COVID-19 Resources

While we are working to update this list as much as possible, all resources and information listed are subject to change. Please contact service providers directly or call 211.

Official Guidance/Information

For Residents
Utility Support | Food Pantries & Distribution | Support For Elderly | Education & Entertainment | Unemployment & Benefits | Emergency Personal Loans | Service Industry Workers | Census 2020

Support Local Businesses | Non Profits  | Artists

For Businesses
Business Survey | Manufacturers | Business Assistance Programs | Additional Resources | Business Webinars

OPEN IN MIDTOWN

Chinese Translation

 

Official Guidance/Information

For Residents

Health Information

Housing

Child Care

  • If you are in need of child care, call Starting Point at (216) 575-0061

Utility Support

INTERNET

  • PCs for People offers affordable technology, computers, internet service, and repairs for individuals enrolled in an income-based government assistance program or below 200% of the poverty level (3126 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114, 216-930-5741)
  • Comcast is offering 60 days free to qualified, low-income households and students. Customers may cancel at any time or continue at a rate of $9.95 per month. To enroll, call (855) 846-8376 or visit https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
  • Spectrum is offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll, call (844) 488-8395.
  • COX is offering services at the low cost of $9.95/month for qualifying families (Click here for more info)

UTILITIES

The City of Cleveland has ended utility cut-offs during the crisis. FirstEnergy and Dominion Energy are restoring service to past-due accounts. Contact your utility provider if necessary:

Food Pantries and Distributions

In addition to the regularly scheduled distributions and pantries listed below, emergency food assistance may be available. Call The Greater Cleveland Food Bank Help Center at 216-738-2067 or directly contact a provider below. The Food Bank is hosting drive-thru food distribution at the Muni Lot on Thursdays from 2 to 5 PM. You can also find a community-organized map of free meals and food distributions here.

  • Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 5 - 6 PM - Food Not Bombs, 6321 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
  • Every 3rd Monday, 10 AM - 12 PM - Northern Ohio Recovery Association, 1400 E. 55th Street, (216) 391-6672
  • Every 4th Friday - Asian Services in Action, 3631 Perkins Ave, Suite 2A-W - call (216) 881-0330 by Thursday
  • Every Thursday, 10 AM - 2 PM - Hough Multipurpose Center, 8555 Hough Ave, (216) 791-6476
  • Last Thursday and Friday of the month, 10 AM - 2 PM - St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Church, 7101 Carnegie Avenue, (216) 391-0064
  • Third Saturday, 2 PM - Manna House Recovery and Resource Center, 8019 Cedar Ave, (216) 432-2598
  • Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 10 AM - 2 PM, May Dugan Center, 4115 Bridge Avenue, (216) 631-5800
  • Fatima Family Center, 6600 Lexington Avenue, (216) 391-0505
  • Gillion Missionary Baptist Church, 7025 Cedar Ave, (216) 431-4130
  • Church of God and True Holiness Temple, 7710 Euclid Ave, (216) 391-2167

Famicos Relief Fund is distributing food, toiletries, and disinfectants to residents of Ward 7, Ward 9, and Ward 10. Eligible residents are seniors over the age of 60, have disabilities, or are immunocompromised. Complete this form or call (216) 791-6476.

Free Meals

  • Weekdays from 11:30 AM - 1 PM, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District is providing meals for children 18 and younger and accompanying adults, as well as shuttle service to and from many of the 22 meal pickup sites. Click here for the school meal flyer.
    • Mary B Martin, 8200 Brookline Avenue, (216) 838-1600
    • Marion Sterling, 3033 Central Avenue, (216) 838-1550
    • Free shuttles starting at 11am from: Case Elementary (4050 Superior Ave) and Campus International (2160 Payne Ave). Student RTA passes are also still valid.
  • Weekdays 4 - 5 PM and Saturdays 12 - 1 PM - Children’s Hunger Alliance is providing meals for children 18 and younger at most City Recreation Centers (You can find a full list of sites here)
    • Sterling Recreation Center, 1380 E. 32nd Street, (216) 664-2573
    • Lonnie Burten Rec Center, 2511 E 46th St, (216) 664-4139
    • Fairfax - Rec Center, 2335 E 82nd St, (216) 664-4142
  • Weekdays 12 - 1 PM, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland is providing meals for pickup to members and their families at the following locations.
    • King Kennedy, 2561 E. 59th St., (216) 881-4636
    • Saint Luke’s, 2705 Martin Luther King Jr., (216) 440-8212
    • Broadway, 6114 Broadway Ave., (216) 883-4663

Support For Elderly

  • Senior Transportation Connection offers accessible transportation for older adults, ages 60 and older. Call (216) 265-1489.
  • Cleveland Dept of Aging offers resources for seniors, including Cleveland Care Calls. Join for Stay Dialed In, Cleveland! on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April by calling (216) 762-0396 at 2pm.
  • Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services has modified services at senior centers. Meal, grocery, and medical delivery available through some sites, as well as online programming, (216) 420-6700.
  • Rose Center for Aging Well is offering meals for home delivery and pick-up (1667 Ansel Road, (216) 373-1913).

