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Miami: Things To Do If You’re Worried About Money During COVID-19 Social Distancing

Paola Mendez

Once businesses started shutting down many of us started to worry about our finances with no income coming in. As I found resources helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, I started adding them to this article. I will continue to update this page as I find more resources. If you have useful information to add to this page please email info@coralgableslove.com

1. Stop Paying Your Federal Student Loans

“All borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.” – U.S. Department of Education. For more information visit ed.gov

RECOMMENDED READING: COVID-19 Updates: Coral Gables Timeline

2. What If I Can’t Pay My Rent?

Community Justice Project posted the following on their Instagram Page:

“Quick explainer on Florida’s eviction process and what the eviction moratoriums in place mean for renters in Miami Dade County.
This is not legal advice. If you receive an eviction complaint from the courts, contact @_legalservices_ or your local legal aid provider.” – Community Justice Project

RECOMMENDED READING: Activities To Entertain Toddlers During COVID-19 Self-Isolation

3. Contact Organizations Offering Free Meals

Coral Gables Community Foundation Complimentary Meal distributions begin Tuesday, March 31st at 10 AM.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation is offering complimentary meals for those who have lost their jobs or have been impacted by the coronavirus. Meal distribution will be located at Someone’s Son located at 804 Douglas Rd Suite 145, Coral Gables, FL 33134. To sign up, please visit https://bit.ly/3aCaVcx

Jose Andres x Red Rooster in Overtown Set Up World Central Kitchen To Give FREE Meals

“Andres’ staff, together with the would-be Red Rooster chefs, will create packaged meals for workers laid off from Miami’s food and restaurant industry, which was paralyzed when dining rooms were ordered closed. But anyone who comes to the restaurant will be fed, they say.” – Miami Herald

Starting on March 27, 2020 from noon – 4pm, free meals will be distributed at Red Rooster located at 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136. To read the full article visit miamiherald.com

Bar Spanglish Giving Free Meals

“We are making it possible for hospitality workers, who are being affected by the closures due to coronavirus, to have a warm meal on their table by giving them the chance to order a complimentary meal from our cantina menu.” Reserve your meal by filling out their form.

CAO Bakery Is Giving FREE Cuban Loaves of Bread on Mondays

“Giving back is part of our culture, and our city. That’s why every Monday, all CAO locations are giving away free Cuban bread to our community while supplies last. We will continue to do so until the crisis we are facing subdues. We are all in it together, and at CAO, we are here for you. #CAObakery“. For more information call a CAO Bakery location near you.

Jaguar Sun Is Giving Away 10-15 Family Meals Per Day

Worried about your income during COVID-19 Social Distancing? Jaguar Sun is providing 10-15 family meals a day for those in need. Email info@jaguarsunmia.com. If you’re not worried about income during this time, support them by ordering online: https://app.upserve.com/s/buck-jones-miami

Pick Up Meals For Your Miami-Dade County Public Schools Students

“Beginning March 30, grab-and-go meals will continue to be distributed at 31 schools across the district, Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. These hours were chosen so as not to disrupt distance learning. The list of food distribution sites will be posted on the district’s COVID-19 website   in the coming days.” – Miami Dade County Public Schools. For more information visit covid19.dadeschools.net

Miami-Dade County Public School Student Meal Distribution Sites

Beginning March 30, 2020 Grab-N-Go Meals will be provided at the following locations between 4pm to 7pm.

Farm Share Drive-Thru Food Distribution Events

“Farm Share DRIVE-THRU DISTRIBUTION (NO WALK UPS!)
Due to COVID-1 9 we ask that all attendees remain in their
vehicle with their windows up and trunk open.”

Visit their website for a calendar of food distribution events farmshare.org/food-distributions/

Summer BreakSpot Offers Free Meals To Children 18 and Under

“Summer BreakSpot locations are a place for kids and teens 18 and under to come and enjoy free meals while school is out. At almost all sites, there is no application necessary and any child 18 or younger can simply come during meal times to receive a meal.

Coronavirus Summer BreakSpot Update:

With Florida schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Nikki Fried, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness encourage families to take advantage of alternative school meals that may be offered at these locations. Summer BreakSpot sites do not operate during scheduled Spring Break weeks; however, parents may contact their local school districts to determine if meals are available during Spring Break.”
For more information visit summerbreakspot.freshfromflorida.com/

4. Call Your Internet / Phone Provider To See If You Can Stop Payments

Most internet and phone providers are waiving fees and not terminating service to those affected by COVID-19. Call your provider to make sure you can stop paying your service without penalties.

5. Apply To The Miami Pandemic Assistance Program

Also, a collaborative of funders have joined United Way of Miami-Dade and the Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald through Operation Helping Hands to launch the Miami Pandemic Response Fund to help families that are struggling with emergency needs, such as food, rent/mortgage assistance, etc.

To request assistance, fill out a Miami Pandemic Assistance Program form by visiting the pages listed below:  

6. Apply To The Reemployment Assistance Program

Any resident of Miami-Dade or Monroe Counties whose employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. This includes individuals who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency, laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns, or those caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19. Reemployment Assistance benefits, formerly known as unemployment compensation, can be filed online. For more information on the process and a link to the application, click here.

7. Apply For A Grant From Miami Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

F+B Hospitality Brokerage, Brad Kilgore of Kilgore Culinary, Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine, Michelle Bernstein of La Trova, Michael Beltran of Ariete and Zak H Stern of Zak the Baker are raising awareness and funds to provide grants to full-time restaurant workers in Miami-Dade County who are dependent on hourly wages (plus many who rely on tips) to cover basic living expenses and provide for their families.

The goal is to provide $250 grants to as many qualifying grantees as possible with 100% of donations (less GoFundMe standard fees) going directly to those affected.

You can apply for a grant by filling out their form.

8. Visit Job Portals for Companies Currently Hiring To Keep Up With Crisis Demand

Several companies are hiring to keep up with the demand during the COVID-19 social distancing. The following are links to their job portals:

8. Other Resources

Call Miami-Dade Helpline: 211

Please call 211 to access health and human services including assistance in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties for food banks, financial assistance, and domestic violence hotlines. This hotline is 24-hours and provides information in English, Spanish, and Creole.

Miami Herald Resource Article

The Miami Herald has a great article with resources for those in need during the COVID-19 Pandemic. For more information visit miamiherald.com

Craft Table: Bar & Restaurant Income Assistance Resource Guide

The Craft Table has compiled a list of resources for those working in Food & Beverage industry who have been affected by COVID-19 including several relief grants. For more information visit craftable.com/coronavirus-emergency-financial-assistance/

Fountainhead: Artist Resource Guide

Fountainhead has compiled a list of resources for artists at https://www.fountainheadresidency.com/artists-resources

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