Coronavirus cases continue to soar nationwide, and Kentucky is no exception. Here’s a list of resources for the Louisville community. If you have suggestions for additions, please email news@wfpl.org.
Food Banks and Meals
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) providesfree 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 across the district. JCPS also offers evening meal pickup (from 3 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 specific offerings. Please note that families are only allowed to visit one JCPS site per pickup day.
Dare to Care offers a variety of emergency food services, including food pantries, soup kitchens and Kids Café meals. Check out thisinteractive map to find services near you. You can also call Dare to Care at 502-966-3821 for help finding food assistance.
Metro Louisville’s Senior Nutrition Program continues to provide residents aged 60 and older with meals, despite the temporary closure of distribution sites due to COVID-19. Call 502-574-6325 for more information on how to access meals for seniors.
To see if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps), visit benefind.ky.gov.
Unemployment and Other Financial Assistance
Because of the pandemic, unemployment insurance continues to be 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 a job to quarantine is no longer a legitimate reason to collect unemployment, for example. So thoroughly check the agency’s COVIDFAQ page for more details as it pertains to your situation.
To apply for unemployment insurance, visit the Kentucky Career Center’s unemployment benefits page or call 502-875-0442. Applicants will need to provide a name, Social Security number, birthday, email and postal address and employment details.This page provides a helpful overview on how to start the process.
Kentucky residents who have been financially impacted by the pandemic can also seek assistance from Team Kentucky, a state program that provides help in the form 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 help recover. Applications for these Small Business Association (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans can becompleted and filed online. You can also call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Here is an SBA loan fact sheet.
The Small Business Continuity Loan Program isoffering zero-interest loans, with no payments for 12 months, to businesses with 10 full-time employees or fewer. These small businesses can receive up to $25,000 to cover immediate expenses.
Metro Louisvillehas a list of additional loan programs and financial resources for struggling businesses and nonprofits.
Restaurant Workers
The Apron Inc. Emergency Fund for Restaurant Workers offers grants of up to $500 to individuals who have been employed at a Louisville Metro Area Independent Restaurant for at least six months and have been impacted by the pandemic. Approved applicants will be asked to show proof of bills owed, as grant money is not paid directly to the recipient.Learn more at Apron Inc.
Eviction Assistance
Residents facing possible eviction can receive up to $1,750 per month in rental assistance for up to six months. The amount will be determined based on individual rental rates and the amount of back rent owed. Applicants must show proof of COVID-19 impact and a notice of overdue payment or pending eviction.Click here to learn more.
Mental Health Resources
If you’re having a mental health emergency, you can call Centerstone’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 502-589-4313. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or chat with them online.
Addiction Help
Those struggling with substance abuse can contact the Greater Louisville Intergroup of Alcoholic Anonymous viatheir website or by calling 502-582-1849. Narcotics Anonymous of the Louisville Area also offersonline resources, or call 502-569-1769. Kentucky Area Al-Anon, an organization helping friends and families of alcoholics, offers daily meetings via Zoom, along with additional resources online.
COVID-19 Testing, Facts and Guidelines
The Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness hasa list of COVID-19 testing locations throughout the city, along with information on who should be tested.
Click here for information on preventing the spread of coronavirus, as well as what to do if you test positive.
The state createdthis website as a repository of coronavirus information, including statewide statistics, guidance on social distancing, travel advisories and more.