Education & Entertainment

  • Cleveland Metropolitan School District is offering K-12 Learning Resources. For additional assistance, call (216) 838-0000.
  • Statistics in Schools, Scholastic, We Are Teachers, and How to Homeschool for Free, provide free online learning experiences for all grades while students are learning at home.
  • The Literacy Cooperative's Imagination Library offers a free book every month to families with children under 5 years old. Open to all families in Cuyahoga County.
  • Kids’ Book Bank is offering Ready4K, a text service offering simple learning activities throughout the day. Text “CleRead” to 70138 to receive age-appropriate tips to engage your kids in reading.
  • A great story by Signe Elisabeth Asberg and Elfy Chiang to help explain COVID-19 to kids.
  • Missing our museums? The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is offering daily activities and storytime on their Facebook and Instagram.
  • Enjoy the aquarium from home.
  • The Cleveland Public Library is offering virtual storytimes.
  • The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has discovery hours starting at noon every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • AT&T is offering a free virtual summer camp to children deprived of the experience during the pandemic.

 

Unemployment and Benefits

If you are unemployed, apply for benefits at unemployment.ohio.gov or call (877) 644-6562. Unemployment benefits have been updated to cover employees who are out of work due to COVID-19, even if temporarily. The waiting period for eligible Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits will be waived. See this FAQ list from the Department of Job and Family Services.

Apply for healthcare, childcare, food, and cash benefits at benefits.ohio.gov or (844) 640-6446. Limited emergency assistance vouchers for food, supplies, and housing may be available from Cuyahoga Job and Family Services for residents at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Call 211 or visit bit.ly/ccprc for guidelines and application.

Asian Services in Action can offer language assistance for unemployment benefits, food assistance, and other social services. Call (216) 881-0330.

The CARES Act provides “Economic Impact Payments” of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, for individuals with incomes less than $99,000. Payments will be automatic for most people, but if you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, or if you need to claim child dependents as an SSI recipient, visit this IRS page now. The IRS will automatically send payments to retirees.

Warning: Beware of scams about COVID-19 or coronavirus, especially regarding economic impact payments. The IRS will not reach out by phone, email or mail. Never submit direct deposit or banking information for others to input, and be sure to check any website link. No one should reach out by phone, email, or mail. Report phishing attempts related to the IRS to phishing@irs.gov. Some common tactics to watch out for include:

  • Emphasizing the words “Stimulus Check.” The official term is economic impact payment.
  • Asking a taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
  • Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information in order to receive or speed up an economic impact payment.
  • Claims over social media or in person that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf.
  • Mailing the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then telling the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it.

Additional insight into PPP forgiveness eligibility

Emergency Personal Loans

HFLA of Northeast Ohio will provide expedited interest-free loans of up to $1,500 for immediate needs, such as rent, child care costs, or related medical costs due to COVID-19, loss of work, and school closures. To apply, visit interestfree.org, or contact team@interestfree.org / (216) 378-9042

Service Industry Workers

  • Dave's Market is hiring temporary and permanent workers for those who may find themselves in need of employment at this time.
  • Liquor Buy-Back. Bar and restaurant owners have an opportunity to return unopened, high proof liquor products purchased in the last 30 days back to the agency of purchase. Please contact 877-812-0013 or ohioliquorinfo@com.ohio.gov.
  • Cleveland Tip Jar is an online tool that lets users directly tip a local service industry worker remotely. Servers can add their information to the website
  • This Restaurant Worker Facebook Group offers many resources to industry workers, including unemployment FAQs and individual resources tailored to the service industry.
  • Restaurant Strong Grant Application - Samuel Adams $1K Grant for Ohio Service Industry Workers

Support Local Businesses

If you are able, here are some ways to support small, local businesses during this time!

  • Order takeout or delivery from family-owned businesses! The best (and fastest!) way to support these businesses is to call directly for pick up, and if you are able, tip as if you’re dining in! Here’s a list of businesses open in MidTown and AsiaTown (as of 4/21).
  • Write reviews for your favorite restaurants, bars, and businesses. Show love and give publicity while they might be temporarily closed.
  • Order gift cards to use when restaurants and shops reopen.
  • Start local for your necessities. Shop at local, neighborhood markets rather than major chain grocery stores. You’ll find more in stock, fewer lines, and often safer practices!

