The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) has launched a relief fund to provide fast access to cash for restaurant and hotel workers immediately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund will support any of the tens of thousands of restaurant and hotel employees now facing significant financial hardship as North Carolina businesses curtail services in efforts to encourage social distancing and slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The goal of the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund is to provide qualified applicants with $500 within 5 days of their application to help with the immediate expenses faced by many who have suddenly found themselves without work.
To apply for assistance or to donate to the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, visit: ncrestaurantrelief.com.
“Within a matter of days, we have seen the majority of workers in the hospitality industry laid off, furloughed or completely sidelined,” said Steve Thanhauser, NCRLA chair and co-owner of Raleigh’s famed Angus Barn Steakhouse. “These are the people responsible for making our experiences at our favorite restaurants, bars and hotels what they are, whether we interact with them at our tables or have them to thank for clean linens in our hotel rooms. While we are all facing an uncertain financial future, these workers are living a harsh new reality immediately. It’s our duty to show them how much we value their work and wellbeing by doing what we can to help them out.”
The NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund is now open for any NC-based hospitality employee experiencing significant financial hardship related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hospitality business owners may also nominate employees based on need. Each applicant will be eligible to receive $500 in assistance, and determinations for the awards will be based on the level of demonstrated need, the number of years worked in the hospitality industry, and employer’s verification. Applications will be reviewed and with a goal of awarding funds to qualified recipients within 5 days of receipt.
“We want to show compassion and give help to those people who have taken care of us so many times,” said Thanhauser. “These are the people who are hurting the most in the early stages of this crisis. Together we are doing our best to serve those who have served us when they need it most.”
To apply for assistance or to donate to the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund, visit: ncrestaurantrelief.com.
Listen in to QDR’s Mike & Janie’s interview with Steve Thanhauser about how restaurants are dealing with the current state of the economy.