Restaurant/Bar Employee Relief Fund

Lewis County's Restaurant & Bar Employees Relief Fund

COVID-19 continues to have devastating impacts on thousands of restaurant and beverage-industry workers who have lost their jobs or have experienced a reduction in their hours. So many of these important employees rely on every paycheck to afford the basic necessities like food, transportation, rent and utilities.
 

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response for the second round of assistance, our gift card allotment is now FULL. 

If you would still like to be placed on the waiting list, please complete the application below. 

Thank you!


RALLYING FOR OUR LOCAL RESTAURANT AND BAR WORKERSrelief fund

Lewis County's Restaurant & Bar Employee Relief Fund was established locally, thanks to a grant from Seattle-based Georgetown Brewing Company, who has selected United Way of Lewis County administer and grant out these funds in Lewis County. These initial funds from Georgetown Brewing Company have been leveraged by additional community partners; the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team (CCRT) and the Centralia Downtown Association, with support from the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce and Security State Bank. 

This relief fund supports local restaurant and bar industry employees who are/were laid off or experienced a drastic reduction in work hours in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The financial support will come in the form of a $250 VISA gift card.

 

IMPORTANT: Before completing the application below, please be sure and review the eligibility and funding criteria and be able to provide a digital copy of your proof of employment at a restaurant/bar in 2020. (2020 paystub or letter from establishment verifying employment and layoff/reduction in hours)

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY

  • Applicants must live in Lewis County and be an employee (owners are not eligible) of a Lewis County restaurant or bar (former and/or current).
  • Must have experienced job loss or reduction in work hours in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. (applications from outside of Lewis County will not be considered)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
     

FUNDING CRITERIA

  • Limit one (1) $250 VISA gift card per household. 
  • Gift cards are available on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of completed and qualifying application.
  • Provide proof of employment (example: 2020 paystub or letter from employer)
     

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

If I was laid off in earlier in the year when COVID-19 hit, but am currently employed, do I qualify to receive a gift card?
Yes, if you worked at a Lewis County restaurant or bar in 2020 and were laid off or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you can apply for a gift card.

We have two individuals in our household who worked for a restaurant or bar this year, can we both apply?
No, the limit is one (1) $250 gift card per household.

What if I live in Lewis County but worked at an establishment in another county, do I qualify?
No, all applicants must live AND work/have worked in Lewis County.

How can I submit my documents to you?
Clear, legible scans, photos and screenshots of the required documents can be uploaded on the application submission page.

What happens if I do not include the required documents when I submit my application?
Your application will be ineligible to receive support. If you have problems uploading your documents, please call the United Way office at (360) 748-8100.


If you meet the above eligibility requirements, please continue to the application link here.
 

relief fund button

PLEASE NOTE: these gift cards are available on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of completed application (along with proof of employment documentation). Also, if you applied in the first round, you will not be eligible for this second round. Limit one (1) per household.


  • Applications will be accepted until all 20 VISA gift cards have been awarded. 
  • NOTE: If you cannot complete your application online through the link below, please contact United Way at (360) 748-8100.

Lewis County's Restaurant & Bar Employees Relief Fund Community Partners

UWLC

 

ccrt centralia chamber ssb