Coronavirus cases continue to soar nationwide, and Kentucky isn't any exception. Here's a list of resources for the Louisville community. If you have recommendations for additions, please email news@wfpl.org.
Food Banks and Meals
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) provides free meals to all children 18 and younger. Pre-packaged meals are distributed between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 131 sites over the district. JCPS also provides evening meal pickup (from three to 5 p.m.) at select locations. In addition, some sites are offering boxes of fresh produce. Click here for more details on locations, times and particular offerings. Please be aware that people are only permitted to visit one JCPS site per pickup day.
Dare to Care provides a variety of emergency food services, including food pantries, soup kitchens and youngsters Café meals. Check out this interactive map to locate services in your area. You may also call Dare to Care at 502-966-3821 for help finding food assistance.
Metro Louisville's Senior Nutrition Program is constantly on the provide residents aged 60 and older with meals, despite the temporary closure of distribution sites due to COVID-19. Call 502-574-6325 for additional info on how to access meals for seniors.
To find out if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps), visit benefind.ky.gov.
Unemployment and Other Financial Assistance
Because of the pandemic, unemployment insurance remains available to workers not typically covered by the program. This includes those who are self-employed, independent contractors, freelancers, substitute teachers and childcare workers employed by religious groups and nonprofits.
But there have been changes since expanded benefits were first announced. Leaving employment to quarantine is no longer a legitimate reason to gather unemployment, for instance. So thoroughly check the agency's COVID FAQ page for more details when it comes to your situation.
To make an application for unemployment insurance, visit the Kentucky Career Center's unemployment benefits page or call 502-875-0442. Applicants will have to give a name, Social Security number, birthday, email and postal address and employment details. This page provides a helpful overview regarding how to start the procedure.
Kentucky residents who've been financially impacted by the pandemic may also seek assistance from Team Kentucky, a state program that gives assist in the type of vouchers.
If you've lost income, you might also be eligible for Medicaid.
And if you are searching for employment, check out the Kentuckiana Works jobs board.
Small-Business Assistance
Kentucky small businesses, contractors and nonprofits that have been harmed by COVID-19 can apply for low-interest federal loans to assist recover. Applications for these Small company Association (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans can be completed and filed online. You may also call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Here is an SBA loan fact sheet.
The Small Business Continuity Loan Program is offering zero-interest loans, with no payments for Twelve months, to businesses with 10 full-time employees or fewer. These smaller businesses will get up to $25,000 to pay for immediate expenses.
Metro Louisville has a list of additional home loan programs and financial resources for struggling businesses and nonprofits.
Restaurant Workers
The Apron Inc. Emergency Fund for Restaurant Workers offers grants as high as $500 to individuals who have been employed at a Louisville Metro Area Independent Restaurant not less than six months and also have been influenced by the pandemic. Approved applicants is going to be inspired to show proof of bills owed, as grant cash is not paid directly to the recipient. Learn more at Apron Inc.
Eviction Assistance
Residents facing possible eviction can receive as much as $1,750 per month in rental assistance for up to six months. The amount will be determined according to individual rental rates and the quantity of back rent owed. Applicants must show proof of COVID-19 impact and a notice of overdue payment or pending eviction. Click here to find out more.
Mental Health Resources
If you're using a mental health emergency, you can call Centerstone's 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 502-589-4313. You may also reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or chat together online.
Addiction Help
Those experiencing drug abuse can contact the higher Louisville Intergroup of Alcoholic Anonymous via their website or by calling 502-582-1849. Narcotics Anonymous from the Louisville Area also offers online resources, or call 502-569-1769. Kentucky Area Al-Anon, a company helping friends of alcoholics, offers daily meetings via Zoom, together with additional resources online.
COVID-19 Testing, Facts and Guidelines
The Metro Department of Public Overall health has a listing of COVID-19 testing locations through the city, together with info on who should be tested.
Click here for information on preventing the spread of coronavirus, in addition to how to proceed should you test positive.
The state created this website like a repository of coronavirus information, including statewide statistics, guidance on social distancing, travel advisories and more.
