Local Resources for Households and Small Business Owners

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Our counselors have been asked by families, individuals and small business owners about resources related to needs outside of personal finance. Clients experiencing food insecurity, small business owners working to care for their employees, and seniors being targeted by scams have asked for our recommendations on the best resources. Our team often refers to the following list of resources and providers in our region for help.

Local Social/Human Resources

• Food and Nutrition
  • Find a food pantry near you
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Nutrition, Recipes, and Cooking
• Coordinated Care: 
  • HARK helps folks in NWA connect with social/human services efficiently and in a coordinated manner. They also provide funds to keep people out of crisis situations. When a client joins the HARK network they can discover resources in the area, and connect directly with the agencies and case workers who can assist with specificity. 
  • In Fort Smith, United Way is the best connection hub for families to access resources in the region. 
  • Use the United Way’s national 2-1-1 service to find help in your area. Simply call 2-1-1 or go to 211.org.
• Transportation:
  • Changing Lanes Auto Loans (1st Pres, Fort Smith)

Utilities: 

• Many utility companies are offering to work with financially challenged customers. Contact yours if necessary.
• Contact your local Community Action Agency to ask about Arkansas Home Energy Assistance
• In NWA, HARK’s Catalyst Fund helps with emergency and utility expenses. 
• In Fort Smith, the Uplift Program through 1st Presbyterian helps with utility expenses. 

Insurance:

• Coverage and special enrollment through Healthcare.gov
• AR Kids First

Scams and Warnings

• SEC’s tip sheet on recognizing COVIS-19-related investment scams
• Homeland Security’s tip page

Help for small businesses: 

• CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY LOANS Small Business Guide and Checklist
• Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center have information and application links for Arkansas’ Quick Action Loans and federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance. 
• The Roger Lowell Chamber also has a list of resources for employers which is regularly updated. 
• Details on expanded employment insurance for sole proprietors/Gig employees/1099 contract workers