COVID-19
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
We have compiled the list of resources below to help businesses and individuals quickly find the help they need. We will update it as information becomes available.
Although we are working remotely to follow recommendations for safety and social distancing, we continue to work with and advocate on behalf of impacted businesses and individuals in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. We are available to assist you!
Businesses: If you have questions or concerns about your workforce needs, please contact our Business Services Team.
Individuals: For help with unemployment claims contact the Employment Security Department. For training and employment services contact WorkSource.
Resources for Business
Need help knowing where to start? Try the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Clark and Cowlitz counties: Jerry Petrick, 360-952-4987 or petrick@wsbdc.org
- Portland-area: call 971-722-5080, email sbdc@pcc.edu
- Other Oregon SBDC offices
- Washington SBDC offices
Financial Assistance for Businesses
- Although the Paycheck Protection Program ended in the summer, a new COVID relief package may restart it. Check the website for updates.
- Federal Reserve emergency Main Street Lending Program for small and midsize businesses.
- The SBA Disaster Assistance for small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses.
- SBA Express Bridge Loan allows small businesses that have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000.
- From the SBA, Coronavirus Recovery Information in Other Languages
- WA State Department of Revenue (DOR) can work with impacted companies that request an extension on tax filing and affected businesses that owe Washington taxes may qualify for assistance.
Workforce Resources
Several programs are available that can help businesses affected by COVID-19, including layoff aversion programs.
- The SharedWork program (videos here) allows businesses to reduce employee hours and avoid layoffs. Employees can collect partial unemployment benefits.
- For temporary layoffs due to a slowdown in business or sick/quarantined employees, you may request to place an employee on standby. Your employee can collect unemployment benefits without looking for other work.
- This reference guide lists COVID-19 scenarios where Employment Security and other state agencies may be able to help.
- Layoff assistance information.
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Q&A for employers and workers.
Reopening Resources
- Department of Commerce COVID-19 resources
- Association of Washington Businesses’ comprehensive Rebound + Recovery toolkit.
- Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses affected by COVID-19. View federal agency resources, access the latest news, and search for a Small Business Advisor near you.
Resources for Individuals
Whether it’s help finding a new job, signing up for unemployment benefits, searching for childcare or health questions, resources are available.
Unemployment Insurance
Update Jan. 19, 2021: Job search requirements are suspended until the Pandemic State of Emergency is withdrawn by the Governor or legislative action, whichever is first. You can continue to answer “no” to the job search question on your weekly claim until the suspension is lifted. Get details and alerts from the Employment Security Department.
A little preparation before filing could save you time and reduce stress.
- Read the WA State Unemployment Insurance Frequently Asked Questions.
- Then go to the unemployment website and review the checklist, watch the how to open a SAW account video, and see other resources.
- An easy-to-read comparison guide lists some of the most common COVID-19 scenarios that may occur and the benefits that may apply (paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, paid family & medical leave, and industrial L&I insurance)
- Layoff assistance information
- Resources and FAQs for employees impacted by COVID-19
- Looking to return to work? Check out the return to work page on ESD’s website.
- If you can’t yet return to work due to the crisis, visit refusal of work page.
- If you’ve been working in Oregon and have lost your job, visit the Oregon Employment Department.
Job Search + Training Support
Our WorkSource and Next partners are available to help individuals seeking job search and training assistance.
- WorkSource
- Next (ages 16-24)
- Companies are hiring, see a list of current job openings
Financial
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Q&A for workers and employers
- WA State Department of Financial Institutions’ list of financial resources (mortgage, student loans, rent, utilities, food, etc.) for residents impacted by the coronavirus
For Hispanic + Latinx Communities
- Clark County Latino Youth Conference
- Fourth Plain Forward
- Latino Community Resource Group
- Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens
- Business Resources – Columbia River Economic Development Council
For Blind Individuals
- Blind Covid – Empowering blind and low vision individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Blind Covid Access line: 360-947-3330
- Email: blindcovid@wssb.wa.gov
Child Care
- If your child care facility closed due to COVID-19, contact Child Care Aware of Washington’s Family Center at 1.800.446.1114 or familycenter@childcare.org for help searching for alternative child care. Child Care Aware is a nonprofit child care resource and referral program for Washington State.
- Educational Service District 112 Child Care Resource and Referral line 360.952.3466
- If you are an essential worker or first responder and need immediate childcare, WeeCare is opening up its full directory across the nation and 24/7 service to find, locate and place you immediately at a home daycare for back-up care. To learn more visit https://weecare.co/daycare-near-me or call 310.929.9579.
Workforce Impact
As we continue to address the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 health crisis, the workforce system plays a vital role.
Individuals that are out of work are turning to the workforce system for many of the benefits and services included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. In addition, businesses are continuing to reach out to us for assistance in identifying and implementing options to meet their evolving workforce needs.
Read our newsletters about what we have been experiencing and how we are working to assist companies and individuals so our region and economy can recover.
