Helping our Most Valuable Resources
Supporting the talented and unique individuals in our workforce has always been one of the core values of OHLA. In recent years, we have put more focus on those efforts with the creation of a dedicated Education & Workforce Committee, renewed and expanded partnerships with local, state and national entities, and an expanded scholarship program.
OHLA has also provided relief to hotel & lodging associates and communities in response to specific emergencies, such as the Fund for Dayton in 2019.
Now, hotel & lodging professionals are being impacted in a way never seen before. The economic impact of the response to COVID-19 is historic in its proportions, affecting every person in our industry, and temporarily idling as much as 80 percent of our dedicated team members.
It is important to provide hospitality professionals immediate relief along with continuing and long-term career opportunities.
The Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Helping Hands program was created to provide financial assistance and other support to members of our industry who have been displaced or impacted due to COVID-19. During this time of unprecedented challenge to the lodging industry and its thousands of talented and dedicated professionals, Hospitality Helping Hands will provide financial and other assistance to hotel & lodging employees and recently separated team members. The decision to award financial assistance is at the sole discretion of the OHLA Board of Trustees.
Eligibility
Eligibility for financial aid is determined by:
- Financial Need
- Number of years in the hospitality industry.
- Property Membership Status
- Employer Verification
Application process checklist
The following materials must be submitted to the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association for consideration:
____A) A completed and signed application. Only complete applications will be considered.
____B) A paystub dated for before January 15, 2020
____C) Verification of reduction in pay:
- A paystub dated for after March 1, 2020, or
- A Letter of Termination, Furlough or Temporary Lay Off, or
- Documented Unemployment Claim
Awards from Hospitality Helping Hands will be made payable to the individual applicant, to the address provided on the application. Awards are initially limited to a maximum of $500 pending availability of additional support during this program.
Applications for Hospitality Helping Hands Funds are currently closed. If you have any questions please contact michele@ohla.org.
