The faces of reality: How the COVID-19 fallout is affecting Charlotte workers
What do a personal trainer, bartender and freelance photographer have in common? On an average day, not very much. Today, however, they’re three Charlotte residents from different industries that have all been adversely affected by the COVID-19 social distancing measures.
With cancellations, closures and a statewide mandate that bars and restaurants operate through takeout and delivery only, freelancers and employees of affected businesses are left to figure out their new normal of being out of work.
Editor’s note: CharlotteFive will follow bartender Ally Goddard, personal trainer Chuck Walker and freelance photographer Alvin C. Jacobs over the next few months to see how they navigate the fallout from businesses and other public spaces being shut down to stem the halt of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
Despite the chaos, you’ll see that all three share a concern for the health and well-being of others.
Single Barrel Room bartender Ally Goddard learned of her new reality after Gov. Roy Cooper forced bars to close as of 5 p.m. March 17.
Because alcohol can’t be taken out of North Carolina bars, Single Barrel Room had to close completely, and Goddard is now out of work at her main job.
“The forced closures of all restaurants and bars in North Carolina have put thousands of workers, including myself, out of a job for the foreseeable future,” Goddard told CharlotteFive. “Not only have we lost the only income we have, but there are limited ways to receive financial help.”
Luckily for Goddard, she’s been working part-time as a pet sitter and walker for the last three years. She plans to supplement income that way as much as she can. While her gigs are slowing due to most people staying home, she has a few clients committed to keeping her working.
Even through this is a harsh reality, she hopes to help others who may not be as fortunate as she is.
“I’m fortunate enough to have a full fridge and stocked pantry, but so many people aren’t,” she said. “I’ve posted about dropping meals off to anyone who needs them because I’ll be cooking up a frenzy these next few weeks. I also have a car, which not everyone in our industry does, so I’m going to try and pick up groceries for anyone who might need them or help run their errands.”
For other bartenders who may need financial assistance, Goddard said the United States Bartender Guild offers help through its COVID-19 relief campaign. You don’t have to be a member to apply.
Charlotte gyms also closed
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte announced the closure of all branches and camps until April 1. Mecklenburg County later closed all gyms, theaters and other public spaces.
Chuck Walker, a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the Dowd YMCA, was forced to cancel his popular athletic conditioning class, which draws over 50 participants per session, as well as in-person training sessions at the gym.
“As all gyms are closed or closing during this time, it definitely affects my ability to see my one-on-one clients face-to-face,” Walker told CharlotteFive.
In the meantime, he will offer personal training, a $1 fitness guide and customized meal plans online through his personal fitness brand, Transform With Chuck. He hopes this time away from work will increase his online presence while trying to reach and inspire as many people as he can.
“I think all we can do at this time is to try and stay in a positive, healthy state and continue to be LOCKED IN,” Walker said, referencing the mantra he uses to motivate clients during workouts.
Getting creative to generate income
Over the last few weeks, image activist and freelance photographer Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. has had about 6 gigs canceled — which would have brought in major income.
From hosting a series of photography classes with The Harvey B. Gantt Center to shooting a wedding, Jacobs must now get even more creative to ensure he stays afloat after those big gigs fell by the wayside due to COVID-19.
“It’s frustrating,” Jacobs told CharlotteFive. “I feel like this could have been prevented somehow — the fallout, not the actual medical crisis.”
He thinks the government should have already had measures in place to assist citizens in a pandemic.
As a veteran creative, Jacobs has learned to prepare for times like this. But he’s worried about freelancers just starting out who may not have backup income or resources.
While some freelancers have the option to pick up online work, it’s not that easy for a photographer.
“As a commercial photographer, when a gig gets canceled, there’s not much you can do after that,” he said..
Rest assured, Jacobs isn’t just going to sit around and complain. He still plans to actively seek work, even if that means driving to other cities.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 9:30 AM.
