P.O. Box 544, Oxford MS 38655 (662) 236-6429 help@oxfordarts.com

Resources For Those Impacted Long Term by the Pandemic

The pending end of the eviction moratorium raises many questions for those who are still struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic. While many programs were introduced at the start of the pandemic from EIDL to PPP, the ongoing nature of the crisis has created a new inflection point where some programs are ending and replacement programs emerging. Creatives from artists, culinary professionals, freelance and gig workers impacted by the ongoing crisis may have to explore new resources to find assistance.

This may require reimaging the type of assistance impacted workers need and the potential agencies offering support. In an effort to assist in sorting through the flood of information, here are vignettes covering possible resources that may be of assistance:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website offers a plethora of resources to protect and manage your wellbeing during this difficult time. Here they have listed help for homeowners, renters, and landlords. The CFPB features informative videos and can help you learn what your next steps are, help you get the help you are entitled to, and educate you on what all of this means for your specific situation. Additionally, the CFPB lists resources such as housing counselors, lawyers, and key terms to help understand the basics. 

Another resource that has been a key channel of information and resources is the Small Business Administration. Traditionally focused on providing small business counseling, local SBA Development offices have been information centers for federal programs, relief funds, and business loan programs. By contacting your local SBA development, you can set up a one on one appointment to learn how the resources can apply to you as either someone who is self-employed, a small business, or who is creating a business due to the impact of Covid-19 on your industry. To locate the nearest office, visit the US Small Business Admin website.

Additional resources for Mississippi small businesses seeking covid relief can be found HERE.Entergy offers a program named ReSkillMS if you have lost employment due to COVID-19. ReSkillMS was created to help Mississippians find jobs with higher wages and help employers fill skilled positions. Other information is listed about economic development organizations getting creative due to the change of multiple federally funded programs. 

 A short video by Quentin Brewer at BancorpSouth offers tips and resources for those with questions about business banking as part of our BBB series.  Watch the video here!  

The YAC is ready to start scheduling workshops for this year! We would love to get feedback from you on what advice was most beneficial from the previous year, who you would like to hear from, and what we can add to our BBB series for you! Please fill out this short survey! CLICK HERE.


Caitlin Hopper