Employee

Resource Center

Find help during job loss in the tourism industry

You are the Backbone of the Tourism Industry

The novel coronavirus has created unprecedented challenges for employees in the tourism industry. While we have done all we can to limit changes for our stakeholders, without a traveling public, there is no one to welcome.

Staff Members are the backbone of the hospitality industry. As our industry navigates its greatest ever challenge, we are compiling opportunities, support and information for employees in the tourism industry. Over the coming days, we will be adding to this list.

One thing we do know is that this will not last forever.

For now, we encourage you to make unforgettable memories with family and friends at home, stay safe and draw close to what matters most. When this challenging time passes, we will be stronger and more eager to share in the human experience and explore our world together again.

We are actively researching organizations and foundations who are providing support to workers/people in need. Here is a preliminary list but we will continue to add to it. If you know of a resource, please email info@floridaforgood.com

A majority of the content on this page is courtesy of Anna Eskamani for Florida House 47

Although the website is aimed at Central Florida, there are a lot of links and resources that can be used statewide and nationwide.

See the Anna Eskamani for Florida House 47 Website

What does this mean to me?

Direct payments to individuals

Direct economic relief via stimulus checks of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year. $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, and an extra $600 for dependent children that are under 17 years old.

Extension for unemployment benefits

$300/week extra + state unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021

Protection against foreclosures & evictions

Eligible renters will receive the assistance to pay for rent, utility payments, any unpaid rent and/or unpaid utility bills for up to 12 months.
Details About the December 2020 COVID Relief Package HERE

Free or Reduced-Cost Household Support

Download Printable Document

FindHelp.org – food assistance, bills, childcare, legal, jobs, & more

Connects people affected by COVID-19 to nearby free or reduced cost programs, searchable by zipcode.

$500 Grants for Former Front-Line Hotel Workers

The Above and Beyond Foundation will start issuing $500 grants to former front-line hotel workers this week.

Dial 211 to Speak to Someone

If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other services, use the search bar to find your local 211 or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help.

United Way COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund

Supports communities struggling in the wake of the new virus.

Access Florida – Dept of Children and Families

Apply for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (TANF) or Medicaid. Phone number:  850-300-4323

Second Harvest Food Locator

If you live in Central Florida, you can get food assistance at a center near you.

Free Meals For Kids Under 18

Text FLKIDSMEALS to 211–211

Find Your Local Food Bank

Feeding America food banks serve large areas and will be able to find a feeding program in your local community.

Utilities that have & have not suspended disconnects

The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) is tracking which utility companies that sell electricity and gas in the US are suspending disconnections during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as regulators mandating suspensions.

Utility, phone and internet companies are giving consumers a break

Many utilities and telecommunications companies are easing shutoffs and waiving late fees to accommodate consumers who might be struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Relief Fund for Restaurant & Gig Workers

Providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers, and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.

Comcast Gives 2 Free Months of Internet to Low-Income Households

New Internet Essentials customers receive 2 free months of Internet service, (qualified low-income households) for $9.95/mo. + tax. Also, speed increased to 25 Mbps.

Free Testing For Coronavirus (FL)

All individuals will have access to tests at no cost.

FHFA Suspends Foreclosures & Evictions

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to coronavirus.

Economic impact payments

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. Others are eligible too.

Employment (or lack of) Resources

Download Printable Document

COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance

If your employment has been negatively impacted, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as unemployment compensation).

Short Term Employment Resources

The AHLA Foundation is providing access to thousands of temporary, seasonal, and part-time job opportunities across the US for displaced hotel employees.

Workforce Programs in Florida

Florida’s CareerSource service network – hosted by FL Department of Economic Opportunity.

Best Job Search Sites

All job search sites are not equal. Use the most popular job-finding websites to help you discover the best jobs.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

FL Employee Job Opportunites

List of temporary and seasonal jobs available now.

Hilton Workforce Resource Center

Premier partners who are expediting Hilton team member hiring.

Legacy Vacation Resorts Is Hiring (FL, CO, NJ, NV)

HVAC, Housekeeping, Attendant, Engineering, Security, Maintenance and Guest Service.

Goodwill Job Connection Centers (JCC)

Connect with Goodwill’s Job Connection Center Virtual Team for virtual services including job search assistance, connection to community resources, résumé writing assistance, and more.

Many Short-Term Job Listings

The AHLA foundation is connecting employees who have lost their job or seen a reduction in hours with short-term job opportunities.

Free Online Certifications

Download Printable Document

Professional Development Scholarships

Access AHLA’s complimentary portfolio of professional certifications, allowing individuals to grow their industry knowledge, enhance their professional skills, and receive industry recognition.

Special Events Contigency Planning

Public safety agency personnel information related to pre-event planning, planning team, event hazard analysis, and responding to incidents.

LinkedIn Learning

Social Media Branding, Sound Mixing Boards, Artist Management, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship & Personal Branding.

Hotel Management

A broad overview of the hospitality industry as a whole, before outlining guest expectations and different types of accommodation.

Continuing Education Scholarships

Employees who wish to continue their education can also do so at no cost and entirely online. Complete a GED, take English as a second language education, or even begin college level associate degree.

Communication on COVID-19

Download Printable Document

Donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma

OneBlood is working with the public and clinicians to coordinate the delivery of potential life saving COVID-19 convalescent plasma to those in need.

Alert Florida

Florida’s Alert Notification Initiative. Individuals and businesses can learn how to receive emergency alerts and other public safety notifications directly from their local jurisdictions.

Florida Dept of Health Coronavirus Hotline

The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 at 1 (866) 779-6121.

Florida Dept of Health COVID-19 Dashboard

To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus – updated twice daily.

Sexual Assult & Domestic Violence Support

Download Printable Document

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.

Get help without saying a word. Online chat is available 24/7/365 HERE. Or call the hotline at 800-799-7233

Victim Service Center of Central Florida

24/7 Crisis Hotline is available for people who experience sexual assault during this time and need a forensic exam evidence collection kit done. Can also be used for brief crisis prevention (15 minutes or less).

Call 407-500-4325

Harbor House of Central Florida

24/7 hotline staffed by Advocates to help people get through this time when they may be in close quarters with someone who is abusive.

Call 407-886-2856 or click HERE.

Mental Health Resources

As we enter this new and unprecedented phase of the pandemic, we are inundated with guidelines about how to keep ourselves and our families healthy and virus-free. Yet a key item on the list — social distancing — poses unprecedented challenges to our mental and emotional well being, and requires consideration. The risk may be especially high for our children, who are suddenly cut off from school and friends.

Download Printable Document

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Click HERE and/or call 407–253–1900.

Scientific American: COVID-19

Dealing with Social Distancing

Peer Support Space

Click HERE

Mental Health Association

Click HERE

APA Coronavirus Resources

Click HERE