Coronavirus: Help for Those in Need
As the day, weeks, and possibly months of the COVID-19 health crisis pass; the needs of the community will evolve. There is help available to Southwest Alabama residents. We will update the community about the various services available throughout this difficult time. We also anticipate individuals, families, and businesses will continue to need help after the social distancing policies are lifted.
AGENCY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
UWSWA partner agency Lifelines Counseling Services has compiled a guide to access the available services to residents of Southwest Alabama. As needs grow and change and as services change to meet them, Lifelines will update the guide.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
During the short-term closure of Alabama schools though April 6 due to COVID-19 precautions, students in need of breakfast and lunch can receive them free at sties across the area.
Find the active participating programs:
- Choctaw County Programs
- Clarke County Programs
- Mobile County Programs
- Washington County Programs
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
SOURCE: Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce – the will be updating their website daily.
- The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) is extending relief to small retail businesses that are unable to timely pay their February, March, and April sales tax liabilities.Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) is extending relief to small retail businesses that are unable to timely pay their February, March, and April sales tax liabilities.Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) is extending relief to small retail businesses that are unable to timely pay their February, March, and April sales tax liabilities.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is authorized to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
- The Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) Alabama small business owner that experiencing economic harm should submit an EIDL economic injury verification of loss worksheet to the Alabama district office. Alabama unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
- The Alabama SBDC Network, in conjunction with its outreach partners, is holding a series of webinars throughout the week to guide companies through the SBA Disaster Loan application process. We will be sharing lessons learned from our own SBDC clients that have already submitted an application, and insights gained from our SBDC colleagues throughout the US. There is no charge to attend these events, but registration is required, as room capacity is limited. More details – Small Business Disaster Loans WEBINARS
Distance Learning for Students K-12 – Click here.