Relief for Out of Work Chicago Restaurant Workers!

 

Struggling Cook County restaurant, bar and coffee shop employees can apply to a relief fund that has more than $3 million to give to workers. The Southern Smoke Foundation, a Texas-based nonprofit, established the Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund in August to help people who have been laid off or lost work as coronavirus restrictions limit restaurant service, but it has received limited applications and has more money to give out. The average grant is $2,500-$3,000.

Southern Smoke established the Chicago Restaurant Worker Relief Fund in August to help people who have been laid off or lost work as coronavirus restrictions limit restaurant service, but it has received limited applications and has more money to give out. The average grant is $2,500-$3,000. To be considered for assistance for the Chicago fund, applicants must have worked in the food and beverage industry for a minimum of six months and an average of 30 hours per week. Applicants must be able to show proof of employment.
The foundation is vetting applications and prioritizing based on urgency.  Apparently, their grant team meets daily to approve and give away grants.
There is also the possibility of more funding: The private donor who started the fund is also matching up to $1 million in donations. If that goal is met, there’d be a total of $6 million in relief funds. 
If you like, you can donate to the fund here.

Since March, Southern Smoke has given close to $4,000,000 to over
2000 restaurant workers affected by COVID closures.

Southern Smoke was launched in 2015 to raise money for multiple sclerosis research and advocacy. The group shifted gears in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, providing financial assistance to workers in the food and beverage industry affected by the disaster. 
Apply for a grant https://southernsmoke.org/chicago-relief-fund/