Orlando Web Design
In just the month of April, the U.S. lost over 20 million jobs. This is almost twice the number of jobs lost during the entire 2007-2009 recession. What’s worse, unemployment is hitting low-wage workers in hospitality, retail, and manufacturing harder than any other sector, impacting people who were already struggling financially the most.
In this article, we’ll cover more information about the unemployment crisis and ways you can help. If you are fortunate enough to still have income, we will give some suggestions of ways we can all pitch in to help those in crisis and to help our local and national economies rebound as quickly as possible.
Worst Downturn Since the Great Depression
Families are making difficult decision to cope with the crisis, including foregoing rent payments and losing their medical insurance. Food banks in Central Florida are overwhelmed and are doing everything possible to keep up with the growing need.
Women and minorities are disproportionately impacted by job loss right now. Level of education is making for the biggest gap, since many college graduates have jobs that allow them to work from home. Right now, “workers without any college education are losing their jobs at about four times the rate of their college-graduate peers,” according to the Washington Post. Unemployment levels of people without a high school degree have risen to 21.2%.
Ways You Can Help
1. Donate to Local Non-Profits
If we have the resources, we all can help by making donations to the crisis response. These local Orlando organizations are going above and beyond to assist individuals with rent, utilities bills, food, and more.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest has several programs to distribute foods to individuals and families in the Orlando area. Their need for financial donations is greater than ever. They are accepting food donations. Learn more or donate here.
United Way ALICE Fund
The United Way foundation is Central Florida’s main resource for locating any type of assistance: rent and utilities assistance, food distribution, healthcare and much more. Anyone can call 2-1-1 to be directed to needed resources, or use the online chat feature. You can make a donation to their ALICE fund which is providing immediate relief to families here.
Seniors First (Meals on Wheels)
Seniors First is seeking financial donations to meet the needs of the thousands of senior citizens they serve in the Orlando area with hot meals and other assistance. Make a donation to Seniors First here.
One Heart for Women and Children
One Heart for Women and Children is an Orlando non-profit providing immediate assistance to families in need, including food distribution. Click here to learn more about One Heart for Women and Children and to donate.
Orange County Non-Profits and Assistance
Orange County has created a COVID-19 Resource Page with links to apply for government assistance and access help through non-profits. You can also make a donation to the organizations listed here. Click here to view Resource Page.
2. Lend a Hand
Make a personal gift to an individual you know who has lost their job. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in a crisis to help everyone get through.
3. Support Small Businesses
Small businesses are most vulnerable to a recession. We can all help small businesses survive by buying from local businesses and promoting their services with friends and family. If you don’t want to venture out, call to ask if they are taking online or mail orders and spread the word.
During the great recession, business with fewer than 250 employees accounted for 45% of U.S. employment, but made up 62% of net job loss from 2008-2009. Our loyalty as customers counts now more than ever.
4. Donate to Local Hospitals
Local hospitals are receiving various kinds of financial and material donations.
Orlando Health
Orlando Health in a non-profit hospital system and is receiving financial donations.
You can also donate homemade cloth masks to Orlando Health to help combat the pandemic. These masks are used for non-clinical situations. You can find all of the specifications and instructions here.
Advent Health
Advent Health is receiving donations of food for medical workers, as well as care packages, lodging, blankets, and financial donations.
Digital Marketing Orlando
In response to the pandemic, M5 Design Studio is volunteering hours to local businesses to help update your website and Google My Business profile with your response to COVID-19. We are also available for free virtual and phone consultations for our web web design, graphic design, Google Ads, SEO and social media management services. Contact us for a free consultation or call us at (407) 968-6296.
