Resources to get through the coronavirus economic slowdown

How long social distancing will be necessary and what it will ultimately cost are among of the many uncertainties of the current situation. What is certain is that we have the opportunity to help our neighbors get through this.

This list of resources for giving and getting help will continue to grow until the crisis has passed.

For those who see hours or jobs cut, the state and federal governments are adjusting rules to allow more people to quickly qualify for unemployment insurance.

North Carolinians who qualify are eligible for up to $350 per week from the state for up to 12 weeks and a coronavirus supplement of up to $600 per week through July 25.

The Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, a nonprofit, non-denominational, 100% volunteer-run organization delivers food monthly to eligible clients in the towns of Wake Forest, Rolesville and Youngsville, as well as in the surrounding areas of Wake County. The organization's food pantry is open for distribution on Mondays and Wednesdays and the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The CARES Act prohibits lenders and servicers from starting or finalizing foreclosure for a period of time.

Homeowners experiencing hardship because of the pandemic have a right to request a forbearance (a pause in payments) for up to 180 days and a further extension for another 180 days.

Advocates recommend reaching out to creditors is you can't pay your bills. Forbearance is available for utilities and mortgages, even for credit cards. Contact your bank or each payee to negotiate terms. Most are being flexible during this time and may allow for skipped or reduced payments.

Many businesses, especially small retail boutiques, tourism and travel and local restaurants will struggle if forced to closed for an indeterminate amount of time. Those employees are our neighbors.

Many non-profits are struggling with funding during this time due to cancellations of annual fundraisers. Many non-profits offer walks, dinners, gatherings and galas to raise money each year. Some non-profits have even put money into these events already, only to cancel or suspend them. This means that during a time when many non-profit services will be more overloaded that ever, they have less money to put towards providing these services.

Consider making a donation to a non-profit you support. They need resources now more than ever. If you want to specifically help with coronavirus, look into local organizations that offer food assistance, medical assistance or services that help seniors.

With performance venues closed and gatherings banned, artists and arts organizations are struggling. Arts North Carolina is compiling ways to give to support creative individuals who have been financially impacted by gig cancellations due to the outbreak of COVID-19.