04/09/2020
Below is a list of many programs that are available to help California employers and employees who are struggling through the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to the programs listed below, check out City and County websites for add’l programs for micro-loans; regional assistance and local ordinances. (i.e., Google “____________ County COVID-19”; “______________ County Economic Development Association”)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
- Small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for $349 billion in loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.
- The state of California is providing $50 million in loan guarantees to businesses that don't qualify for the federal aid, "including low wealth and undocumented immigrant communities."
- The USBG National Charity Foundation is offering loans to bartenders who may be out of work.
- Here is a list of resources for freelance artists. The J. Paul Getty Trust has also created a $10 million fund to help small and mid-sized nonprofit art spaces struggling to survive the pandemic. Getty is also rerouting cash earmarked for its $25,000 artist grants through the CCF Fellowships for Visual Artists to support visual artists in need.
- One Fair Wage is offering cash assistance to service workers and tipped workers.
- Restaurants Care is offering grants for restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined.
- Children of Restaurant Employees is offering funds to restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have children at home.
- Americans for the Arts has a lengthy list of places offering funding and grants for artists.
- The National Domestic Workers Alliance has set up a fund for in-home care workers, nannies and house cleaners.
- Savi and Student Debt Crisis are offering help to folks who are having trouble paying their student loans because of the coronavirus' impact to their income.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is also encouraging people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak to apply for unemployment or disability. And the federal government recently passed a bill requiring employers to pay sick leave and family leave. Read our guide on that here.
FOOD
Meals on Wheels Member Agencies
US Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) – Find meals for Kids
Also check out these maps we put together of school sites and community centers offering free meals for kids for pick-up.
California Food Banks
MEDICATION
- CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications.
- Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during this evolving situation and any purchase on Walgreens.com.
RENT/EVICTIONS
- Gov. Gavin Newsom temporarily banned evictions of residential tenants who cannot pay rent due to the coronavirus.
IMMIGRANTS/UNDOCUMENTED
- The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance put together some resources for people without legal immigration status.
- The National Day Laborer Organizing Network has also set up a safety net fund for immigrant workers.
- The state of California is providing $50 million in loan guarantees to businesses that don't qualify for the federal aid, including undocumented immigrant communities.
- Also note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has advised that seeking medical treatment or preventive services related to the coronavirus will not negatively affect your ability to get a green card under the public charge rule.
