Student Emergency Assistance Resources

These resources may or not provide benefits. Please contact the resources below directly to inquire about eligibility requirements and available benefits. We are providing these resoures as a courtesy and cannot be held responsible for benefits granted or withheld.

There are dozens of national, regional and local organizations providing relief for individuals negatively impacted by COVID-19. 

Students also may explore the following national resources for COVID-19 relief assistance:

• TN TANF Emergency Cash Assistance for those impacted by COVID-19
  Provides up to two months of cash assistance for those employed as of March 11, 2020, who have lost at least 50% of their earned income as a result of the pandemic and whose household includes a child under 18 or a pregnant woman. Please see eligibility guidelines on the website.
• Memphis Food Industry Worker Assistance
  For service industry workers in Memphis impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
• National Domestic Workers Alliance - Coronavirus Care Fund
  Support for in-home care workers, nannies, and housecleaners during the coronavirus. Qualifying applicants who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic can receive $400 in emergency assistance from the fund.
• One Fair Wage Emergency Coronavirus Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
• PenFed COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program
  Grant relief for 1 month of payment (up to $1,500) for rent, mortgage, auto payment, or utilities. available to eligible veterans, and current active-duty service members, reserves, and National Guard.
• Scholly COVID-19 Student Relief Fund
  Up to $200 in cash assistance to help cover expenses during the pandemic.
• Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program
  Direct assistance for short-term needs for those employed by restaurants or bars who face unforeseen expenses and event.
• USBG National Charity Foundation Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
  Emergency relief for bartenders and their families who have experienced a catastrophic event. You do not need to be a USBG member to apply for a grant.

Other local agencies providing assistance

• COVID-19 Internet Resources for Low-Income Families in Memphis
  This resource provides detailed information on your local organizations that provide discounted distance learning devices, remote learning programs and free wireless internet access in Memphis.
• Financial Aid Available for Certain Families That Lost Employment Due to COVID-19
• High-Speed Internet for $9.95 for Low-Income Families
• Mid-South Food Bank
  Distributes food through a mobile food pantry to those experiencing food insecurity.
• MIFA Emergency
  Phone: 901-527-0208
  Location: 910 Vance Ave, Memphis, TN 38126
• Memphis, Light, Gas & Water (MLGW)
  Offers payment and assistance programs, as well as extension policies.
  Phone: 901-544-6549
  Location: 220 South Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
• Modest Needs
  A non-profit organization that accepts online application for modest one-time financial assistance.
  Phone: 844-667-3776
• Neighborhood Christian Center Memphis
  Phone: 901-881-6013
  Location: 785 Jackson Ave, Memphis, TN 38107
• Shelby County Community Services Agency
  Provides assistance with bill and rent payments for low income homes, as well as up to $600 until funds are exhausted.
  Phone: 901-222-4315
  Location: 3772 S Hickory Ridge Mall #516 Memphis, TN 38115
• Shelby County School Family and Community Engagement - COVID-19 Information and Resources for Families
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
  Works with up to a dozen local churches across the county to provide financial assistance for residents of Memphis.
  Phone: 901-722-4703 or 901-274-2137
  Email: svdpmemphis1306@gmail.com
  Location: 3522 Carnes Ave, Memphis, TN 38111