COVID-19: Community Resources
As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, many of our families and small business owners are struggling to make ends meet. Tennessee has issued a stay at home order, closing down all non essential businesses. Here are some resources from the federal, state and local governments to help us through this trying time. If you need help navigating the resources, please contact us at info@amactn.com or 615-988-6460 . May God protect us all.
US Government:
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
This bill establishes a federal emergency paid leave benefits program. It also requires employers to provide paid sick leave as well. Qualified businesses will receive credit/refund for paying these benefits.https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
Coronavirus Stimulus Package
Mortgage Forbearance
Need help paying your mortgage or deferring payments? Payments through Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae can be reduced or suspended for up to 12 months. Other lending companies may be following with similar exceptions.
http://www.freddiemac.com/about/covid-19.html or https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/covid-19.html
Please contact your bank to see what relief they offer.
Student Loans
Student loan payments have been suspended, interest free, until September 30, 2020.
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Income Tax Day: April 15, 2021
For those who earn $66,000 or less, they can access free tax services at
https://www.volunteerforvita.org/
Tennessee:
Unemployment Benefits:
Because of COVID-19, unemployment benefits have been expanded to include those affected by the coronavirus, even those self-employed. To apply for unemployment benefits, visit
https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/employees.html
Unemployment Questions: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/faq/employees.html
Unemployment Help for self-employed: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/faq/selfemployed.html
How to certify while on unemployment: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/covid-19/employees.html
Frequently Asked Questions: https://lwdsupport.tn.gov/hc/en-us/categories/200070604-Unemployment
AMAC Webinar on Unemployment Insurance Q&A: Step by step guidelines for applying: Click here for slides. Click here to watch webinar.
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Family and Children Service
The TN Department of Human Service is providing financial assistance through TNAF for families effected by COVID-19 as well as free child care services for essential workers.
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/covid-19/emergency-cash-assistance-and-covid-19-faqs.html
https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/covid-19/child-care-services-and-covid-19.html
Under the new P-EBT program, families of children who receive free or reduced meals at school or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school may receive financial assistance to replace school meals during the months of March, April and May due to COVID-19 school closures. The program will provide parents with $5.70 per child for each day that child qualifies for P-EBT.
Nashville:
Grant for Organizations Giving Assistance
Middle TN nonprofits (501c3), including faith based organizations can apply for a grant to provide assistance to community members in the form of rent, utilities, food and direct financial assistance. Here is more information
https://www.nashvilleresponsefund.com/organizations
Individual Assistance
For Middle TN specific resources for individuals, including rent/mortgage, utilities, food and direct financial assistance, the COVID-19 Response Fund has a list of resources at
https://www.nashvilleresponsefund.com/individuals
Metro Action Commission Rent Relief
https://www.nashville.gov/Metro-Action-Commission.aspx
Somali Community of Middle Tennessee ( info@somcomtn.org or 615-777-9288):
Nashville Muslim Care has an online application at
http://nashvillemuslimcare.org/
Additionally, Nashville has provided some financial safeguards. Click here for updates:
Food Distribution for anyone 18 yrs or younger
For Metro Nashville Public School students and anyone under 18, regardless of school, free meals along with food boxes will be distributed starting March 23. Student must be present to pick up food. Program will continue through the summer. For more information and pick up locations visit:
https://www.mnps.org/family-support
Food Banks
To find a food bank near you, visit
https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/get-help/
Click here for a list of COVID weekly food distribution locations click here.
Rutherford County Assistance
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/rutherford_county_assistance_p1.html
Memphis
Utilities and Rent/Mortgage Assistance
For Shelby County residence, help with paying your gas, water and electricity bills as well as rent/mortgage assistance is available.
https://shelbycountytn.gov/3651/COMMUNITY-SERVICES-RESOURCES-DURING-CORO
Utilities Cut-offs
Memphis Light, Gas, And Water will not cut-off services for unpaid bill. Click here for more information.
Food Distribution for anyone 18 yrs or younger
The Shelby County Schools will be distributing meals to children under the age of 18. The child must be present to receive a meal. For distribution sites, visit:
http://www.scsk12.org/coronavirusfacts/communitymeals#:~:text=
Knoxville
For updates on resources, click here.
Chattanooga
Financial and Food Assistance:
https://connect.chattanooga.gov/covid/