As the situation with the coronavirus unfolds, it is becoming clearer how people in our community are already feeling the impact of the virus in their paychecks and household budgets. Their stories are a stark reminder of how many of our neighbors live week to week and that one emergency, one unforeseen challenge can throw their lives off course.
One person who has been impacted is Kenn, a server and trainer at a restaurant on International Drive. When large conventions cancelled their meetings due to the coronavirus, the restaurant he works at lost 300 reservations in one night. He was asked not to come in to work that day and that was just the beginning.
In the last week, he has only worked on shift, and even then was sent home early. He is already feeling the trickle-down effect of this economic crisis on his daily life and calls it “a real mess.”
If you find yourself in a situation like Kenn and need food assistance, please visit Second Harvest’s online food finder to locate an emergency food pantry or feeding partner near you. Please be sure to call before heading out to make sure the hours and location has not changed. If you find yourself in need of assistance over the weekend, please call United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline.
With more event cancellations and travel restrictions being announced daily, more hourly workers and their families will be impacted in the weeks ahead. You can help make sure that food, water and hope are available for those in need when they need it most. Two ways to help today:
- Donate
- Start a Virtual Food Drive
Stay calm and take precautions. We’ll get through this together.