Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Please continue to check this page for updated resources to assist businesses and our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial assistance programs:
- The Emergency Rental Assistance program can help cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs to keep residents in their homes.
- If you are experiencing challenges paying your energy bills, reach out to Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc, 1672 Northwest Blvd., Sibley IA. 712-754-2573
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website allows renters and landlords to find information on rental assistance in their area: consumerfinance.gov/renthelp. The CFPB website offers resources in English and Spanish to help renters and landlords access additional financial assistance related to housing costs.
- Renters: The Emergency Rental Assistance program was created to help renters cover their housing-related costs and stay in stable housing during the pandemic.
The rental aid is distributed through your state and local governments. - Landlords: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many landlords are getting reduced rental income and finding it difficult to make ends meet. Rental assistance programs can help you and your tenants cover missed payments and underpayments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Renters: The Emergency Rental Assistance program was created to help renters cover their housing-related costs and stay in stable housing during the pandemic.
- Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using its online portal.
- Small Business Tax Credit Programs - The American Rescue Plan extends a number of critical tax benefits, particularly the Employee Retention Credit and Paid Leave Credit, to small businesses. INFO.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - The deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic EIDL was December 31, 2021. https://sba.gov/disaster
- Assistance Programs for Renters and Homeowners - visit IowaHousingRecovery.com.
- The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program will provide eligible COVID-19 impacted renters with rent and/or utility assistance for a total of up to 12 months.
- The Iowa Homeowner Eviction Prevention Program provides eligible COVID-19 impacted homeowners at imminent risk of eviction with mortgage assistance for up to four months, with a maximum assistance per household of $3,600.
Osceola Regional Health Center:
- Updates from Osceola Community Health Services
- Avera New Normal Business Toolkit
- Osceola County (IA) Mental Health Coalition statement
- Avera COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines
State of Iowa:
- Iowa COVID-19 Vaccine Web Page
- COVID-19 Response: When to Quarantine For Business, Education, and Child Care Settings
- Iowa COVID-19 website
- Iowa Department of Public Health website
More Business Resources:
- Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses
- Iowa Economic Development Authority COVID-19 Recovery Guidance
- Iowa's SBDC resources with printable posters and checklists that businesses can use during the pandemic.
- Iowa Restaurant Association resources
Resources for non-profits:
- Resources for Nonprofit Organizations from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
- Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19
Other resources:
- COVID Recovery Iowa - free virtual counseling and assistance
- Call 211 or 1-800-244-7431 if you have COVID-19 related questions (available 24/7)
- Iowa Concern Hotline: 800-447-1985.
- Alliant Energy Energy Assistance
- COVID-19 Multi-Lingual Hotline: 1-877-558-2609.
- Iowa Legal Aid: 2020 Coronavirus Outbreak: What you need to know
- Child Care Guidance in Response to COVID-19 from Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral - call (877) 216-8481.