In this historic and unprecedented time, the country is facing the twin crises of a public health emergency and an economic recession. It is a difficult time for many, whether navigating the unemployment system, experiencing food insecurity, or, financial uncertainty, or any number of other new realities. It is always the function of the Aurora Public Library (APL) to be a resource for the community, and APL offers timely programs and relevant services during this time of crisis.
The Aurora Public Library has several virtual programs planned for this Summer to help individuals find access the resources and information they need because our community continues to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Navigating Unemployment with the Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA)” will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18. SOFA-certified speaker Greg Kurinec will provide information on how to navigate unemployment benefits and more. The event can be viewed live on the Library’s Facebook page @APLibraryIL.
The Library will be host to the presentation, “Financial Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23. This program will be presented virtually on Zoom by the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). A city government of Aurora Innovation Department initiative, FEC offers free one-on-one professional financial counseling to low- and moderate-income households in the region. Registration is required for this program. Please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events for more information and to register. Registrants will receive further information for joining the Zoom meeting through an E-mail.
Additionally, Library staff members have compiled a list of resources for individuals who may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways: For parents and guardians looking for childcare; for immigrants and those on the path to citizenship; for renters in need of assistance; for those experiencing homelessness; for workers, job-seekers, and those facing unemployment and furloughs; for those experiencing food insecurity; for those with disabilities; for seniors; and for veterans. General Federal and State resources are available, including county health dashboards, information on face masks, mental health resources, and income tax information.
The web page includes pertinent information on how the on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act might affect individuals in our community, including stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, mortgage foreclosure moratorium and forbearance, student loan forbearance, and retirement funding. Visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-crisis-assistance-for-individuals for more detailed information.
Business-owners can find coronavirus crisis assistance resources at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-crisis-assistance-for-businesses, or attend one of the Library’s virtual programs this month presented by SCORE Fox Valley or Thrive Collaborative Center. More information is available at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events.