Hospitality, music, art, and culture are pillars of this city, and make New Orleans an extraordinary place to live. We stand in solidarity with the hardworking people of New Orleans who are facing difficult weeks ahead, as their work hours are limited or even eliminated.
We understand the severity of this crisis, and voluntarily closed our doors to the public on March 16th. Protective measures have to be taken in order to “flatten the curve" of this pandemic, and looking out for our individual health also means protecting the health of others. While these steps are necessary for all of us to do as a community, they definitely are not easy.
Thankfully there are awesome local programs that support the health and welfare of the service industry workers and culture bearers who make our city a soulful, vibrant place. We have compiled some resources below, whether you are drawn to donate or need to seek services. We love you, New Orleans, and we can’t wait to laissez les bon temps rouler together again soon!
LOUISIANA WORKFORCE COMMISSION
Some businesses are slimming hours or shutting down operations entirely. If doing so caused you to reduce your hours or lose your job, you may be able to file for unemployment benefits. Please be patient and kind through this process, as the LWC system is currently very busy. It is not guaranteed that everyone will qualify. Be sure to state that your reduction in hours is due to COVID-19. The Claim Center phone number is 1-866-783-5567 and their hours are 8am-7pm.
NEW ORLEANS MUSICIANS CLINIC
The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic has provided medical care to musicians and artists in New Orleans for over 20 years! They offer health services for musicians, performers, cultural workers and tradition bearers of New Orleans (Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid & Pleasure Club Members). They serve any patient over the age of 19 and their family, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The NOMC also accepts private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.
How to give: DONATE TO NEW ORLEANS MUSICIANS’ CLINIC
How to receive services: PATIENT INFORMATION
LOUISIANA HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION: CRISIS GRANT
The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Louisiana’s hospitality industry through support of individuals within the community. One of the ways they do this is by providing financial assistance and/or guidance to people in the hospitality industry during times of crisis.
How to give: DONATE TO LOUISIANA HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION (We suggest noting that you would like your donation to be dedicated to Crisis Grant funding in their donation form’s comment section)
How to apply for a Crisis Grant: APPLY FOR A LOUISIANA HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION CRISIS GRANT
HEALTHY HOSPITALITY
Healthy Hospitality connects hospitality workers to affordable, accessible health care in the New Orleans area. An initiative of 504HealthNet and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the program guides industry workers to clinics that provide the services they need at times and locations that are convenient for them.
How to give: DONATE TO 504HEALTHNET
Where to find a provider: FIND A CLINIC
FREELANCE ARTISTS
A fantastic group of 7 people decided to compile a list of as many resources and relief funding opportunities for artists that they could find. This list is ever-evolving, and has information that can benefit local artists and artists across the country. It includes everything from emergency funding to best practices for online teaching.
COVID-19 FREELANCE ARTIST RESOURCES
GIG ECONOMY WORKERS
At a local level, the New Orleans Business Alliance has started a relief fund for gig economy workers. With easy to follow guidelines for how to apply for awards up to $1,000, you may submit an application every 6 weeks.
How to give: DONATE (scroll to the bottom of the page)
How to seek funding: APPLY FOR RELIEF FUNDS (scroll to the middle of the page)
OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES
We know this is a difficult time for many small businesses too! If your small business is also working with a tight cash flow, Greater New Orleans Inc. has collected a great list of Business Assistance Resources that may be of use to you as a small business owner. Don’t forget to check information from the various local chambers of commerce too. Some are working with entities to try and set up funds for small businesses.
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce
At a national level, the US Small Business Administration is to provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses impacted by COVID-19.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE STAFF AT TCHOUP INDUSTRIES
In order to support our staff of 8, we have implemented a spending freeze on everything except staff wages. You can help our small business by shopping with our BEWELL19 discount or choosing to pay what you can for some Tchoup swag.
Shop Online: shop our entire online store using discount code BEWELL19
Support Our Team: with patch and sticker purchases
Have more New Orleans and Louisiana-based health and financial services to add? Comment below or shoot us a message! We want to help spread the word about organizations who are taking the initiative to provide services to the entertainment and service industry workers that we love.
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