The Wyoming Legislative Service Office provided this guide of COVID-19 state and federal resources for emergency assistance to individuals, families and small businesses. The Sheridan Press has added local resources; to contribute to this list, email editor@thesheridanpress.com.

LOCAL RESOURCES

The Salvation Army of Sheridan has been meeting the needs of people who need a hand up without discrimination since 1915, and the organization’s staff and volunteers are ready and able to continue to do so during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a list of aid available:

• Harvest Food Pantry (located at The Salvation Army, 150 S. Tschirgi St.) remains open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m., when those in need can pick up a bag of food at the front door. We have social distancing guidelines in place, surfaces are being disinfected constantly and staff are wearing protective gear.

• Once per month, in lieu of a Harvest Food Bag, income-qualifying individuals can pick up a USDA Government Commodities Food Box the same days of the week and same times. Some paperwork will need to be filled out.

• The organization is fielding phone calls from those who have been ordered to isolate for two weeks and from those in high risk categories who are choosing to self-isolate. The Salvation Army is purchasing and delivering needed food and other requested supplies on a case-by-case basis.

• If you have questions about any of the three food related services, call 307-672-2444.

• The Salvation Army recognizes that many people in the community are experiencing financial burdens during this crisis through layoffs, furloughs, reduction in hours, etc. and stands ready to help. The Salvation Army social service director can be reached at 307-752-4217 to help those with any non-food related assistance (rent, utilities, etc.).

• The Salvation Army is offering spiritual ministry via live-streamed Sunday school and church services. Find the organization on Facebook for additional information.

STATE OF WYOMING COVID-19 RESOURCES

State of Wyoming COVID-19 website includes links for information and resources for Health; Education; Business, Financial and Employees; State Services and Operations; and Transportation Infrastructure.

Business Services

Wyoming Business Council (WBC) COVID-19 Response Tips

Wyoming Small Businesses can apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) here

SBA Office of Disaster Assistance: 1-800-659-2955.

The WBC website states it is critical the EIDL application be correct and thorough, so Wyoming small business owners are encouraged to reach out to

Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) regional directors or WBC regional directors for assistance in completing the SBA forms here

Wyoming Employers COVID-19 Resources: here

Wyoming Employees COVID-19 Resources: here

Wyoming Communities COVID-19 Resources: here

Wyoming Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office:  here; telephone: 307-261-6500.

The Wyoming SBA Office encourages small businesses to check SBA program updates on the federal SBA website or the Wyoming SBA District Office Twitter account

Small business owners can also contact their local Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network representative by visiting this website.

State Services and Resources

Wyoming State Services and Resources: here

Wyoming 2-1-1: Statewide helpline which provides free, confidential information and referrals to health and human services. By dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state of Wyoming, people are linked to information about COVID-19 as well as local resources, from both government and nonprofit agencies.

Unemployment Benefits: Apply for benefits online. If no internet access, call the WY Unemployment Office: (307) 473-3789; call volumes are very heavy, so may need to call back.

Health Insurance: Workers who have lost their job are eligible to enroll in health insurance through the federal marketplace. Enroll Wyoming online or call 2-1-1 to speak with a local health insurance navigator.

Food Assistance: Wyoming Hunger Initiative COVID-19 response: here

Provides a county-by-county list of school districts distributing breakfasts and lunches to students, as well as local Food Pantries providing food assistance to individuals and families.

Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS): here

The DFS website reports there are currently no delays for receiving benefits DFS programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance, and Child Care Assistance. If you find yourself in need of assistance or have questions on an already open case, contact your local field office

FEDERAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

The CARES Act programs, U.S. Treasury website includes the following links:

American Workers and Families Economic Impact Payments:

Distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file income tax returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Check the IRS website for updates.

Payroll Support for Businesses: The U.S. Treasury Department will be providing guidance and updates on program implementation here.

As of March 31, 2020, the website provides guidance for Payroll Support and Loans to Air Carriers and Eligible Businesses and National Security Businesses only. Check the above link for updates.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) programs, U.S. Dept of Labor website

Provides funds to small businesses with not more than 500 employees to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The above DOL link also provides the following fact sheets:

Employee Paid Leave Rights under the FFCRA: here

Employer Paid Leave Responsibilities under the FFCRA: here

U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 loan programs and debt relief: here

Includes the following links:

Paycheck Protection Program loans: Provides loans of up to $10 million to small businesses with not more than 500 employees, including eligible non-profits, Veterans organizations, Tribal small business concerns, agricultural cooperatives, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors, to meet payroll and certain other expenses. If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.

Paycheck Protection Program applications and information for borrowers and lenders can be found on the U.S. Treasury website.

Paycheck Protection Loans will be issued by qualified SBA lenders. The Wyoming SBA District Office website provides a list of 2020 Wyoming SBA Lenders.

NOTE: Applicants must apply for loans through their local bank or other local lending institution. Going through a lender of which an applicant is not already a customer will only slow down an application.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): here

Provides working capital loans of up to $2 million to small businesses with not more than 500 employees, including eligible non-profits, Veterans organizations, Tribal small business concerns, agricultural cooperatives, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors. Small business owners can apply for a loan advance of up to $10,000 to provide economic relief for temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. Small businesses can apply for EIDL loans online. SBA Office of Disaster Assistance: 1-800-659-2955

SBA Express Bridge Loans for small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender. Provides up to $25,000 with less paperwork and a fast turnaround. To find an Express Bridge Loan Lender, contact the SBA District Office in Casper, WY: website form or telephone: 307-261-6500.

For assistance or updates about these and other SBA programs, see the Wyoming Small Business Administration (SBA) links and contact information listed above under State COVID-19 Resources.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development COVID-19 Response: The website includes information about measures to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by COVID-19 with regard to the USDA Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

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