How to get support if you were impacted by the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore
BALTIMORE -- State and federal organizations are working to provide economic assistance to individuals and small businesses following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week.
United Way "Bridging the Gap" fund
The United Way of Central Maryland has announced its Bridging the Gap Fund to support eviction prevention, food access, and other needs for those impacted by the collapse.
The non-profit has worked to help address barriers to education, employment, health, and housing for communities.
Anyone looking to donate to the fund can follow this link.
SBA recovery centers
The Small Business Administration is also assisting businesses impacted by the collapse.
That help started with the approval of a disaster declaration, which allows small businesses affected by the collapse to apply for disaster loan assistance from the federal government. These are low-interest loans of up to 2 million dollars.
The SBA has opened two recovery centers in the area. The first was located at the Dundalk Renaissance, but the location will close Friday. Another center will open Friday at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Dundalk Campus.
A second Business Recovery Center in at the CareFirst Engagement Center.
State assistance in the works
A Maryland bill that would provide relief to port workers and businesses impacted by the Key Bridge collapse was unanimously approved in the Senate. If the bill is approved by the House, it will then be sent to Gov. Wes Moore's desk for final authorization.
The Port Act, being fast-tracked through the General Assembly, will be voted on by the House of Delegates.
If passed, the emergency relief bill would be funded through the state's rainy day fund and would do three things:
- Support port workers not covered by unemployment insurance
- Make sure businesses can fully retain and pay their workers
- Incentivize companies to return to the port when it reopens.
Governor Wes Moore said federal funding is also being secured to help workers make up for lost income.
Those aren't the only resources available to businesses impacted by the collapse.
Port of Baltimore workers can reach the benefit line at 667-930-5989.
You can learn more about Small Business Disaster Loan assistance here.
