Whitestone COVID-19 Response, Updates & Resources

In this unprecedented time, the Whitestone team is helping our clients, our employees, and our communities find and get access to resources and opportunities available to navigate through this crisis. We are staying connected and encouraging participation in these resources so we can all thrive as we see our way through this pandemic together. Below is a list of resources available we are continually updating as the situation evolves.

1. Tenant Resources Available

CARES ACT

Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act. The bill provides direct financial aid to support small businesses suffering economic injury due to COVID-19.

Financial & Business Resources

New Federal Funding Source for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses. Whitestone encourages our tenants to please check with their local lender or existing banking relationships.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):  Is a federally funded program which provides small businesses with forgivable loans for up to 8 weeks of payroll & benefit costs that can also be used for interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. Small businesses can apply through an existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any participating federally insured depository institution and federally insured credit union. Check with your local lender.

 

Small Business Association (SBA):  Provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides working capital loans to those experiencing temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Below is a comprehensive Coronavirus page with all of its resources in one place.

 

Main Street Lending Program: Is a federal government program providing crucial support to help small businesses survive the challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis. On April 9, the Federal Reserve announced a comprehensive $600B Main Street Lending Program, which is specifically designed to support small and medium-sized businesses. Importantly, participation in the Paycheck Protection Program does not limit a company’s participation in the Main Street Lending Program.

 

State and Local Programs

The states in which Whitestone operates in offer guidance and assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19:

 

Third Party Programs/Grants/Credits/Funds

Some companies, industry associations, nonprofit charitable foundations, and third party organizations are offering access to grants, funds, loans, or credits to small and medium sized businesses.

 

Whitestone CARE PROGRAM Tenant Counseling Team Contact Information:

 

2. Community Resources Available

Whitestone’s Community Centers play a critical role in the neighborhoods we serve, providing access to essential services such as groceries, pharmacies, medical and urgent care facilities, and essential retail services.

  • We are constantly monitoring recommendations and complying with mandates of municipal, state, and federal governments and health authorities. Wherever permissible, our centers will remain open to continue to provide access to these essential goods and services.
  • We are continuously sharing news and healthcare best practices to our essential service providers about special hours and curbside pick-up on social media channels.
  • Our dedicated teams are responding quickly to the needs of our communities by finding creative and meaningful ways to use our essential centers.

 

State and Local COVID-19 Response Information
ArizonaTexas
Last Updated Week Ending:2020-04-17 00:00:002020-04-17 00:00:00
State Health Department COVID-19 WebsiteArizona COVID-19 ResponseTexas Department of State Health Services Coronavirus Page
Key Contact InformationHotline #211coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov
DSHS COVID 19 Call Center: 1-877-570-9779
Executive OrderShelter in Place thru April 30Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Establishing Strike Force To Open Texas
Plan to ReopenGovernor Abbott Issues Executive Order Establishing Strike Force To Open Texas
Mass Gathering RestrictionsGatherings of 10 or more prohibited until 4/30
School ClosuresGovernor Ducey, Superintendent Hoffman Announce Extension of School Closures through End of School YearGovernor Abbott Extends School Closures for the Remainder of the School Year
Restaurant Closures; Delivery and Pick-up OptionsRequires restaurants in Arizona counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases to provide dine-out options only, and that all bars in those counties close. This also applies to movie theaters and gyms.Dining in restaurants prohibited until April 30
Non-Essential Retail ClosuresCloses Barbers, Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Nail Salons and Aesthetic Salons, Tanning salons, Tattoo parlors, Spas, Massage therapist services from 4/4/20
Executive Order GA-16 (PDF)

 

3. Health Best Practices Resources Available

CDC Guidance to Help Businesses Combat the Spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

 

4. Employee Resources Available

The health and safety of our employees and their families are our top priority. We have taken steps to protect and support them, and to enable them to care for family members and children whose lives have also been impacted.

  • Beginning March 20, we transitioned our non-essential workforce to work from home during this critical social distancing period.
  • All business travel has stopped until further notice. State-of-the-art technology and software allow our full team to work from anywhere fairly easily.
  • Our human resources and information technology teams are available to all employees to address any needs or concerns they may have.
  • Our medical and non-medical plan provides important support for both physical and psychological needs during this stressful period. Associates will receive time off to care for themselves or family members as they need.
  • We’ve increased communications at all levels and have initiated company-wide virtual meetings to keep our employees connected and informed.

 

Whitestone’s Human Resources department has been providing regular communications and updates on how employees and vendors can manage stress and anxiety during these unprecedented times. The team continually interacts with all levels of management to ensure their teams remain productive, efficient, and engaged as they adjust to remote work. Whitestone encourages our managers and staff to utilize our Comprehensive Learning resources to help with developmental training during downtime.

Employee Resources:

 

Whitestone management will continue to evaluate and adjust our approach as the pandemic unfolds. We are dedicated to enabling our employees to be as productive as possible while providing the flexibility they need to care for themselves and their families.

 

5. For Investors: Whitestone REIT COVID-19 Business Update Press Releases