FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS

  • The most critical local health and government updates can be found at Orange County’s coronavirus webpage, which includes a link to Mayor Demings’ ongoing press conferences. 
  • Orange County’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program assists with one month’s rent, so residents will be able to use their limited funds on other necessities.
  • For support with utility bills, Orange County Utilities is suspending late payment fees for residential water and wastewater customers, in addition to disconnections for non-payment. OUC and Duke Energy are taking similar measures.
  • For Central Florida residents whose financial stability is being impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19, Heart of Florida United Way has set up a recovery fund. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate.
  • For working families impacted by COVID-19, emergency paid sick leave, as well as paid family leave in the case of school closures, is provided through the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The act requires employers with up to 500 employees to provide paid sick leave and paid family leave, while providing a refundable payroll tax credit to employers to cover 100% of the cost of wages. There is also a refundable income tax credit for self-employed individuals.
  • For individuals who have lost their jobs or are in transition, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association has compiled a list of important benefits, opportunities, and resources.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

  • Second Harvest Food Bank is available for anyone in need of assistance. Its website contains a page for Coronavirus Prevention & Relief and a map of food-distribution centers.
  • Student-feeding sites will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all Orange County public high schools, plus 30 middle and K-8 schools. It will be a walk-up and drive-through system.

BUSINESSES & EMPLOYERS

  • The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that are experiencing economic injury from COVID-19. Now through May 8, businesses with fewer than 100 employees may apply at FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
  • Low-interest loans can be accessed through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance program.
  • Attorney and lobbyist Christopher L. Carmody Jr. of GrayRobinson law firm is hosting a webinar Tuesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. on the state and federal stimulus packages, sponsored by i4Business magazine. Register here.
  • For small- to medium-sized independent food and beverage businesses, the James Beard Foundation has set up an industry relief fund.

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

  • United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is able to connect residents with critical health and social service resources.
  • The Mental Health Association of Central Florida is offering free tools for Orange County residents, including counseling by phone.
  • Orlando Health has launched a hotline (877-321-COVID) for patients and the community to obtain accurate information from trained healthcare representatives.
  • AdventHealth’s coronavirus information hotline is 877-847-8747.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please contact your healthcare provider or the Florida Department of Health at 866-779-6121.