Covid-specific Services
GENERAL INFORMATION
For all local government information about covid-19, visit the LA City Covid-19 website. Their FAQ is here. Information on local events such as mobile vaccination clinics will be on our social media accounts or the blog.
TESTING & CONTACT TRACING
For information on covid-19 testing available in the city, please see Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing
SafePass, a contact-tracing mobile app, is now available for individuals throughout LA County. SafePass will allow LA County users to self-report their symptoms for COVID-19 and receive notifications and alerts directly from the LA County Department of Public Health. Learn more at citizen.com/safepass.
On December 10, California released CA Notify, an app for covid-19 exposure alerts. Download the app in the Apple Store or Google Play.
RENTAL & UTILITY ASSISTANCE FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS
Applications for tenants and landlords to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) opened on September 1, 2021. Those who are eligible can apply for utility bill and rent relief through the State at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122. More details here.
EVICTIONS
On January 29, 2021, Gov Newsom signed legislation extending the eviction moratorium in an effort to assist tenants and small business owners. Announcement explaining it is here.
You can get details here, with frequently asked questions and guidelines: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/noevictions/
LEGAL PROTECTIONS
For clarity on state eviction protections and City of LA tenant protections, see this document from the LA City Attorney.
LA Represents offers free legal services to assist individuals and small businesses with issues ranging from bankruptcy matters, commercial leases, domestic violence, consumer debt, employment law and much more. For more information visit Coronavirus.LACity.org/LARepresents
The Local Rental Owners Collaborative (LROC) is free and open to rental property owners in South LA who own between 2-20 units and have tenants who are behind in their rent due to COVID-19. If they qualify, this program will pay past due rent back to March 2020 through a grant.
The goal is to form a collaborative of local rental owners to help them maintain their buildings and retain ownership in an uncertain time. You can learn more at www.lalroc.com. Or apply online at www.avail.co/lroc.
BUSINESSES
On September 10, 2020, LA County launched the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certificate Program (CSCCP) to further help educate and train business owners on the implementation of LA County's COVID-19 safety protocols. CSCCP is a no-cost training for business owners and can be accessed online through DPH's COVID-19 website at publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/covid19cert.htm and will be available in 13 languages.
You can get free, one-on-one counseling and support from the L.A. County Help Center during the COVID-19 emergency. Call (833) 238-4450, visit LACountyHelpCenter.org, or email DisasterHelpCenter@lacounty.gov. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @LACHelpCenter
The city is providing low to no-interest loans up to $20k for small businesses with low income employees. See if you qualify here.
The City and County have regular grant cycles for small businesses and various business sectors. The LA Regional COVID Fund applications last closed May 2021. Led by the County of Los Angeles in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC LA), the LA Regional COVID-19 Recovery Fund was designed to provide a much-needed wave of financial relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.lisc.org/los-angeles
The City's Comeback Checks Program will provide about five thousand small businesses with $5k grants and the application closes November 2nd, 2021. Details on our blog here. Watch out for an extension of the program, which plans to award grants of up to $15,000 (or six months’ rent, whichever is less) to support rental/lease costs for about 800 small businesses in qualifying industries for both current and arrears rent payments. The program will also assist eligible new businesses that need assistance with first and last month rent.
WORKERS
Are you looking for a new job? The city has put together a web site to assist you. Check out the LAJobsPortal.org
The State of California also has job assistance information:
On December 7, the Mayor of LA opens applications for the Secure Emergency Relief for Vulnerable Employees (SERVE) to provide cash aid to food service workers who reside in the City of Los Angeles. SERVE will offer 4,000 food service workers with a one-time $800 stipend to help them during this critical period: https://corona-virus.la/SERVE
Are you an artist who has been impacted by cancelations of events or projects? The city has created the Arts Emergency Relief Fund to give up to $400 per individual or $1200 for ensembles.
FEMA FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
In April 2021, FEMA will provide up to $7,000 in funeral assistance for COVID-related deaths and expenses incurred. Visit the website here: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, they encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
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An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
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Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
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Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
A dedicated phone line will be set up to help with applications.
HELPING OTHERS
Looking to get involved and help out? Join the Neighborhood Council! You can also explore possibilities at LA City's list of volunteering and donation page.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 ASSISTANCE
For covid-19 related issues, you can also reach out to these two Council District 10 staff contacts: