By: Pam Lamberger
Where Do We Go from Here? Reclaiming Financial Wellbeing in the Wake of COVID-19
Living through a pandemic has challenged every individual, family, and business in our communities. The public health threat, with its associated closures and isolation, has resulted in unprecedented challenges in every aspect of daily life, including our financial health. As people, businesses, and institutions emerge from personal isolation, employment furloughs and job losses, it can be overwhelming to anticipate rebuilding. Your library is positioned to recommend reliable resources toward the achievement of that goal. In partnership and solidarity, we stand ready to support the rebirth of a prosperous future for every member of our community. Take a moment to peruse the targeted resource lists provided. Call us for more information at 317-770-3215 (Noblesville) or 317-579-0307 (Fishers). Your emailed questions are welcome at adultquestions@hamiltoneastpl.org.
Individual & Family Resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Protecting Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic: The CFPB, a bureau in the Federal Reserve System, arms consumers with current information and an array of resources to conserve and manage their finances during the time of COVID-19. Categories covered: Resources to Help You Make Financial Decisions, Resources for Specific Audiences, Submit a Complaint, and Find Help from Other Government Agencies. On the sidebar, you will find additional Federal Resources, and Further Reading from the newsroom.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/, 1-855-411-2372
Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) Benefits Portal
The State of Indiana offers a variety of assistance programs for residents. You can apply for SNAP (Food assistance), TANF (Cash assistance and childcare), Health Coverage (Medicaid, HIP, Hoosier Healthwise) or check the status of an existing case. The Division of Family Resources (DFR) determines eligibility.
https://fssabenefits/in/gov/#/, 1-800-403-0864; FSSA Homepage: https://www.fssa.in.gov;
Dial 211 or 1-866-211-9966 for free Navigator assistance; available 24-7
Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
IHCDA’s mission is to provide housing opportunities, promote self-sufficiency, and strengthen communities. Key resources provided are: Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network, IndianaHousingNow.org (Rental housing), Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide. A variety of FAQs can help direct you to the specific assistance you need.
https://www.in.gov/ihcda/coronavirus.htm, 317-232-7777
Indy.gov: COVID-19 Housing and Utilities Support
The site offers local information about housing and utilities support during the COVID-19 pandemic. You will find: Utilities Helps, Mortgage & Rent Assistance, Township Assistance, Internet Maintenance and Low-cost Help. Related topics include: Vote-by-Mail Help, and COVID-19 Food Support.
https://www.indy.gov/activity/COVID-19-utilities-support, Mayor’s Action Center: 317-327-4622
U.S. Dept. of Labor: Career Onestop: Your Source for Career Exploration, Training & Jobs
This federal site includes a comprehensive collection of career resources. You can explore careers, find training, and access job search resources. Included are, a local help-finder, tool-kit, and targeted resources for multiple types of job-seekers. The site includes current news stories on the topic and related Q&As. COVID-19-specific helps and unemployment filing assistance are also featured. The site is primarily focused on individuals but includes sections dedicated to career advisors and business owners.
https://www.careeronestop.org/, 1-877-872-5627
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): Indiana Unemployment
Covers everything you need to know about Unemployment Insurance (UI) in Indiana, whether you are a worker or an employer. You will find quick-links, claims filing, tutorials & media, CARES Act, PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) and UI basics, news & events and FAQs. The Contacts page offers a wealth of information and communication options along with links to additional related resources. Webinars, job fairs, and virtual events, state and local data and reports are located under News & Events, along with free publications.
https://www.in.gov/dwd/3474.htm, 1-800-457-8283
https://uplink.in.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm – Claimant Self Service
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): COVID-19 Information
Here, you will find the latest unemployment information from the DWD: CARES Act information, News, Press Releases, Events & Job Fairs, Affected DWD Programs and Policies, Training Opportunities, State and Federal Resources, along with added General and International Resources.
https://www.in.gov/dwd/19.htm, 1-800-891-6499
Indiana Career Ready
This is a one-stop site for targeted tools to help you select, prepare and apply for well-paying, high-demand jobs in Indiana, now and in the future. Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, a student or a counselor/teacher, you can find information to launch new career opportunities. The site includes workforce partner WorkOne Noblesville for Hamilton County.
https://www.indianacareerready.com/Home/Index, 317-841-8194
Invest Hamilton County Indiana: Workforce Recovery Jobs
A collaboration between Hamilton County Economic Development, Hamilton County Tourism, and Noblesville, One Zone (Carmel and Fishers), and Westfield Chambers, that offers current job openings and immediate hiring needs of local businesses. You can link to a variety of local work opportunities and sign-up for an e-newsletter to receive regular updates.
https://www.visithamiltoncounty.com/invest-hamilton-county/work/jobs/, 317-663-4457
Passport to Employment: Church at the Crossing Employment Ministry
Career support, encouragement, and counseling is offered. You can check weekly job-boards for leads and hiring events, join informational Zoom meetings, and workshop presentations, take part in a small accountability group, and learn about LinkedIn and how it can improve your job search. The site includes a free downloadable Passport to Employment Guidebook, which takes you step-by-step through the process of finding a job or improving your career trajectory.
https://www.golove.org/passport, 317-844-9355
LearningExpress Library by EBSCO: Test and Resume Preparation
A database in INSPIRE, available through the HEPL website. Includes targeted Learning Centers: Career Preparation, High School Equivalency, College Admissions Test Prep, School Center (Elementary, Middle, High School), College Students, Adult Core Skills, and Recursos Para Hispanohablantes. View the Video Guide that demonstrates how to use the site. Register to learn about careers, access related eBooks, and explore Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interview Tips.
/online-databases/databases-a-to-z/
U.S. Dept. of Education: Student Loans: Federal Student Aid:
Coronavirus and forbearance info for students, borrowers and parents. The site offers an extensive list of Q&As that detail how the CARES Act affects payments for federal student loan borrowers. You will find: Student Questions, FAFSA Questions, Borrower Questions, and Federal Government Websites for additional information.
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus, 1-800-433-3243
Small Business Resources
U.S. Small Business Disaster Loans
Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance in response to the coronavirus; the agency ceased accepting new applications on April 15th but has resumed processing those received prior to the deadline on a first-come, first-serve basis. The only new applications being accepted are Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Advance Applications on a limited basis to U.S. agriculture businesses. Other coronavirus assistance detailed are: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), SPA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-COVID-19, 1-800-659-2955
Back on Track Indiana: Governor Holcomb’s Roadmap to Safely Reopen Indiana
The Small Business Restart Fund is supported by the CARES Act. You will find grant details, an application link along with qualifications and what information is needed to apply. The application process opened June 3rd and will close September 30th. Information is provided on other potential funding: PPE, EIDL, and other Local Resources. A set of FAQs covers a Program Overview, Eligibility, Application and Documentation.
https://backontrack.in.gov/2377.htm, 1-800-457-8283
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): Indiana COVID-19 Business Resource Center
The IEDC is collaborating with the State of Indiana and its Health Department to monitor the development of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support Indiana’s small businesses in conjunction with local and regional organizations. You will find a listing of Small Business Resources and additional related resources. You can subscribe for periodic updates.
https://www.iedc.in.gov/resources/COVID-19-updates-resources/home, covidresponse@iedc.in.gov
Visit Hamilton County Indiana: Hamilton County, Indiana Road to Recovery: Toolkit for Tourism
The group recognizes the extreme impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the local business economy. It offers recommendations on how to prepare for and encourage guests to return to our area. Among the tools offered: How to communicate messages of safety, special considerations for: restaurants and food service businesses, the lodging Industry, retail and attractions, and sports. Federal, state and local resources are included along with useful tips for all public facilities.
