:
i) Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community, ii) To bolster our impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed. iii) To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19. https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/restaurant-workers-community-foundation-announces-the-formation-of-restaurant-workers-covid19-crisis-relief-fund
RWCF has assembled an impressive list of resources for restaurant workers here: https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency
One Fair Wage, Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund, providing free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delviery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers. https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help
Air Force Aid Assistance, Air Force Aid Society, offering no-interest loans and/or grants to members of the Air Force, Airmen, and families; https://afas.org/how-we-help/emergency-assistance/
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund, offering financial assistance for rent, utilities, mental health, and medical care; as well as other basic living expenses for any AGMA member in good standing or on honorable withdrawal; https://agmarelief.org/eligibility/
And many many more. Great collection of nationwide industry specific programs available here: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/where-find-financial-help-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Information from the Department of Education: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Internet Resources:Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country are available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, you can select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
Industry-Specific Assistance:Bartender Emergency Assistance Program Grant through the United States Bartending Guild Foundation for eligible industry workers that have been displaced during COVID-19: https://www.usbgfoundation.org/
If you are a bartender, barback, bar server, or are otherwise engaged in the service or preparation of alcoholic beverages, you are eligible.
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation (RWCF), its COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund has been established to:
i) Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community, ii) To bolster our impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed. iii) To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19. https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/restaurant-workers-community-foundation-announces-the-formation-of-restaurant-workers-covid19-crisis-relief-fund
RWCF has assembled an impressive list of resources for restaurant workers here: https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency
One Fair Wage, Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund, providing free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delviery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers. https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help
Air Force Aid Assistance, Air Force Aid Society, offering no-interest loans and/or grants to members of the Air Force, Airmen, and families; https://afas.org/how-we-help/emergency-assistance/
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund, offering financial assistance for rent, utilities, mental health, and medical care; as well as other basic living expenses for any AGMA member in good standing or on honorable withdrawal; https://agmarelief.org/eligibility/
And many many more. Great collection of nationwide industry specific programs available here: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/where-find-financial-help-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
Food Assistance/Meals
Denver: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/support-services.html#food
Statewide: http://www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/nutriemergencyfeeding
Emergency Childcare for First Responders: https://covidchildcarecolorado.com/
Denver: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/environmental-health/news/coronavirus-info/support-services.html#food
Statewide: http://www.cde.state.co.us/nutrition/nutriemergencyfeeding
Emergency Childcare for First Responders: https://covidchildcarecolorado.com/
Eviction or Foreclosure Information:
On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.
While there is not yet a statewide shutdown of the court system, many counties are individually deciding to postpone hearings. Additionally, many Sheriff's offices, including Denver County are delaying evictions. Cases may still be filed however the timeframe to process will likely be drawn out. The Governor and Attorney General have called upon Landlords and banks to refrain from displacing tenants until this has passed.
Useful Websites and Other Resources:
211.org - Get Connected. Get Help. A national network providing a wealth of resources and assistance spanning from food assistance to monthly housing needs. Visit http://211.org/services/covid19 to find your local 211 and learn the assistance available to you.
Salvation Army, check in with your State's Salvation Army for what is being coordinated near you: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/
Salvation Army, check in with your State's Salvation Army for what is being coordinated near you: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/
