SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Many have been impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic, particularly these residing and not using a paycheck.The road outdoors a popup meals pantry from the San Francisco Marin Meals Bank at its peak stretched for 4 blocks.Jaime Martinez says that is solely the second time he has reached out to the Meals Bank for assist in his 70 years.”All the things is so costly,” Martinez says. “All the things goes up and up and up and I am sick and drained.”Martinez hasn’t labored at his job as a safety guard on the Chase Heart because it closed due the pandemic in early March.RELATED: California EDD reopening purposes to unemployed staff who beforehand exhausted advantages”I utilized for the EDD, the unemployment. I do not obtain something. Not even nothing. I ready for the assist for the $1,200 {dollars}. Nothing,” he says.Tina Marchetti, government director of the Bay Space Monetary Schooling Basis, cannot think about what any of those individuals are going through, however says reaching out for assist is an effective first step.”Yeah, it is powerful occasions for everyone,” Marchetti says.”Utilizing a finances is an important factor,” she stresses. “Minimizing your spending could be the second. Then being proactive about negotiating with collectors.”RELATED: California extending unemployment advantages: This is who qualifies and the way it worksSites like Each Greenback supply free recommendation on sticking to a finances. Bank of America and Wells Fargo additionally supply free budgeting sources.For extra speedy wants, search for methods to reduce spending by throwing out much less meals.”Recent fruit can actually be frozen,” says Amy Keating, a nutritionist with Client Studies. “It will be simply as nutritious. It’s important to use them in several methods, like in a smoothie.”Keep away from costlier meals like meat and pork. “There are a lot of different different sources of protein like tofu, chickpeas, lentils or quinoa, which is a grain supply,” says Keating.Decrease your bank card debt by transferring the steadiness to at least one with decrease curiosity.RELATED: California unemployment web site crashing? This is the perfect time to make use of the EDD web site and different questions”Perhaps refinance or transfer to a steadiness switch on a bank card the place there is no curiosity for 30 months,” instructed Marchetti.Be artistic. Martinez discovered a strategy to scale back his month-to-month lease by 800 {dollars}.”Subsequent month, I’ve to be moved to San Mateo County and Daly Metropolis for the seniors. I’ve to pay $400 or one thing like that for slightly studio. It is the one method,” he mentioned.Martinez provides he is grateful for all the things he has and plans to volunteer on the Meals Bank as a strategy to give again.Check out extra tales and movies by Michael Finney and seven On Your Aspect.When you have a query or remark in regards to the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours through the shape under or right here.Get the most recent information, info and movies in regards to the novel coronavirus pandemic hereRELATED STORIES & VIDEOS: Copyright © 2020 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
