Resources for Unemployed Workers during the Coronavirus Crisis in South Florida

While this list started out as just a footnote in our recent blogs about anything and everything to help the local music community which includes bar and restaurant workers and really anyone that appreciates the value of live music entertainment, it keeps growing day by day. There are many local and nation-wide organizations that have been around for many years, providing either food or financial resources during and after natural disasters. Then there are new organizations that have formed based on specific needs such as helping our hospitality workers or musicians and websites that cater to these industries have compiled lists of their own. We invite you to investigate the resources below, hoping that we can help our local community. And if you are feeling philanthropic, each of these organizations can use your help as either a volunteer or donations, monetary or otherwise.

Resources for unemployed workers during the Coronavirus crisis:

Benefits + Emergency Services provided by Feeding South Florida
FarmShare Food Distribution – visit website for a calendar to know where next site will be set up Tuesday-Saturday
Free Food Distribution in South Florida compiled by fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com
Nourishing Lives help feeding children and assistance for families during Coronavirus crises
Free Meals for Kids and Teens during Summer Months
Florida Farms selling direct to the public – a custom Google Map to find nearby places
United Way of Broward COVID-19 Food and Financial Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from FEMA
Florida Unemployment Application, An unofficial but helpful guide, calculate your expected earnings, check progress dashboard
FAQ related to Florida Unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance compiled by Spectrum News 13
CareerOneStop Career exploration, training and jobs website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
CareerSourceFlorida 100 career centers to help connect businesses with local workforce and training
Florida Hope Relief Fund – Campaign to give hope to those who have applied for FL unemployment but never received anything
Dial 211 from any phone or visit 211.org for assistance in locating food, mental health and financial services.
Dial 311 from any phone for non-emergency services available which varies from city to city
The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990, a national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
Emergency Financial Assistance Resources compiled by fortlauderdaleonthecheap.com
Team Rubicon and Patient Advocate Foundation have partnered to provide emergency food assistance to those who have cancer, Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, and have been affected by COVID-19.

Help for Artists and Musicians

Musicares and/or Musicians Foundation Financial relief for musicians
Passim Emergency Artist Relief (PEAR) fund
Artist Relief Financial and informational resources for artists across the United States

Help for the Hospitality Industry

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
Relief Funds for Restaurants, Bars, and Food Service Workers compiled by eater.com
Relief Funds for Restaurant Workers compiled by Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
6Degrees.org Support local restaurants while thanking those on the front lines
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation <– choice of donating or filling out an application to receive donations
Hands for Hospitality fundraiser for hourly workers at many Fort Lauderdale based restaurants
Hospitality Helping Hands Hospitality Industry helping those in need, based out of West Palm Beach
Beers For The Biz aid and awareness to families in the service industry affected by COVID-19
CORE support for children of food & beverage service employees

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