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:

• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
  • INFO: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance 
• Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF)
  • The SBA is launching RRF within the next two weeks - launch date and written guidelines are in the final stages. (4.9.2021)
  • FAQ: https://restaurant.org/downloads/pdfs/business/faq_revitalization_grants
  • Info will be shared as soon as it's available.
• Assistance Programs for Renters and Homeowners
  • Assistance for Renters: 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. Full program details and an eligibility precheck are available under "Assistance for Renters" at IowaHousingRecovery.com.
  • Assistance for Homeowners: The Iowa Homeowner Eviction Prevention Program will reopen to provide 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. The short-term program will be available until funds are exhausted or a new federal program is launched. Program funding is provided through federal CARES Act funds. Program eligibility details are available under Assistance for Homeowners at IowaHousingRecovery.com.

• Recovery Rebate Credit - If you didn’t get the full Economic Impact Payment, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS and Treasury have issued all first and second Economic Impact Payments. If you didn’t get any Economic Impact Payments or got less than the full amounts, you may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return to claim the credit even if you don’t normally file. INFO: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit
• Paycheck Protection Program:
  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
  • Paycheck Protection Program has been extended to May 31
  • 1. Find a lender:
    • Get matched with a lender
    • Search for lenders in your area

    2. Identify a loan:

    • First Draw PPP loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP loans are available to you.
    • Second Draw PPP loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL):
  • The deadline to apply for a COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan has been extended to December 31, 2021. The application portal is open to eligible small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural businesses impacted by COVID19. Apply for assistance here: https://sba.gov/disaster. 
    • Targeted EIDL Advance FAQ (2.8.2021)
• Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: Emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic.
  • Due to technical difficulties, SBA has temporarily suspended the SVOG application portal. SBA is working closely with the portal vendors to reopen as soon as possible. SBA will share advance notice of the time and date before the reopening so all applicants can be prepared and to ensure equitable access. Applicants may continue to register for a new account. (4.9.2021)
  • INFO: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant#section-header-2

Osceola Regional Health Center:

• Pam Juber, Director of Public Health at Osceola Community Health Services shares updates regarding county COVID-19 positivity rates, vaccine availability for those over the age of 18 and instructions for scheduling an appointment. (4.9.2021)
• Pam Juber, Director of Public Health at Osceola Community Health Services shares updates regarding county COVID-19 positivity rates, shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine recipient eligibility and scheduling instruction for upcoming clinics. (4.1.2021)
  • To submit your form to receive the vaccination, please visit osceolarhc.org/covid-19-vaccine.
• Talking with Children about COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
• Avera New Normal Business Toolkit
• Osceola County (IA) Mental Health Coalition statement 
• Avera COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines

State of Iowa:

• Iowans are invited to COVID-19 vaccine information sessions - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Public Health and University of Iowa are partnering to host information sessions about the COVID-19 vaccine in April. The sessions will provide a virtual forum for Iowans to learn about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and have an opportunity to ask questions of experts in medicine and public health.
  • Sessions are scheduled for April 17, 19 and 24. There is no fee or registration required and the sessions are open to all.
  • Click here for info.
• Gov. Reynolds signs new Public Health Disaster proclamation - Gov. Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that extends critical regulatory relief for an additional 30 days to those on the frontlines of COVID19 recovery. The proclamation continues to strongly encourage Iowans, businesses, and organizations to take reasonable public health measures consistent with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The proclamation also continues to extend the waiver on transportation restrictions for overweight loads. The proclamation can found online here. (4.2.2021)
• Vaccinate Iowa website 
• Iowa COVID-19 Vaccine Web Page
• Gov. Reynolds encourages Iowans to step up, stop the spread
• COVID-19 Response: When to Quarantine For Business, Education, and Child Care Settings
• Test Iowa site 
• Iowa COVID-19 website
• Iowa Department of Public Health website

School District Updates:

• Sibley-Ocheyedan School District COVID-19 Information
• Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn School District updates
• Harris-Lake Park School District Updates
• Sheldon Community School District Updates

More Business Resources:

Resources for non-profits:

• Resources for Nonprofit Organizations from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
  
• Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19

Other resources:

1. COVID Recovery Iowa - free virtual counseling and assistance
2. Call 211 or 1-800-244-7431 if you have COVID-19 related questions (available 24/7)
3. Iowa Concern Hotline: 800-447-1985. 
4. Alliant Energy Energy Assistance 
5. COVID-19 Multi-Lingual Hotline: 1-877-558-2609. 
6. Iowa Legal Aid: 2020 Coronavirus Outbreak: What you need to know
7. Child Care Guidance in Response to COVID-19 from Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral - call (877) 216-8481.