On Friday afternoon, Congress agreed to a $2.2 trillion relief package in response to COVID-19. We know that many survivors of human trafficking and others may have questions about how to access essential services during this time. Here is a set of resources that might help.  These resources are not specific to survivors of trafficking but we have heard from many that survivors are struggling with lost income, with fear and anxiety and with many other challenges facing so many around the world. We will update and share any more specific resources we find and welcome your input as well.

As always, please reach out to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline if you or someone you know is in a sex or labor trafficking situation by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting BeFree (233733).

If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services, use this link or dial 211 to speak to someone that can help.

Legislation

• Expanded Paid Time Off for Workers: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers (50-500 employees) to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
• Sick Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals: A summary of how paid sick leave applies to the self-employed population – from Families First Coronavirus Response Act summary.
• National Governors Association: Daily updates on governor response across the US and territories.

Read the full list of resources here