Join us today for an update call next Tuesday, 4/7, at 2:00 pm
Dial in information: 202.602.1295, conference ID 789-103-256#
LEAD NEWS: Department of Housing & Community Development Partnership Opportunity with Hotels
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will be making funding available to homeless assistance providers across the state to pay for extended stay options in hotel/motel rooms for some homeless populations most at risk during this public health crisis. DHCD and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have created a fact sheet on guidance for providing this service during the COVID-19 pandemic and what to expect from your partner homeless service organizations. You can view that fact sheet here.
DHCD has informed us that amount paid will be negotiated between hotel/motel management and the homeless assistance provider, who will be following procurement rules. Funding is limited and DHCD request private sector partners consider this an opportunity to assist a very vulnerable population during an unprecedented health emergency. DHCD indicates that it’s expected that the lodging management provide accommodations at well below market rates. While the rates are expected to be well below market rates, the guest stays are expected to be for extended periods and the homeless service organizations will partner to take the lead on providing support to their clients.
AHLA Launches One-Stop COVID-19 FAQ Page
AHLA has compiled the various Frequently Asked Questions COVID-19 documents and resources in one place. Among the areas covered: Advocacy, Legal & Human Resources, and Operations. Check back for regular updates to this page.
U.S. Treasury Department Releases Guidance for Tax Credits for Paid Sick Leave
To help guide small and midsized employers regarding tax credits for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) the U.S. Department of Treasury/ Internal Revenue Service has issued guidelines to assist businesses. You can view the information here.
U.S. Treasury Department Releases Interim Final Rule for PPP
The Department of Treasury has released the interim final rule for the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan. It's important to note that the applicability date is as follows: This interim final rule applies to applications submitted under the Paycheck Protection Program through June 30, 2020, or until funds made available for this purpose are exhausted. We strongly suggest you work with your SBA approved lender and apply for these loans as quickly as possible. The demand for these loans is significant and it is important to be in the queue.
Support Hospitality and Restaurant Employees & Businesses
VRLTA wishes to thank Tito's Handmade Vodka for a generous donation to the VRLTA Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund. Thank you for your leadership and generosity!
Wondering what the best way to support local employees and businesses might be? There are a lot of ways you can support our industry. Here are some links to help:
Make a donation to VRLTA's Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, through its 501c3 foundation (Virginia Restaurant Lodging & Travel Association Educational Foundation/VRLTAEF) has formed a new industry relief fund to aid workers displaced by the recent restaurant and hospitality industry shutdowns and also aid affected businesses. Individuals and businesses can learn more and make a donation here:https://www.vrlta.org/donations/donate.asp?id=19606.
Purchase Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Merchandise
A percentage of the purchase price will be given to VRLTA's Relief Fund (above), to be disbursed to affected employees and businesses.
Continue to visit https://www.virginiaisforrestaurantlovers.com for more information about the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the tourism and hospitality industries. We are working to add additional resources, links, and news articles as they become available.
