You are not alone -
Things will get better. We will beat back this virus. America and the world will recover.
But the first step is getting through today, this week, and the next month.
There is help. People and programs have come on line in the last month to assist. We will talk a bit about some of those today. In Part II we will look at ways that we can lend a hand to our own communities.
Resources -
Domestic Violence:
It is easy to feel trapped when so many of us are physically isolated. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is continuing to serve people in need. You can reach them HERE.
Rent and Mortgage Relief:
The CARE act includes housing protections against foreclosures on mortgages and evictions for renters. Individuals shall be given a forbearance on federally backed mortgage loans of up to 60 days, which can be extended for up to 180 days. Those with federally backed mortgage loans who have tenants would also not be allowed to evict tenants solely for failure to pay rent for a 120-day period, and they may not charge fees or penalties to tenants for failing to pay rent. HUD provides info on how this is being managed in each state HERE.
Student Loans:
The CARE act provides temporary relief for student loan borrowers. Loans are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly loan payments until at least Sept. 30, 2020. For more on this, impacts on financial assistance, and other education topics see HERE.
$1,200 Stimulus Payment:
Recent relief legislation authorized the release of stimulus payments to many Americans. Unfortunately, not everyone has received yet. The IRS has created a page and tool to allow you to check on the status of your payment. Recommend bookmarking even if you have received as this will likely be used if future payments are authorized. The page is HERE.
Food Security:
Recent legislation has authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to approve state agency plans to extend funds to families of children who would normally receive free or reduced price meals from their schools. States that have submitted include: Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. For info check HERE.
Do you have enough? FEMA recommends keeping about two weeks of food and water in reserve. But how much is that? For a quick check take a look at a handy calculator HERE.
Nordin Solutions -
We will continue to focus on pro bono work in support of COVID-19 relief. We specialize in communications, advocacy, research, and capacity building. If you need a hand navigating the challenges we are all struggling with reach out and we’ll do our best to connect you with a resource that can help.