Non Profits

Emergency Government Grant Funding For Non Profits This Guide to Federal Grants During Crisis includes detailed information and advice to help organizations compete successfully for emergency federal grants:

  • What to Know About Emergency Federal Grants
  • How to Prepare to Apply for Emergency Federal Grants
  • Why to Communicate Directly with Federal Funding Agencies
  • Other Sources of Emergency Grants

Artists

  • Artist Relief is distributing $5,000 grants to artists facing financial emergencies due to COVID-19.
  • The Satellite Fund (SPACES) is offering Emergency Relief Grants of $1,000 to 60 local artists who have lost income due to the pandemic.
  • Arts Cleveland, the Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, and NoteWorthy Federal Credit Union have released an Emergency Loan Fund. Artists and musicians in Northeast Ohio are eligible to borrow up to $2,500 with no interest and no payments for twelve months. Contact NoteWorthy Federal Credit Union at (216) 263-7034, or at info@noteworthyfcu.com.
  • Arts Cleveland also offers a lengthy resource guide and weekly artist meet-ups every Wednesday at noon.
  • Creative Compass offers various resources, guides, and meetups for artists.

For Businesses 

MTC Reopening Survey 2020-07-01

MidTown COVID-19 Reopening Survey

MidTown released survey results from over 65 businesses on how COVID-19 has impacted them and how they are dealing with reopening - the results can be viewed above.

 

Business Assistance Programs

Federal

  • S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Assistance
    The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • S. Chamber of Commerce Combating the Coronavirus
    The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
  • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers from the CDC
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. The CDC is working across the Department of Health and Human Services and across the U.S. government in the public health response to COVID-19.
  • IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief
    The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.

State

(OSBR) is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a strong rebound.

  • JobsOhio: Ohio Safe. Ohio Working.
    JobsOhio and its partners remain committed to providing you information and working closely with companies as all of Ohio and our nation confronts the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working together, we can be part of the solution to move Ohio forward.
  • Ohio Department of Health Resources for Economic Support
    This portal includes information on unemployment benefits, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Liquor Buyback Program, modified rules for trucking to help ship critical supplies into the state, the delay of BWC Premiums, etc.
  • ODJFS: Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
    Wondering how do can you apply for unemployment insurance? The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations created this page to answer questions about Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
  • ODSA: Economic Damage Assessment Survey
    Filling out the Ohio Development Services Agency’s Economic Damage Assessment Survey will determine damage related to economic impacts in Ohio. After filling out the survey, federal, state or local agencies may reach out to you through the contact information provided if you indicate your interest.
  • Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
    The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document to provide information about the coronavirus’ (COVID-19’s) impact on BWC operations.
  • SharedWork Ohio is a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, the participating employer reduces affected employees’ hours in a uniform manner. The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.

LOCAL

Emergency Working Capital Program

The Emergency Working Capital Program loan is a program created by the City of Cleveland to reimburse for operating costs (rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and payroll) incurred for the months of March 2020 onward. There are no fees with this application and no closing costs. Interest rate is 0% until January 1, 2022 at which time the interest rate is 1%. Payments are deferred until January 1, 2022. Repayments will be equal to $15/month for every $1,000 borrowed until the loan is repaid.

Operating Costs eligible for reimbursement include rent, payroll, utilities, inventory, marketing and other working capital needs. In order to be eligible for the program the business must have been operating on March 1, 2020 and must demonstrate impact from the coronavirus on cash flow or revenue. Preference will be given to entities that are able to retain and/or restore pre-coronavirus employment, and that show a substantial negative impact on revenues.

The application will be subject to credit review. Additional criteria and conditions may apply.

The application can be found here and the Supplemental Questionnaire can be found here.

Send completed applications (including the Supplemental Questionnaire) directly to economicdevelopment@clevelandohio.gov.

 

ReStartCLE Working Capital Program Safe Operations Grant

 

The Safe Operations Grant is to reimburse for costs incurred to operate safely during the pandemic. Eligible costs include PPE, (not PPP) partitions, single-use menus and other equipment required to operate safely during the pandemic. Invoices can date back as far as March 1, 2020.

In order to be eligible for the program the business must have been operating on March 1, 2020 and must demonstrate impact from the coronavirus on cash flow or revenue. Preference will be given to entities that are unable to access other coronavirus-related capital, able to retain and/or restore pre-coronavirus employment, and that show a substantial negative impact on revenues.

The application will be subject to credit review. Additional criteria and conditions may apply.

Send completed applications (including the Supplemental Questionnaire) directly to economicdevelopment@clevelandohio.gov. 

 

Cuyahoga County COVID-19 Resources  Explore our COVID-19 resource center, aimed at helping the residents, businesses, and organizations of Cuyahoga County as we navigate this pandemic together. Cuyahoga County, in partnership with the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) and other partners, has launched a Small Business Resource Center.Call 216-452-9714; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Complete the Business Assistance Application today to receive advice, targeted resources, and apply for Stabilization Grants and Loans.

