Community resources in Southern Nevada for people affected by coronavirus

Here are some of the ways state and local governments, non-profit organizations and businesses are trying to help people. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

Financial

Unemployment: Nevada has waived the work search requirement and the seven-day waiting period for people filing for unemployment. The unemployment insurance claim filing system is available here. The department is encouraging people to file online, and has released two how-to videos for those wanting instructions on how to file a claim. (click here for video in English, click here for video in Spanish)

Small business loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal loans for small businesses suffering substantial economic injury (click here for details).

Taxes The Internal Revenue Service has pushed the deadline for filing taxes from April 15 to July 15. (click here for details)

Student loans Interest is temporarily waived on federal student loans and borrowers have the option of suspending payments for 60 days. (click here for more info)

Legal Aid of Southern Nevada has compiled a legal & financial toolkit. (click here to access)

Housing

Evictions The state of Nevada has issued a moratorium on evictions.

Foreclosures The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced all foreclosures and evictions will be suspended on FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac mortgages for the next 60 days. (This applies to approximately 85% of Nevada homeowners.)

Mortgage assistance Most lenders have agreed to waive late fees on mortgage payments for the next 90 days. Homeowners also need not worry about their credit score being negatively impacted, as late payments will not be reported to credit agencies so long as the homeowner has worked with their lender, according to state Treasurer Zach Conine. The treasurer’s office has developed a guide for Nevadans to find out what relief options are available, as well as phone number they need to call to get help with their mortgage.

United Way has put together a list of nonprofit providers and the services they offer, including housing options (click here for English version, click here for Spanish version)

Food

For K-12 students: The Nevada Department of Agriculture has set up food and academic resource distribution sites across Southern Nevada. These sites are offering breakfast and lunch. Students must be present to receive food. (click here for list of them, click here for interactive map)

For everyone: Three Square and partners are providing food at emergency distribution sites. (click here for list and map)

For seniors: Three Square encourages residents 60 years of age and older who need food assistance to call (702) 765-4030 Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for assistance.

Outside of Clark County: The Department of Agriculture has a list of school and community food resources on its website (click here)

United Way has put together a list of nonprofit providers and the services they offer, including food assistance (click here for English version, click here for Spanish version)

Smith’s Food & Drug Stores is providing dedicated shopping hours for seniors, the population most vulnerable to COVID-19. From 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only customers 60 years old or older will be allowed in. They are also waiving their pick-up fee for these customers. Dollar General has announced it will similarly dedicate the first hour of operations each day to seniors. Hours vary by location. Whole Foods has announced shoppers 60 and older can visit its stores one hour before posted opening time in order to shop.

Internet Most telephone and internet providers across the country have pledged to halt suspensions, waive late fees and open their Wi-Fi hotspots to all (details here). This includes Cox Communications, CenturyLink and AT&T.

Health care

Silver State Health Insurance Exchange is allowing qualified Nevadans to enroll in a health plan until April 15. Enroll at Nevada Health Link (click here)

Federal agencies

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s office has prepared an extensive Disaster Resource Guide to help Nevadans access federal resources. The guide has a particular emphasis on resources that will support small businesses and provide relief to families and workers.

Safety

The Family Law Self-Help Center is processing domestic violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO) applications by phone, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those facing domestic violence should call 702-455-1500 to get a TPO facilitated by phone. Help is also available by email [email protected].

Utilities

NV Energy has said it will suspend disconnects for non-payment for customers directly impacted by the public health crisis. They will also waive late fees and deposits for customers who experience financial hardships or are unable to pay due to self-isolation. Customers have been told to contact the customer care center for options, (702) 402-5555 in Southern Nevada and (775) 834-4444 in Northern Nevada.

Southwest Gas has said service disconnections are suspended indefinitely.

Las Vegas Valley Water District has temporarily suspended customer shutoffs for delinquent and/or non-payment. The City of Henderson has also temporarily suspended water service shutoffs for customers financially impacted by pandemic.

Misc.

Las Vegas Clark County Library District libraries are closed indefinitely. The library is suspending fines and asks patrons to keep any materials they current have borrowed. The library’s website has free electronic content and programs. (If you don’t have a card, you can now signup for one online.) LVCCLD also notes that its free WiFi extends into parking lots. (additional info here) Henderson Libraries are similarly closed and waiving fees (additional info here).

Nonprofits The Nevada Community Foundation has established an emergency response fund to support Nevada nonprofit organizations. This fund will not be for individuals but for nonprofits. (click here for info on donating)

The Nevada Current isn’t the only one who’s created a resource list. Here are others that may address other needs you are having: State of Nevada, Battle Born Progress

This list will be continually updated. Let us know what we’re missing. Email information to [email protected]