Where to Get Financial Assistance, Food and More During the Coronavirus

The following article was originally published March 23, 2020, and republished through a collaboration with KPCC and LAist.

Story by Jessica P. Ogilvie

Many Angelenos are facing difficulties getting their basic needs met as a result of the rapid changes brought about by the coronavirus. To help, we've compiled this list of places that are offering financial assistance, food for adults and kids, and more. We'll be updating it regularly.

Please reach out if you have a question, or know of a resource that's not on this list.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering up to $2 million in low-interest disaster loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in certain states, including California.
• The City of L.A. is offering emergency micro-loans between $5,000 and $50,000 to small businesses affected by the coronavirus.
• The Jewish Free Loan Association is offering interest-free and fee-free loans that can be turned around in a matter of days to folks impacted by coronavirus, for anything from everyday expenses to childcare to lost wages. You do not need to be Jewish to apply.
• The USBG National Charity Foundation is offering loans to bartenders who may be out of work.
• Here is a list of resources for freelance artists.
• One Fair Wage is offering cash assistance to service workers and tipped workers.
• Restaurants Care is offering grants for restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been quarantined.
• Children of Restaurant Employees is offering funds to restaurant workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have children at home.
• Americans for the Arts has a lengthy list of places offering funding and grants for artists.
• The National Domestic Workers Alliance has set up a fund for in-home care workers, nannies and house cleaners.
• Savi and Student Debt Crisis are offering help to folks who are having trouble paying their student loans because of the coronavirus' impact to their income.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is also encouraging people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak to apply for unemployment or disability. And the federal government recently passed a bill requiring employers to pay sick leave and family leave. Read our guide on that here.

FOOD

• For the closest food pantry or food bank, visit the Los Angeles Food Bank Pantry Locator.
• Everytable is offering meals to all Angelenos in need, including food distribution for seniors who need food brought to their homes, food for students and food for groups.
• Eastside Riders is providing free breakfast for students in Watts from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• LA Dream Center in Silver Lake is providing free meals for all LAUSD students from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• TEACHAcademy of Technologies is offering free meals for pick-up to all children ages 5 through 17, with a valid student ID from any school. Meals are provided between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
• Hugo's kids menu will be free for guests 12 and under throughout the LAUSD closure.
• Los Angelitos Bakery is offering one free bread to children ages 5 to 13, Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• The City of Lynwood is offering free meals from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for kids of all ages.
• El Torito restaurants are offering free (take-out only) meals to all kids ages 12 and under.
• Toast in Whittier, The Benediction in City of Industry and The Dylan in Brea are offering free take-out breakfast burritos to kids ages 6 to 12 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• Acapulco Restaurant y Cantina is offering free (take-out only) meals to kids ages 12 and under at all their locations.

Also check out these maps we put together of school sites and community centers offering free meals for kids for pick-up.

MEDICATION

• CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications.
• Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for all eligible prescriptions during this evolving situation and any purchase on Walgreens.com.

RENT/EVICTIONS

• Both the City and County of Los Angeles have passed eviction moratoriums, which include residences and businesses. Other cities and counties that have passed eviction moratoriums include Pasadena and Santa Monica, with Long Beach apparently poised to join the list.
• Here are your rights as a renter in L.A.

You can also check out this crowd-sourced list of resources in Los Angeles (note: this is an external list that we have not vetted).

Undocumented? The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance put together some resources for people without legal immigration status. Also note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has advised that seeking medical treatment or preventive services related to the coronavirus will not negatively affect your ability to get a green card under the public charge rule.

Please let us know if there are resources we should add to this list!