Covid-19 Employment Resources

Employment and Income During Covid-19

Resources from First Source Jobs at Somerville Community Corporation

Has your job been impacted by the corona virus? First Source Jobs program staff are available to help. We can connect you to employment opportunities, help apply for unemployment benefits, and find other resources to help during this crisis. Please reach out to connect with us!

Staff Contact Info

Blake Roberts Crall, Program Manager: 617-410-9902
brobertscrall@somervillecdc.org
English, Spanish

Danyal Najmi, Career Coach: 617-410-9917
dnajmi@somervillecdc.org
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Hindi

Juan Williams, Career Coach: 617-410-9909
jwilliams@somervillecdc.org
English, Spanish

Applying for Unemployment Benefits

• You should apply for unemployment benefits right away if you have been laid off, had reduced hours, or you are not able to work for any reason due to Covid-19. Submit your application online: https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-benefits-for-claimants
• Please call or email SCC today for help with unemployment or with questions. We can help you apply over the phone even if you don’t have a computer, or if you don’t speak English.
• If you are an immigrant, you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits as long as you have work authorization; you do not have to be a citizen. Receiving unemployment benefits does not count as public charge.
• Stay in touch with your employer! Many businesses plan to rehire their staff once it’s safe to do so, so make sure they know how to contact you and know you are available to work when it’s time. Check your phone and email regularly.

Finding A Job

Most employers have needed to close or cut hours, so the likelihood of being hired at this time is slim. If you need work and feel it is the right choice for you and your family, check out our Job Board for a list of places that are hiring. We will update this list on our website each day and can help you submit applications or connect to employers.

Health and Safety on the Job

If you are working, your health and safety on the job are very important. This resource from GBLS, Justice at Work, and Lawyers for Civil Rights explains your rights on the job during the corona outbreak. https://jatwork.org/know-your-work-related-rights-during-the-coronavirus/

Other Resources