North Pima News

Tucson restaurants are closing throughout the area or closing their dine-in options due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has caused many people to lose their jobs. 

This week, many local restaurants and businesses have shut down and countless employees of those businesses are now jobless or have been given reduced hours to work. This means that there are many people in the community that need help in the current situation. 

There are many resources individuals out of a job can call or go to for help after losing a job. The Tucson City of Gastronomy has collected numerous organizations for people who have been laid off or need the extra help right now.

Restaurant owners can call the Pima County Rapid Response if they need help for employees that might need to be laid off. Owners can contact Dominica Domingues at 520-724-3684 or dominica.dominguez@pima.gov. 

There are also numerous emergency and training services available to residents in Pima County. 

The Arizona Department of Economic Security can help with unemployment insurance benefits. Visit the website or call 520-791-2722 for help. 

The Pima County One Stop Career Center can help individuals looking for a job or training for a new job. The organization can supply relocation funding. Call 520-724-7700 or email business.services@pima.gov for assistance. 

If individuals need help paying rent and utility bills, the Community Action Partnership can give assistance. It can also provide for prescriptions and medicines. For assistance, call 520-724-2667. 

Chicanos Por La Causa also can help with housing and rental payments. Visit the organization's website or call 520-882-0018. 

If families need clothes, food or help paying utility bills, Interfaith Community Services can provide help. Call 520-297-6049 or visit Interfaith Community Services' website. 

The Salvation Army Tucson will also provide basic necessities such as food, clothes and utilities. Visit their website or call 520-795-9671. 

Jonathan Mabry of the Tucson City of Gastronomy can provide more information on resources for help. Contact Mabry at jmabry@cityofgastronomy.org or 520-370-1191. 

Residents can also find help at Health-e-Arizona Plus for health care, cash assistance and food stamps. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona can also help with food. Those in the restaurant business who find themselves unemployed can also visit the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation, which has established a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.