More on Microloans in Toledo and Northwest Ohio

As I touched on a few weeks ago, ECDI (the Economic and Community Development Institute) has pitched its tent in downtown Toledo (the Maritime Plaza), and is bringing some of its useful financial products to small businesses in the northwest part of the state, just as it has in Cleveland and Columbus.  While they don't have the full array of services that are offered in those other cities, they can provide loans of up to $35,000 to small businesses that may have been turned down by banks, at reasonable rates.  They are SBA approved to provide loans in all Ohio counties.  Call them at 419-708-4636.  If you live outside of Ohio, try some of these other possible sources of microfunding.

Source of Funding for Worker's Cooperatives

We have several posts on financing and other help for business, but we've found another one--for worker-owned cooperative businesses.  We note the story of the New Era Windows Cooperative of Chicago, formerly Republic Windows and Doors.  In 2008, the plant was scheduled to be closed by its owners, and was occupied by its workers.  The factory was then purchased by another firm, and again scheduled for shuttering.  This time, the workers decided to buy the business themselves.  And who would finance it? 

That would be the organization The Working World.    It's an NGO that loans money for worker's cooperatives in Nicaragua, Argentina, and now, the United States.  Besides New Era Window, they have also provided a loan for a cooperative cleaning business in Brooklyn to expand.  Contact them on their website or call them at 646 257 4144. 

Where to Find Travel Resources When You Need Medical Help

When you're suffering a serious illness or medical crisis, money is tight enough.  When you or a loved one has to travel far away to get treatment, it's tougher.  Fortunately, there are lots of sources of help for long-distance travel.  However, there are some caveats: you generally have to be medically stable enough to travel, be somewhat able to move around (ambulatory), and be able to travel in an unpressurized airplane.  That's because many of the charity services use volunteer pilots with small planes.  This is not always true, but be prepared for the possibility, and ask if this will be the case when you contact one of the charities below. 

Air Charity Travel works to arrange free flights, when possible, within a 600 mile range, and low-cost flights for flights beyond that range.  You can request a flight from their website.

Patient Travel works to arrange free or low-cost travel in case of medical emergency and runs the national patient travel helpline (1-800-296-1217).  They will work with you to find appropriate travel options for those in need.

Wings of Mercy works to arrange free medical air travel for those in need.  Call 888-786-3729 for more information.

Air Care Alliance works to create free medical air travel for those whose trip is less than 500 miles by arranging with volunteer pilots.  Call 1-800-296-1217.

Especially for children with medical needs, there's American Airline's Miles for Kids, a program in which frequent fliers donate their miles to pay for medical transportation for needy children.  Call 1-800-882-8880.
 



 

More Microlending for Small Business--Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream

Just ahead of the big announcement by the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) that they are opening an office in Toledo and bringing their business microloan programs to northwest Ohio (most of their operations have been in Columbus), here's a bit of info about a microlending aimed at food and beverage businesses.  Samuel Adams, the craft brewery that grew to a force in the beer business, is partnering with several nonprofits engaged in microloans across the country to provide loans ranging from $500-$25,000 to start or grow a business. 

Besides the loan program, they also host some "speed counseling" and other educational events.  They also include a list of regional business resources that include lending, food incubators and shared kitchens, educational programs and business associations.

It's not an exhaustive list, but here's more on microlending, business incubators, and food business incubators.   Try them all out.

Food Stamps for Pets

We've written before about various sources of help for low-income people to provide food and veterinary care for their pets.  Now, there is a program to provide the nonprofit equivalent of "food stamps" for pets.  It's NOT a government program, but instead is run by a nonprofit in New York state.  It's for people who are themselves on food stamps, or eligible for them.  See this site for an online application.  The food itself is available through PetFlow, an online pet food company.  There's no cost to the beneficiaries, but there may be a several week wait between application and when you get the stamps.  If you have an immediate emergency, try this directory of pet food banks and other resources.

Free Hair for Kids, and Free Head Coverings for Bald Women and Kids

Outside of male pattern baldness, hair loss can cause loss of self-esteem during a stressful time in one's life: cancer treatment, or some other illness that caused it in the first place.  Here's some places that can help.

Locks of Love is famous for providing hairpieces for children under 21 years of age who have low income and suffer from permanent or temporary hair loss.  The hair is donated by loving people throughout the United States for those suffering from permanent hair loss, and artificial hair in the case of those with temporary loss.

Children With Hair Loss helps those under 21, too, but there are no financial limits--free hairpieces are available to all kids suffering from a medical hair loss.  Check out their website, or call 734-379-4400.

For both children and women suffering from hair loss, the Beautiful and Bald Movement will give a free "dome decorating package" which consists not of hair, but something to gussy up the bald head.  These could be scarves, hats, stickers, temporary tattoos, and more.  The actual contents vary, depending on what contributions they may have recieved. 

The American Cancer Society often distributes free or low-cost wigs to cancer victims through their local chapters.  To find one near you, see this resource search page and specifiy under program type  "wigs-free or reduced cost."

Free Day Camp in Toledo 2013. And in NY State, A Special Free Day Camp for Kids with Cancer

The wonderful organization Feed Lucas County Children, is repeating its day camp for kids grade 1-6 in 2013.  It will run from June 17th till the end of July at Knight Academy, 110 Arco Drive, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.  For more information, contact FLCC at (419) 259-9960.

In New York state, a special free day camp is being run for children with cancer and their sibs.  It's for kids in the New York city area, run the by Sunrise Day Camp.  New this year is a camp at Pearl River.  For more information, contact Leah Spindell at 516-634-4199.