Seattle Service Industry Fund Amid COVID-19
In a move to try to stem the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee announced an emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants and bars statewide. Our hospitality industry workers, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck and work multiple jobs, are going to be going without for the foreseeable future.
Seattle hospitality workers can apply for full/partial unemployment, and the city is working to pass a ban on evictions, but there won't be 100% rent forgiveness, and unemployment payments take time to arrive. And when they do, the amount, in most cases, won't be enough to cover basic living costs. People who are laid off from jobs that pay their medical insurance may have to buy off the open market. In short: folks are pressed, stressed, and facing hard times ahead.
So if you love Seattle restaurants, and you have the resources, please consider pitching in to our relief fund. This money goes directly to people in the Seattle area in need. This fund is aimed at helping those in the restaurant industry who have been financially impacted by the fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak -- bartenders, servers, dishwashers, line cooks, chefs, hosts, barbacks, etc.
Anything helps! Please consider donating and/or sharing.
If you are in the industry and in need of funds, click here to apply for relief. All information shared remains confidential.
Who I am: I came up in the industry and owe my work ethic and much of my identity to my years working in kitchens. I no longer work in the industry. I have industry friends and family who are affected, and my heart aches for them and all those who are struggling and stressed. I do think this campaign might be better off coming from someone who currently works in the industry, so if anyone would like to take the reins/co-organize, please reach out!
