Our Commitment to Keeping You Informed

Please find below information for Federal and Minnesota Resources for COVID-19.

Unemployment Assistance - FAQs, Info

U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20200312-0

Information and Resources for Minnesota Workers: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/workers/


Mortgage Assistance

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/if-i-cant-pay-my-mortgage-loan-what-are-my-options-en-268/

On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been passed by both the Senate and the House and signed into law by the President. The Act references the prohibition on foreclosures for all federally-backed mortgage loans (1-4 units) for a 60-day period and provides up to 180 days of forbearance for borrowers of a federally-backed mortgage loan (90 days for federally-backed multifamily mortgage loans, i.e., those with 5 or more units) who have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 emergency. More details to come.

Fannie Mae Loan Lookup Search Tool: https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup Freddie Mac Loan Lookup Search Tool: https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/ 


Rent Assistance

Housing Counseling from HUD: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/housing-counseling/

On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.

Homeline, a nonprofit Minnesota tenant advocacy organization: https://homelinemn.org/

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, a non-profit law firm specializing in professional legal help and advocacy for MN residents: https://mylegalaid.org/get-help/


Utility Assistance

Many utility and service providers across the nation are suspending disconnections and offering special allowances or payment plans at this time. First and foremost, reach out directly to your service provider to ensure no disruption in service and to make necessary arrangements.


Small Business Assistance and Loans

Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance Program: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information or to apply: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit organization of thousands of volunteer business counselors trained to serve as advisors to business owners.
https://www.score.org/

Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension: The federal tax return filing deadline is now July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses to July 15, 2020. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15 will now be due on July 15.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program: Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries due to the effects of COVID-19. Not much information is currently available, but sign up to be included as more comes available here:
https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants?ref=alias

MN Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED): DEED will use their lender network to make loans between $2,500 and $35,000 for qualifying small businesses. The loans will be 50% forgivable and offered at a 0% interest rate. If other financing becomes available to small businesses that received an emergency loan, such as federal funding, the emergency loan must be repaid. More information on terms, eligibility and application process here: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/deed-programs/peacetime/

Open to Business is an approved lender for this program. Contact Ramsey County's Business Advisor, Noah Her for more information: nher@mccdmn.org or by phone at 612-294-1911.

The City of St Paul has an ongoing need for local vendors that can provide supplies for the response to COVID-19. Small, minority, and women-owned businesses are encouraged to register with the City as a CERT-certified business. The CERT programs works to increase local small business participation in local public contracting opportunities. Learn more at www.StPaul.gov or call 651-266-8966.


Other (Student Loans, Food, Internet Resources)

Student Loans Deferment: Student Loan Deferment or Forbearance
Information from the Department of Education:
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

Internet Resources:
Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country are available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit
www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, you can select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

Internet Essentials by Comcast is offering reduced cost internet access during the COVID-19 Crisis; info here: https://www.internetessentials.com/

Industry-Specific Assistance:
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program Grant through the United States Bartending Guild Foundation for eligible industry workers that have been displaced during COVID-19:
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/

If you are a bartender, barback, bar server, or are otherwise engaged in the service or preparation of alcoholic beverages, you are eligible.

Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation (RWCF), its COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund has been established to:
i) Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community, ii) To bolster our impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed. iii) To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.
https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/restaurant-workers-community-foundation-announces-the-formation-of-restaurant-workers-covid19-crisis-relief-fund

RWCF has assembled an impressive list of resources for restaurant workers here:
https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/news/2020/3/15/resources-for-restaurants-and-workers-coping-with-the-covid-19-emergency

One Fair Wage, Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund, providing free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delviery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers.
https://ofwemergencyfund.org/help

Air Force Aid Assistance, Air Force Aid Society, offering no-interest loans and/or grants to members of the Air Force, Airmen, and families;
https://afas.org/how-we-help/emergency-assistance/

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund, offering financial assistance for rent, utilities, mental health, and medical care; as well as other basic living expenses for any AGMA member in good standing or on honorable withdrawal;
https://agmarelief.org/eligibility/

Springboard for the Arts, Personal Emergency Relief Fund, Up to $500 grants for Minnesota artists whose gigs have been canceled; https://springboardforthearts.org/coronavirus/

And many many more. Great collection of nationwide industry specific programs available here:
https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/where-find-financial-help-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

Food Assistance/Meals:

Provision Community Restaurant (2940 Harriet Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408) is a Minneapolis restaurant that is serving packed lunches at no cost and other meal options to those in need with a pay-what-you-can philosophy and is currently operating through donations. https://www.provisioncommunity.org/the-restaurant

Eat for Equity is also providing pay-what-you-can meals and accepting donations to help provide food assistance. Pre-order and pick up here: https://eat-for-equity-catering.square.site/

Hope Breakfast Bar is feeding kids who are missing school meals. Families in need can register for free meals here: https://www.hopebreakfast.com/community

Grand Cafe (3804 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409) has affordable lunch and dinner options available to go daily and donates a meal to those in need for everyone purchased.

Second Harvest Heartland is compiling emergency relief boxes for those in need. Coordinate your immediate food assistance here: https://www.2harvest.org/who--how-we-help/how-to-get-help/#.XnZyYqhKhPY

United Noodle (Minneapolis and Woodbury) a pan-Asian grocery store, is offering free noodle lunches to those in need.

Minneapolis Public School Nutrition Services: https://nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/

Saint Paul Public School Nutrition Services: https://www.spps.org/Page/38722


Eviction or Foreclosure Information

On March 18, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suspended all foreclosures and eviction actions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for the next 60 days. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also suspend all foreclosures and evictions for the same 60 day period.

On March 23, 2020, Governor Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-14, which suspends evictions and writs of recovery during the COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency. https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2020-14%20Filed_tcm1055-424508.pdf


Useful Websites and Other Resources

211.org - Get Connected. Get Help. A national network providing a wealth of resources and assistance spanning from food assistance to monthly housing needs. Visit http://211.org/services/covid19 to find your local 211 and learn the assistance available to you.

Salvation Army, check in with your State's Salvation Army for what is being coordinated near you:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/

News | The White House

Coronavirus Tax Relief | Internal Revenue Service

Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Minnesota Department of Health: providing helpful health information in 10 different languages. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html

Minnesota COVID-19 Hotlines:
School and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903

United Way's First Call for Help can be a very helpful resource: 1-800-543-7709

Mental Health Resources:
Ramsey County residents who are experiencing stress and mental health symptoms as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the county’s Crisis Team for support and resources. The county’s two crisis lines continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/health-medical/clinics-services/mental-health

Children’s Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7878. Adult Mental Health Crisis Line: 651-266-7900.

CDC: Helping Children Cope During and After a Crisis: https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html

CDC - Printable Coping Strategies Activity and Coloring Book: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/readywrigley/documents/RW_Coping_After_a_Disaster_508.pdf

PBS - How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-you-and-your-kids-can-de-stress-during-coronavirus