Last updated March 21, 10:35 p.m.
I think it’s safe to say that every single one of us knows at least one person who has lost their source of income due to Coronavirus.
I know that this situation is not only overwhelming but for most of us, it’s unprecedented. Yes, we were around for the 2008 Financial Crisis. And some of us remember 9/11 vividly. We’ve seen natural disasters and mass shootings. But we have never before seen anything like this.
If you’re struggling to find work and worried about how you’re going to pay your bills, I just want to take a moment to say that my heart goes out to you. I worked in the service industry for years and I can’t imagine how daunting this situation must feel.
The only consolation I can offer you in this moment is that you are not alone. Our whole community is part of this collective experience. We will get through this, one way or another, and when the dust settles, we’ll pick ourselves back up and start the process of rebuilding our local businesses.
In the meantime, we’ll have to do what we can do. Some industries have been deemed essential in this time of crisis, including our grocery stores.
Kroger is hiring 10,000 employees nationwide. You can apply here. Other grocery stores like ALDI, COSTCO, and Giant Eagle also have positions available on their website. Gordon Food Services is urgently hiring at all location.
Nationally, Amazon announced they would be adding 100,000 jobs, and increasing starting pay to $17/hour. Here in Central Ohio, there are 4,600 job openings, which you can apply for here.
Securitas Security Services, USA has immediate openings for Security Officers throughout Central Ohio. You can apply here.
Donatos is also hiring additional positions right now, especially delivery drivers. You can apply via their website.
https://twitter.com/WexMedJobs/status/1239560680057036801
The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center shared on Twitter that they have “tons of job openings both clinical and non-clinical.” Other Central Ohio hospitals are hiring as well, including Ohio Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Mount Carmel.
.@LtGovHusted: This week we had 78,000 requests for unemployment. Two weeks ago we had about 6,500. But know this – there are many businesses that are a critical part of the supply chain that need you. These businesses are overtaxed – those options are out there for work.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 18, 2020
If none of those jobs work for you, it’s okay. There’s still the option to apply for unemployment in Ohio if you’ve lost your job due to the pandemic. You can apply online or by phone, but I just want to say, you’re going to have to exercise a lot of patience.
The State of Ohio has received tens of thousands of applications in the last week alone, which is a massive increase. They are working to get through all of the new applications, but it may take some time. Once you have applied and are approved, you can begin receiving weekly benefits.
The most efficient way to apply is online. If you are wondering whether or not you would qualify, please take a moment to read this FAQ from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Know of anyone else who is hiring? Send us a message and we’ll add them right away.