Cuyahoga County has established a Stabilization Fund to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. Complete this application to be pre-screened for grants and loans from the Stabilization Fund and other community partners. Businesses will qualify for funding based on eligibility metrics and need.

. Please note: not all eligible businesses will receive a grant or a loan.

About the Grants

  • Grant award announcements and distribution will begin during the week of May 26.
  • Awards will range from $2,500, up to $5,000.
  • Amounts will be determined by a Grant Committee based on review of eligibility requirements as well as business revenue and employee size.
  • Small businesses with up to 25 employees are eligible for grants.
  • The business name must be legally registered with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.
  • Businesses who applied in the first round, but were not selected for a grant, are welcome to reapply for the second round by completing the new application.
  • Businesses who received grant funding in the first round of applications are ineligible to receive funding in the second round.
  • Business owners can only apply for grant funding for one business, regardless of the number of individual businesses that they own.

Finalists will be contacted for further information and must submit the following documents to receive a grant:

  1. Copy of business bank statements generated within the last 30 days
  2. Articles of organization from the Secretary of State website
  3. Copy of driver’s license or government issued ID (front and back)
  4. Signed W-9
  5. Bank account information

Eligibility

 The grant amount will be decided by a Committee based on revenue and company size before the pandemic. Not all eligible applicants will receive a grant. Ineligible applicants will be contacted and directed to lenders offering low-interest loans for business-related expenses.

  • Business must have less than 25 employees.
  • Business must have an address and physical establishment in Cuyahoga County.
  • 25% of business employees must be Cuyahoga County residents.
  • Business must have opened before May 8, 2019.
  • Business must have had less than $1 million in revenue in 2019.
  • Business must have experienced 50% revenue loss since March 17, 2020.
  • The business name must be legally registered with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office.
  • The business itself, and the business owner, may not own real property in Cuyahoga County with delinquent real property taxes totaling more than $1,000.
  • Businesses who are chosen as finalists will be contacted and must submit the following documents before being awarded:
    • Copy of business bank statements generated within the last 30 days.
    • Articles of organization from the Secretary of State website
    • Scanned driver’s license or government issued ID (front and back)
    • Signed W-9
    • Bank Account Information
  • Business must have a plan to re-open in one year and complete post-award requirements.
    • Businesses must acknowledge intention to reopen.
    • Businesses who are approved for a grant from the Stabilization Fund must complete a required post-funding survey within 30 days of receiving funding.
  • Businesses who applied in the first round, but were not selected for a grant, are welcome to reapply for the second round by completing the new application.
  • Businesses who received grant funding in the first round of applications are ineligible to receive funding in the second round.
  • Business owners can only apply for grant funding for one business, regardless of the number of individual businesses that they own.

The following preferences will be considered:

  • Preference will be given to business owners with a personal residence in Cuyahoga County.
  • The following business types will be given preference: service industry (restaurants/bars/personal care services/cosmetology), hospitality, neighborhood healthcare/grocers, general contracting, construction, and manufacturing.
  • Businesses in low to moderate income census tracts.
  • Additional consideration will be given to businesses who applied in the first round, but were not selected for a grant.
  • Ineligible businesses include liquor stores, tobacco stores, cannabis dispensaries, adult entertainment, financial services and banks, e-commerce, and franchises which are not locally owned and operated.

* Not all eligible applicants will receive a grant or a loan.

To apply:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNXMX3N

 

  • Small Business Stabilization Loans. Cuyahoga County has committed $500,000 to the creation of a Small Business Stabilization Fund to support small, neighborhood-based businesses throughout Cuyahoga County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small Business Stabilization Grants ($2,500 to $5,000) and Stabilization Loans (beginning at $5,000) are available. The second round of applications have closed, but check for updates as to when the next round of funding is available.
  • If your business has been impacted by COVID-19, ECDI and Cuyahoga County have partnered to offer relief! You may be eligible to receive a zero-interest loan of $5,000, with six months of deferred payments, designed for expedited disbursement. Closings can be done remotely to assure safety. Please email helpforbusiness@ecdi.org to get started.
  • Honeycomb Credit. The Honeycomb Relief Loan program offers loans up to $50,000 with a 6-month interest-only period. If you’re a small business

visit: https://www.honeycombcredit.com/relief.  

The National Development Council (NDC) is still accepting applications for PPP loans, prioritizing businesses within CDFI eligible census tracks. Click here to apply and for more information.

Working From Home Information

Manufacturers 

Additional Resources 

  • Restore Your Economy:  This page has several resources for economic development leaders to help support their economies in the short- and long-term.
  •  International Economic Development Council: The International Economic Development Council put together these resources to help you stay informed on this rapidly evolving situation.

Business Webinars