A Covid-19 Crisis Plan & Resource Guide
Updated 6/27/2020
Domestic Violence Resource and Another Restaurant Worker Fund
Quick Tip: Use Ctrl+F for a quick search — type in a word and it take you to it
*I will continue to add resources
I’ve worked in my community as an educator, advocate and development consultant for most of my career. Early in my career, my friends and family nicknamed me “social worker to the world”… Over the years, I’ve traded in my superwoman cape for a computer and started coaching and sharing resources to empower others to take on issues they’re passionate about and have the time and energy to FULLY pursue.
I especially love watching people learn and grow through strategic planning and partnerships.
After the Covid-19 quarantine put my entrepreneurial pursuits on hold, I found myself slipping the cape back on and spending hours on Twitter giving out tips and resources… It’s my way to send love and support to my community and stop feeling helpless.
I’ve been in quarantine for almost a month and I feel like I’m in personal and professional limbo. I’m trying to stay positive, but if you’re one of the 6 million people in the United States who suddenly found ourselves unemployed and quarantined (without the recommended 6 months in savings) — you’re probably fighting panic and depression every day. My bank balance is running low and with the exception of my student loans, NONE of my bills have stopped — including rent.
Times are tough and all my friends and family are just as stressed as I am. I miss them and haven’t seen them in weeks. Social media is flooded with people looking for hope, answers, money and resources. I don’t have any money to give — but I’ve always been resourceful.
The first part of this plan is: GET YOUR MIND RIGHT! I need you to know — there’s hope! Help and charity starts at home. I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked too hard to surrender to defeat. We can get through this! Let’s get focused and fight to get our lives back on track!
This is a journey — not a short trip so let’s face facts:
Fact: The one thing that’s certain is — we’re all facing some form of uncertainty
Fact: The only person we can control is ourselves
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, “When we fail to plan — we plan to fail!” We can’t fix the past, but we can face the present and make a plan for OUR future.
Now that we’ve had the pep talk — it’s time to get busy.
Prep Work
Be patient, flexible and remember you’re not alone!
If you believe in God — now is the time for faith, pray for guidance. If you’re a nonbeliever you’re going to need to muster all your self-confidence.
Start researching community-based organizations you might need in the near future and if you’re part of a faith-based organization stay connected and see if they have any resources and support groups.
You’ll need: Patience, a notebook/paper, pen, calculator (they’re on our phones and computers)
#1 Assess Your Assets
Write down all money sources and make two categories: + Liquid funds and potential funds (I would suggest using two different pages — potential funds may need several pages)
Liquid funds: cash on hand, gift cards, bank and retirement accounts you can withdraw funds during regular business hours or by ATM cards, piggy banks
Add up your liquid funds — meaning all the money you physically have in your home and in bank accounts so you know how much you really have (do not count the stimulus check or unemployment until you actually have the funds)
Speaking of bank accounts: Now would be a good time to stop auto payments (if possible) and make sure your bank account isn’t overdrawn. If it is, call to see if they are willing to waive fees and if your account is in jeopardy of being closed.
Potential funds: Anything you need to apply for and/or need approval to access funds for example: unemployment, disability or self-employment assistance, retirement and pension plans, unreimbursed mileage, work, health care or tuition, savings bonds, money owed from colleagues, friends and family, unfiled tax returns, etc.
Make a list and timeline for potential funds and make sure you know how to access them, request forms and submit them ASAP this includes 2019 taxes
TAX & STIMULUS CHECK TIP
If you received it, add it to your liquid list and wait to spend it until you finish your plan and prioritize things If you didn’t get it and you filed your 2018 and 2019 taxes, go to:
NEVER COUNT, PROMISE OR SPEND MONEY YOU DON’T HAVE! THIS IS MAGIC MONEY THAT COULD DISAPPEAR FOR VARIOUS REASONS PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU MAKE LESS THAN $69,000 YOU CAN USE FREE FILE — ONLINE
The tax filing deadline has been extended click on the link below for the latest information from IRS.gov — never use a 3rd party site to access information always use a new browser to go directly to the government website.
Check closets for unnecessary or frivolous purchases you can return and return them and check old pocketbooks, wallets, jeans and jackets for money. I’ve found $50 in an old jacket once…
Now take a break and take a moment to count your blessings even if you only have $2.00.
#2 PRIORITIZE NEEDS
Make an emergency budget based on the money you have and determine what utilities or debts need to be paid to avoid shut-off, eviction or repossession?
Food If you have food, do a quick inventory of your fridge and cabinets. Organize things and meal plan for the next two weeks.
Use all perishable items first like fresh meat, fresh fruits and vegetables first.
Freeze leftovers, label them (I use masking tape and a Sharpie) and put it on the bag BEFORE you put the food in to avoid smudging. I keep a list on the fridge of freezer meals for quick meals.
Start buying more shelf-stables like milk, jarred or canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.
If you need food, reach out to your local pantry
Most food pantries don’t require any paperwork now — just walk up and get your food
If you have children — there are day time feeding programs for children. Reach out to your school district or check your district’s local news stations for locations and times. Here is a great article to help avoid Home School Meltdowns.
Water
If you don’t have good drinking water — follow your municipality’s or CDC’s water guidelines.
Otherwise, invest in a water filter, replacement filters and keep a large container filled with filtered and (cooled) boiled water for drinking and cooking.
STAY HYDRATED! I’ve linked a great article with hydration tips.
Health Care and Medications
Mental Health Resource (added 6/27/2020)
If you’ve lost your job and will lose or lost your insurance, you can still apply for insurance for you and your family through the Healthcare Marketplace (Healthcare.gov).