https://www.visithamiltoncounty.com/love-hc/toolkit/, 317-848-3181, 1-800-776-8687
City of Fishers: Small Business Resources
You can listen in to recordings of weekly conference calls with Mayor Fadness. Also available: Local updates on job fairs and news. Specialized guidance is offered for: Community & Faith-based Organizations, Schools and Childcare, Assisted Living Facilities, Nonprofit Needs. There is a section on related City policies and a link to submit an employment opportunity. The Resource section includes: Paycheck Protection Program, Critical Industries Hotline, and Small Business Administration Injury Disaster Loan Program.
https://www.fishers.in.us/1127/Small-Business-Resources, 317-595-3111, COVID-19 Hotline, 317-959-3211
City of Noblesville COVID-19: Resources for Businesses
You will receive tips for keeping connected to and engaged with customers during times of limited services. In addition, there are State Resources, Federal & National Resources, Funding Programs & Business Supports. Topics of Interest include: State COVID-19 Announcements and Understanding Mask Types.
https://www.cityofnoblesville.org/topic/index.php?topicid=517&structureid=300, 317-773-4614
SCORE Indianapolis
SCORE is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers that offers free small business advice for entrepreneurs in Central Indiana. Their services include: Free Mentoring, Workshops & Events, and Templates & Tools. SCORE shares the latest business guidance, assistance, and resources during the coronavirus pandemic. In-person events may be suspended but online and remote support remains available via webinars, online workshops and remote mentoring. SCORE offers a selection of COVID-19-specific resources, including a Toolkit.
https://indianapolis.score.org/, 317-226-7264
Charitable Advisors: Nonprofit Pandemic Resources
Charitable Advisors is a for-profit, Indianapolis-based company that offers support to the non-profit sector. Topics include: Stay Up-to-date on COVID-19, General resources for non-profit employers, CARES Act, Resources for employees and non-profits, COVID-19 relief funds (State and National), Resources for fund-raising during the pandemic, Business legal and HR issues and resources. The company president publishes a free weekly e-newsletter that covers related national and local news trends and nonprofit jobs.
https://charitableadvisors.com/nonprofit-pandemic-resources/, 317-752-7153
Noblesville Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Resource Page https://www.noblesvillechamber.com/coronavirus-response, 317-773-0086
One Zone Chamber (Promotes business interests in Carmel and Fishers): COVID-19 Resources & Information
https://www.onezonecommerce.com/COVID-19-resources.html, 317-436-4653
Combination of Individual/Family and Small Business Resources
US Department of Labor: Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
The Wage & Hour Division offers a comprehensive list of 93 Q&As in the categories of: Definitions, Eligibility, Coverage, Application, and Enforcement for family leave related to the coronavirus. The site offers useful information for both small business employers and employees.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions, 1-866-487-9243
Indy.gov.: COVID-19 Community Resources
This site is focused primarily on Marion County, offering frequently updated information on the topics of: Food Support, Housing & Utilities Support, Artist/Worker/Childcare Support, Small Business Support, Economic Impact Payments, Homeless/ Pet Owner/ Addiction Support. State-level resources that may benefit Hamilton County residents are featured as well.
https://www.indy.gov/topic/COVID, IN State Department of Health, COVID-19 Call Center: 1-877-826-0011
Indeed Career Guide
Indeed is a job site that provides free access to targeted job searches. You can research companies and post resumes. Also included are free webinars for job search tips and training. You can obtain advice from career coaches and peers to help guide your job search and refine your work preferences. The site includes resources for employers as well as prospective employees.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/coronavirus-job-resources?from=hp_COVID
Articles of Interest
- From Forbes: Your Pandemic Financial Survival Kit: What to Do, What to Avoid, and Handling Change, By Juan Carlos Medina
- From The Washington Post: Your Money and the Pandemic: We Answer Your Most Pressing Personal Finance Questions on the Economic Fallout of COVID-19, By Michelle Singletary
- From Certified Financial Planners (CFP): Managing Your Finances During the COVID-19 Crisis