Resources and Facts Amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is upon us. Artists and workers in the service industry are among the highly impacted members of our community in these unsettling and uncertain times.
To serve humanity in the creation of works that make life more sensible, more bearable, and enjoyable is the task of the artist. As creative people, how do we begin to think about solutions to the impact of this crisis to our community?
Anxiety and a sense of uncertainty about the future are normal reactions to these troubling times. But it is also important to remember that we have been through calamities, disasters, outbreaks, even threats of mass extinction before, and it might be a small feat but also a powerful process of manifestation to believe that together we will get through this and survive.
We all can make our own individual contributions and, in turn, collectively do what we can in dealing with this crisis. Here are some resources and facts:
Information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Coronavirus (COVID-19) facts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Official Guidelines from the State of California
Coronavirus (COVID-19) facts from the San Francisco Department of Public Health
Shelter in Place order for all San Francisco Bay Area residents
We do have to take the necessary precautions to stay physically safe and healthy, but we also have to do what we can to keep our mind healthy in spite of it all. A way to do this is to stay well informed by actual facts about the virus and the pandemic. Not just the negative facts and the escalating threat that it poses, but also looking at the positive side can tremendously help balance our thoughts and mental state during these troubling times.
We stand in solidarity with artists and workers in the service industry who are highly impacted by this crisis. A practical and significant way in helping impacted members of our community is by making a contribution to The Safety Net Fund; a non-profit designed to help support artists in the San Francisco Bay Area during the COVID-19 crisis:
Make a donation to The Safety Net Fund
Here’s link to resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to freelance artists of all disciplines:
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
Other Resources:
San Francisco
Mayor's Order of Moratorium on Evictions (provides language on how to notify landlord of inability to pay rent due to public health crisis. "Tenants will have up to six months after the termination of the emergency declaration to repay any back due rent.")
Small Business - Deferral of Business Taxes and License Fees (Gross Receipts Tax, Payroll Expense Tax, Commercial Rents tax, Homelessness Gross Receipts tax are now due 3/1/2021; Business License Fee now due 6/30/2020)
Small Business Resiliency Fund (up to $10K grants)
Revolving Loan Fund & Emerging Business Loan Fund ($10K-250K loans)
SF Mayor London Breed’s Arts Relief Program:
Oakland
Assistance with Business Taxes
Oakland Launch & Affordable Capital for East Oakland ($10K-250K loans)
Other Loans (including Working Solutions and Kiva Zip)
For nightlife workers who are experiencing economic insecurity
USBG National Charity Foundation's Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
The human spirit is strong and resilient to endure all that life brings. We have history as proof of this strength and resilience to stand and live through all forms of crises and oppression. This too, shall pass.