Our team put together a starting place of helpful tips and links whether you find yourself without a job or you are a business owner/manager helping employees. Note: If you run a business, be sure to read the COVID-19 Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist here and also found in this Business Toolkit section under Stay Safe. Stay Local. Stay Informed to learn about Economic Disaster Injury Loans and the Payroll Protection Program.
Steps to Take if You Become Unemployed During COVID-19
Apply for Unemployment
If you find yourself furloughed, laid off, or have seen your hours significantly reduced, you should research filing a claim for unemployment benefits. All relevant resources to file a claim for unemployment benefits are online at the Alabama Department of Labor.
https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx
Plan Financially
Whether it is budget planning, retirement planning, mortgage planning, or any other financial planning, now is a crucial time to work with your primary bank, accountant, or financial planner to create a short-term or long-term plan. There are many of these entities that are members of the Mobile Area Chamber. For a list of this members, please use the following links:
Mobile Area Chamber Member Banks
Mobile Area Chamber Member Accountants & CPAs
Mobile Area Chamber Member Financial Planners & Consultants
Communicate with your Utility Providers
During this difficult time, our utility partners are here to help. If you should have questions about your monthly bills, you can contact your utility companies through the following links. Many of the webpages have updated information on COVID-19.
Power
Gas
Water
Take Advantage of Community Programs
There are many organizations in our community offering assistance – from food banks to charity organizations. Below are various links to community programs offered for COVID-19 assistance:
City of Mobile Parks and Recreation – Providing meals for youth
The Community Foundation of South Alabama
Mobile Area Disaster Relief Fund for those affected by COVID-19
Feeding the Gulf Coast – Providing meals for families
Lifelines Counseling Services – Family counseling and crisis services
Mobile County Public School System – Providing meals for youth
Make an Appointment with a Local Staffing Agency
There are still opportunities for employment. Many of our local staffing agency members are continuously looking for individuals with different skill sets. If you should find yourself needing additional employment opportunities, make sure to reach out to one of the following members to find the opportunity that is right for you.
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employee Assistance
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employee Benefit
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employee Leasing
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employee Staffing
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employment Agencies & Consultants
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employment Contractor
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employment Services
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employment Services – Employee Lease
Mobile Area Chamber Member Employment Training Center
Other Resources
Update your Resume
There are many resources available to assist you in updating your resume. The Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment (SWAPTE) and the Alabama Career Center are partnering to offer individuals businesses many free resources. Find it here.
Train for a New Career at a Local Community College:
During this time, take advantage of the multitude of training opportunities in the Mobile area. Whether you want to learn a new trade, increase your skill set, or improve your capabilities, our partners at Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College and AIDT have you covered.
Bishop State Community College
Career Technical Education Programs
Coastal Alabama Community College
AIDT
Useful Webinars:
Workforce Recovery – COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Webinar