RVAStrong is a resource created by the government of the City of Richmond. It is meant to amplify and promote the efforts of non-profits, businesses, and individuals in our city, as well as provide a space for those who need support to seek it out.
Latest updates
UPDATE MARCH 19:
Following a request submitted by Governor Northam on March 18, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. To submit a loan application through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Local Contact:
Phone: 804-771-2400
400 North 8th Street
Richmond, VA 23219-4829
www.sba.gov/va
SBA Richmond District Staff
Kiana Hamilton
804-334-2370
Submitted by Austin Maloney
Posted by Joe Kelly, Bonfire
Hey there! I wanted to pass along our collection of RVA-based fundraisers that were launched by local restaurants and businesses who’ve been financially impacted by COVID-19. 100% of the proceeds go straight to these businesses. You can find the collection here: https://www.bonfire.com/shop/coronavirus-relief/richmond/
This collection is updated every day with new RVA fundraisers and is a great resource for anyone in the community who’s looking to support a local restaurant.
And if any restaurants are looking to launch their own fundraiser on Bonfire, it’s 100% free to do so. Learn more about how restaurants can start their own fundraisers here: https://www.bonfire.com/fundraising/
Hope this is helpful! Thanks!
Below is a running summary of information related to the Stimulus legislation signed into law in Response to COVID-19
- Webinars about the SBA EIDL program on the SBA website
- Congressman Donald A. McEachin’s guide to COVID-19 Direct Assistance Rebate FAQs
- Preparing for the Stimulus, for Chefs and Restaurateurs
- Explainer document from the James Beard Foundation
Submitted by Lisa
https://medium.com/@frankba/the-covid-clinician-meal-support-program-719b28416c98
Basically, linking meals to hospital caregivers via pledges
Submitted by Chauncey Jenkins
Virginia Employment Commission Survey – collecting data from small business owners about the impact of COVID-19. Open until March 27th at 5pm.
Submitted by Mary Tschirhart:
My partner and i can help with resume writing. We both have been in the HR/recruiting field for sometime. Might help when the pandemic ends and people are looking for new positions?
Feel free to email me at marytschirhart@gmail.com.Thanks!
Health officials launch coronavirus hotline to answer Richmond residents’ questions – 804-205-3501
Bon Secours Hotline for Questions and Guidance – 1-888-700-9011
From the CDC: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Virtual private health coaching from Hannah Bass at Project Green Being. Sliding scale rates or pay what you can (recommend $20) for 30 minute health coaching calls addressing your health goals and concerns, immune support, and how to properly fuel your body with food (on a budget) during this time. Includes follow up with a recap & personalized recommendations. https://projectgreenbeing.com
Articles: “COVID-19: How to Manage the Anxiety, Uncertainty, and Stress”
Exercise
Free Weekly Workouts on November Project RVA IG Fit On – free exercise app
Maiden Motion – 12:30 pm barre classes, streaming live on IG and FB, evening virtual dance classes at 6pm on Zoom (link at IG)
S3E Crossfit – Daily at-home workouts with notes posted online
Free Online Yoga Source Classes
Marisa Atula Yoga: Sliding scale payment (incl. free options) for online classes Free Online YMCA classes (adults and kids)
Free Les Mills On Demand
Food
Idle Hands Bread – twice/week free loaf of bread of people whose hours have been cut (check IG account for schedule)
Soul Taco Shockoe will be selling fresh produce at “reasonable” prices for people to avoid the supermarkets. Plus family meals and taco kits.
Balance RVA is open (as of 3/19) and has prepared over 500 free “snack kits” for children in need of food, anyone struggling with sudden loss of income, health care workers, delivery employees… anyone in need of respite. Bags can be picked up via “no contact” delivery in our parking lot at 10431 Patterson Avenue.
Education
From Reddit: VCU and Code Beats offering free online code camp for middle schoolers 3/30 – 4/3.
Google Arts & Culture – Free tours of national parks
Transportation
GRTC suspends fare collection