If you already have insurance from the HealthCare Marketplace or private pay — report your loss of income and they may waive or lower your premiums.
Make sure you always have at least a 30–90 day supply for medications.
If you have a problem paying co-pays, reach out to the pharmaceutical company that makes the medication and apply for their savings card to get free or reduced-cost prescriptions
Or contact your doctor, they may have samples
Many doctors have limited in-person appointments, but have flexibility in using telephone or video appointments. Some insurance companies are waiving telehealth copays, so please don’t miss appointments.
Housing/Shelter
Contact your landlord or mortgage company to make a payment arrangement for the next 30–45 days. Contact your local politicians and social service organizations for additional rental assistance/mortgage resources.
If you were already behind in your rent or mortgage payments before the crisis and the eviction process has started, find get educated about the evictions or foreclosure process, timelines and laws in your area. You may have some time 30–60 days to get the funds or plan to move.
Otherwise, get a list of emergency housing options and now it’s time to reach out to family and friends who may have extra space…
Shelter Directory
Domestic Violence Resources
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 Chat is available if you can’t call Stay connected to friends and family in any way possible: social media, text, even email if you can’t call Try to create a safety plan
Utilities & Other Bills
Ask for a 60-day hold or payment arrangements on EVERYTHING especially if your utilities are past due. If you have anyone sick in your home, there are medical holds for electricity and gas. Remember only make arrangements on the money you have NOW You may have to do it again for May and June… so be patient
- Make a list of all current and past due bills and include the amount owed, due date and contact numbers
- Call each company making sure that you write down the name of the person/people you speak to and request to have the payment and all fees waived due to the Coronavirus
Loans
Federal Student loans are on hold but confirm the date for yourself Ask for a 60-day hold or make payment arrangements based on cash on hand
Banking
Stop all auto payments and withdraw a small amount for emergency cash. I’d say a minimum of $50 -$100 in case there is an issue with your bank account.
I would create a backup debit account to forward any direct deposits like child or spousal support payments, BEFORE your bank account is closed by the bank. Otherwise, you will have a hard time getting another bank account.
I like Aspiration but do your research —
Work Your Potential Money Plan
This is going to take time — so I’d take it one account at a time. Remember this is miracle money — getting through to any of these places will be a miracle — so please be patient and diligent.
ALWAYS write down the person’s name and agent ID (if available)and the time and date you spoke to them
Emergency Funds
You’ll be surprised how many forgotten retirement, 401k, IRA investment accounts you may have — think about jobs that you’ve had TIAA or pension accounts — these are pools of potential money, but they have lots of strings attached — meaning potential taxes and penalties — so do your research before you withdraw any funds.
Pack your patience, they may take a few weeks to access and may require mailing or faxing the forms.
I know I have at least 4 small retirement and pension plans that I haven’t touched over the years. Most places have websites that will allow you to download the form, but if you don’t have a printer — they will need to email or mail the form and most of the time they require a “live signature” so you will have mail or fax the form back (instead of an electronic signature).
Be patient!
If you’re in dire need you could start a GoFundMe or Facebook donation page
Employment
If you’re not working apply for unemployment or self-employment assistance — call or apply online during off-peak hours — after 5 pm
Apply for jobs a daily basis with your resume and cover letter — I use Indeed
Practice phone and video interview skills
Beware of work from home scams that ask you to pay for information.
Adecco is a legitimate agency, AAA also have work from home opportunities. Apply to them directly.
Clean up unnecessary files and make sure you have and test popular video interview platforms like Skype or Zoom. This is important because this is becoming the first or only interview method and sometimes this is also a tech test to see if you have the skills to properly use these programs.
Self Employment Resources
6/27/2020 — The 2nd Wave of Payment Protection and other business and community development funds have rolled out — check with your local banks, SBA’s and CDC
This is the time to NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Participate in every SBA, Chamber Of Commerce, government Business, or industry-specific Zoom, Facebook or Skype meeting to connect with other business owners, get and share support and resources.
Update all your social media so your customers thanking them and make sure you clarify if you’ll be closed and if so is it temporary or for good. Give them a quick status report about your business and community support efforts. Prepare a script — to keep the message light and consistent.
BEFORE YOU POST TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Please make sure you’ve personally talked to each and every employee, vendor and investor with the same message and possible resources. Be sure confirm everyone’s phone number, email and mailing address for ongoing and future communication. This will double as a marketing list if/or when you return or start a new venture.
If you’re open: Post new hours of operation, contact person and phone numbers, ect. new or modified products and services.
Modify your business plan and create a transition plan for the next 30–60–90 days. Plan a special thank you — when this is over.
Miracle Funds
There are a lot of people who want to help — but they are also a lot of scammers. DO NOT post or give your full name, phone number, address, social security or banking account information to anyone! Legitimate sites don’t randomly text, call or email asking for your information or ask you to pay fees.
YOU HAVE TO DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE! Proceed with caution! Double-check websites to make sure it’s not a scam duplicate — the information I’m posting may change and we are not responsible for your experience good or bad.
For Restuarant Workers
The ROC fund (not affiliated with Jay-Z) has closed temporarily stopped taking applications, but might be a resource in the future
GoFundMe/Twitter Help
Frederick Joseph #RentRelief — One-time donation of $200 via CashApp or Paypal
Michelle Hope — For Domestic Violence — One-time donation of $150 via CashApp or Paypal
Good luck and I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any other tips you’d like to add, please send me a note on Medium or Twitter
Thank you
