As we become aware of resources in the Brown County Area, we will post them on this page. If you have a specific question or have a resource that is not listed, please call or email our office at 507-354-6512 or director@unitedwaybrowncoutnyarea.org. For a full list of our Partner Organizations
The Governor also issued an executive order to help ensure that workers who are not able to work as a result of COVID-19 have benefits available. Workers who are unemployed or who have hours reduced due to the COVID-19 outbreak are asked to apply for unemployment benefits online at uimn.org. The website can accept applications Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please apply on the website to ensure the most efficient processing of applications during this unprecedented situation.
Updates on COVID-19
Stay up-to-date on the latest developments from Minnesota Department of Health by visiting https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Information for Small Businesses
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is creating an emergency loan program to help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance to meet their families’ basic needs during COVID-19 closures. To review the requirements or to learn more visit the Information and Resources for Employers and Businesses on MN DEED website.
Sales tax grace period:
Restaurants, bars and other businesses impacted by the temporary closures now have a 30-day grace period in paying sales and use tax, under a grace period announced yesterday by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. This means that affected businesses with a monthly Sales and Use Tax payment due March 20, 2020 will have until April 20 to make that payment. These customers should still file their return by March 20. Penalties or interest will not be assessed during the grace period. Find out more at the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
If you need to reduce workers' hours:
Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Program. Visit Shared Work Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.
Unemployment Insurance information for employers:
Additional Unemployment Insurance information for employers affected by COVID-19
Emergency Child Care Grant Program
For more information about the Minnesota Initiative Foundations or this grant program, visit http://greaterminnesota.net/childcare or to learn about Think Small and its program visit https://www.thinksmall.org.
Financial Assistance
LSS Financial Counseling is available as a resource during this difficult time.
Consolidated Communications is offering 2 months free internet for new accounts - call 844-968-7224 or visit their website at www.consolidated.com/offer/student. The Student Support Program from Consolidated offers 2 Months of Free Home Internet Service to help low-income students who do not have home Internet service during this unprecedented time. Simply follow the directions below to take advantage of this limited-time special offer (expires March 31, 2020). Current Consolidated customers must complete the form to sign up for the offer.
Food Services
Meals on Wheels are continuing in Brown County to:
For any NEW inquires please call 507-359-2243. We can deliver a meal to anyone 60 years+ within city limits who requests a meal. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 to $7.80 for the meal and they need to complete a registration form that can be sent to them (on-site registration is not required). Anyone younger than 60 can still get a meal, but they would have to pay the full cost of $7.80.
PROJECT LUNCBOX
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the United Way of the Brown County Area has waived the income restriction to sign your child up for Project Lunchbox. If you child attends a New Ulm District school in K-4th grade and are facing food sensitivity in the home, they can receive meal packages picked up at their child's school durin the free lunch time on Thursday and Friday each week.
Click HERE for the updated Project Lunchbox Student Sign-Up Form.
Daycare Shortage
Southern Minnesota Crisis Nursery provides 24/7 emergency daycare and help with clothing and childcare product needs.
507-766-6925
https://www.smncrisisnursery.org/
Stress/Anxiety/Depression:
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
CADA - Committee Against Domestic Abuse, Inc.
www.cadamn.org
CADA Crisis Line 1-800-477-0466
Provides safety and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through education, advocacy and shelter.