Hospitality Employee Relief Fund Launched In Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Restaurant Association, through its 501(c)(3) Educational Foundation (CHEF), has formed the CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund to provide immediate emergency funding to hospitality workers throughout the state. The fund, which will be supported by private, community, and individual donations, will distribute individual $500 grants to industry employees whose jobs have been impacted during these uncertain times of mandated business shutdowns in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Connecticut has more than 160,000 foodservice employees who pride themselves on servicing their communities, and now they need our support more than ever,” said Executive Director Scott Dolch. “These are working men and women who, through no fault of their own, have had major disruptions to their jobs and their income. Our goal is to be able to provide immediate financial support to our hospitality employees who need it the most.”

COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the hospitality industry workforce in Connecticut, as the industry was the first to be shut down by executive order, resulting in thousands of unemployment claims.

There are five generations working in the industry who are now struggling to pay rent, mortgage, household utilities, groceries, gasoline, and student loans. Basic human needs begin with food and shelter, and COVID-19 has stripped these employees of their ability to financially provide these two basic needs for their families.

The purpose of the CT Hospitality Employee Relief Fund is to provide hospitality employees in food service and beverage who have either been laid off due to COVID-19 or are affected medically and are facing a financial hardship an opportunity to apply for financial assistance. Pending the review of the Foundation and verification that the submitted application meets the prescribed guidelines, a one-time grant will be disbursed directly to each recipient.

Availability of awards will be based on available funds and will be limited to one per individual. Funding will be provided in accordance with the total amount of donations received; all funding will be given directly to hospitality industry workers.

>>>Click here to go directly to the fund.