COVID-19 Resources
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a tremendous impact on individuals and businesses throughout the city, state and nation. With so much going on, the University District Organization wants to make sure everyone is up to speed on the programs, policies and changes that are taking place. Below is a guide of federal, state and local resources to help you navigate life during the pandemic.
Federal Resources
1. Small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 (forgiveable).
2. The SBA provides a debt relief to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.
3. The Payroll Protection Progrm SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis (forgiveable).
4. Census 2020: https://2020census.gov/?utm_campaign=20200401chc20s1ccallrs&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
State Resources
1. Ohio Stay at Home Order Extended Through May 1. The full Stay at Home order can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov.
2. JOBS: Ohio Means Jobs Virtual Job Fair-Register by calling 614-559-5052 or info@omjcfc.org to attend the next virtual hiring event. Also - Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has developed a website specifically geared toward matching essential businesses with Ohioans who are able and willing to work as an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis. Both essential businesses and current job seekers can visit Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/JobSearch to post and search.
3. Coping Resources: related to coping with COVID-19: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/Coping-with-COVID-19-Anxiety/
4. Don’t Let Thieves Snatch Your COVID-19 Stimulus Money https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/March-2020/Don%E2%80%99t-Let-Thieves-Snatch-Your-COVID-19-Stimulus-Pa
For more information, consumers should visit the IRS website and other legitimate government agency websites and stay tuned for updates from reliable news sources. Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
Local Resources
1. Job and Family Services PRC: Beginning Thursday, April 2, 2020, Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services will implement its new COVID-19 Response PRC Program. This program will provide eligible families impacted by COVID-19 with a one-time cash assistance of $500 to help address emergent needs and expenses (excluding food and medical) brought about by the public health emergency. Those eligible for this program are families with minor children or pregnant women, reside here in Franklin County, and are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The online application process permits families to self-attest to the eligibility criteria and provide digital signatures and verbal authorization for applications. This is a limited-time program which will be in effect until funding is exhausted or until 60 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. To learn more about this new program or to apply online, please visit: http://JFS.franklincountyohio.gov/covid19prc/.
2. National Night Out postponed – From National Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NATW is strongly recommending that all National Night Out 2020 areas celebrate on October 6th, the first Tuesday in October. In an effort to keep our database current, please re-register your event with your CPD CLO. https://natw.org/
3. Franklin County Board of Elections: get your mail absentee ballot: https://www.ohiosos.gov/
4. COTA Updates: COTA is Recommending Only Essential Travel Until Further Notice. For changes in their service: https://www.cota.com/major-service-change-announcements/
5. Play Safe: All playgrounds and basketball courts are closed.
6. Resource Guides attached: Please find attached a copy of the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Guide and COVID-19 RESOURCES document created by Columbus Public Health, Neighborhood Social Services Section. https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth/programs/Neighborhood-Services/Community-Resilience-Coalition/
7. Small Business Guide: For more from our Department of Development: https://www.columbus.gov/Development/
8. Senior Resources: Franklin County Senior Options, to request home delivered meals, call 614-525-6200.
9. Questions? The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions, call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519, or the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). https://www.columbus.gov/coronavirus/
Email: info@universitydistrict.org
