COVID-19 Resources

Illinois Dept. of Employment Security – COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits: Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible.

U.S. Small Business Administration Guidance for Businesses and Employees: The SBA has a broad range of programs that can help small businesses through these challenging times including business advisory and lending services. Call or email the Illinois District Office (312-353-4528, illinois.do@sba.gov) or go to www.sba.gov/il for more information. In addition, SBA has created a webpage for COVID-19 related resources, including:

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• SBA Products and Resources
• Government Contracting
• Local Assistance

U.S. Dept. of Labor Resources: The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus. Resources include:

• Workplace Safety (OSHA Guidance)
• Wages, Hours and Leave (Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act)
• Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities
• Injured Federal Works Compensation Act, and more

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Response Toolkit: The U.S. Chamber has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country. The continue to encourage American businesses to follow data-based guidance from the CDC and state and local officials. Find sharable graphics based on the CDC’s latest guidance for businesses and employees.

OSHA: Preparing the Workplaces for COVID-19: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed a webpage that provides information for workers and employers about the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, COVID-19.

BACP Resource Hub:  Resources and information for Businesses, Consumers and Employees impacted by COVID-19 outbreak

Chicago Microbusiness Recovery Grant: This City of Chicago program will distribute $5,000 grants to up to 1,000 businesses with four or fewer employees in low- and moderate-income areas that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Applications are available now and will be open until 5:00pm on Mon. 5/4. Grants will be distributed via a lottery, with winners equitably distributed across business types and eligible Community Areas.

FAQ & Resources for Bars and Restaurants: BACP is working in close partnership with Chicago’s restaurant owners and entrepreneurs on how they can continue to serve our residents during this difficult time, including ensuring kitchens can safely remain open by implementing food delivery, drive-thru and carry out at local establishments.

Business and Employee FAQs: Reopening Phases: The City of Chicago has created an FAQ page to help business owners and employees clarify issues and requirements. Visit the City of Chicago COVID portal here.

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Hello Alice Business for All Grants: Hello Alice is a predictive technology, multi-channel platform that guides business owners by providing access to funding, networks and services. They are awarding $250,000 in grants, with a special focus on businesses owned by women, people of color, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and those affiliated with the military. Business owners may apply for General Business for All Grants of up to $50,000 to support business growth, as well as $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Grants to help small businesses in crisis. General Business for All Grant applications are due September 25, 2020. $10,000 COVID-19 Business for All Grants are awarded on a rolling basis.

U.S. Bartender’s Guild Emergency Assistance Program: Review eligibility requirements and selection criteria for this emergency assistance program for bartenders. You do NOT need to be a USBG member to apply for this grant.

Chicago Artist Relief Fund: This fund was created by Chicago-area artists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to support our colleagues in the greater Chicago arts community who are experiencing financial repercussions due to pandemic-related cancellations.

Donation Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chicago-artists-relief-fund

Application Link: https://bit.ly/CARFapp6.

Chicago Public Schools Updates: CPS is committed to keeping families informed, and is providing up-to-date information on the effect of COVID-19 on public schools. Visit for updates on school closures, school building access, food assistance, and more.

Chicago Dept. of Family & Support Services – Emergency Rental Assistance: Assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship due to a crisis such as loss of a job, home fire or illness. The program is intended to allow families to maintain housing during the time it takes to regain stability.

Teletherapy from Augustyn Family Services: AFS offers secure, HIPAA compliant video therapy sessions to provide support and care to people who are struggling with anxiety and stress associated with this difficult time. They can also provide support to parents who have children that are struggling to cope with being home and the loss of schedule and structure. Contact Katie Augustyn at katie@augustynfamilyservices.com for more information.

The following are free mental health resources available to all Chicago residents:

• Connect to a NAMI Chicago Helpline mental health counselor by calling 311 or directly at 833-626-4244
• Connect to Bright Star Community Outreach‘s trauma counseling helpline at 833-TURN-123
• Connect to free teletherapy services at Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers by calling 312-747-1020.
• For after hours support, contact Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HOME to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.
• Tips on Managing Anxiety about COVID-19  (English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic)
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
• Guidance for Parents in Talking to Children about COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic)

• Ravenswood Community Services
• The Friendship Center
• Common Pantry
• Meals on Wheels is another program supporting homebound seniors, and they are continuing to operate.