Resources to help during these challenging times

These are unprecedented times. People are worried about their health and wellness, their families, their employment, their financials and their future. I wanted to share some resources that have been shared with me. I cannot take credit for this list of resources, I am simply sharing them so that others may take advantage of them. Here is a list recently shared by the local chamber of commerce. 

Here are the latest updates we’ve received from regional and state entities about funding. This list of resources should help both small business owners and any employees facing reduced hours or job loss.
For individuals:

• United Way COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund can help you find assistance for bills, rent and food. Call 866-211-9966 for the list of local agencies that can help you or search 211 here.
  
  
• Employment Assistance – Express Employment Professionals is available to help individuals find jobs and also to help businesses find new team members. You can reach them at 239-498-5000, or email Leslie.Hohmann@ExpressPros.com
                
• Bartender Emergency Assistance Program – The United States Bartenders Guild’s National Charity Foundation has launched a program for bartenders in need of assistance during the coronavirus outbreak, meant to aid service industry personnel experiencing financial difficulties as a direct result of the outbreak. Eligible applicants can receive a grant to help cover bills here.                     

For businesses:

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has a Short Time Compensation program available to help small businesses continue to pay workers even with reduced work hours. Application information is available here, and the DEO’s Help Center is here for any questions you have.
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is now open for small business owners that are experiencing economic damage as a result of COVID-19. It’s a short-term, interest-free working capital loan that can help your business “bridge the gap” before a return to normal business or before a longer-term financial loan is acquired. Learn more here
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Businesses can apply for loans online through a 3-step loan process here.
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. These loans provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. More information here.
  
  
• You can help local and state leaders assess community needs by taking these two surveys:
  • Florida’s Business Damage Assessment Survey will help our community have access to more capital and resources.
  •  Take this 10-minute survey through FGCU’s Regional Economic Research Institute.
    
    
• Finally, this advice for working remotely is out-of-this-world! Astronaut Scott Kelly has tips for working in quarantine.​

To Subscribe to County Commissioner Andy Solis updates for our district: Andy Solis, District 2 County Commissioner

Florida Department of Health on COVID-19: Home 
Florida COVID-19 Dashboard showing Collier County specific information: Experience 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

LOCAL SENIOR SHOPPING HOURS:
Costco Wholesale Club: Began a twice-weekly senior hour March 24. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, members 60 and older can shop from 8 to 9 a.m.

Walgreens: Started a new "Tuesday Weekly Senior Hour" from 8 to 9 a.m., open to caregivers and immediate families, as well.

Walmart:  From March 24 through April 28, Walmart will host every Tuesday for customers 60 and older. The designated hour will start one hour before the normal opening hours.

Aldi: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, stores will open at 8:30 a.m. and reserves the first hour of business for seniors, expectant mothers, and those with health concerns.

Fresh Market: From 8 to 9 a.m., is reserved for "seniors and those most at risk" Monday through Friday.

Publix: Starting March 24 and until further notice, Publix is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors 65+.  Pharmacies will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to serve the senior population. 
Sam's Club: Introduced twice-weekly special hours for seniors, people with disabilities and those with compromised immune systems, and a "Shop from Your Car" concierge service starting Thursday, March 26. The special hours will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. "until further notice."
Target:  Reserving the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests. Local hours of operation are 8am - 9pm.
Trader Joe's: The first hour of daily shopping is reserved for senior customers, from 9 to 10 a.m. The company didn't specify the age range of seniors.
Whole Foods Market: Until further notice, all Whole Foods Market stores will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.​