Gov. Jay Nixon late last week outlined several state and federal programs to provide assistance to impacted businesses in Ferguson and the surrounding areas.

Financial assistance, insurance guidance and mental-health resources are among the number of initiatives put in place by the governor’s administration to assist communities impacted by unrest in the region.

“North St. Louis County communities that have been impacted by civil unrest should know that the state of Missouri is committed to providing the resources necessary for them to recover and rebuild, Nixon stated in a news release.

The governor’s administration partnered with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, North County Inc., and local lending institutions to create the Small Business Relief Program, a targeted initiative of the Recovery St. Louis Coalition that provides zero-interest loans to small businesses that were damaged or destroyed by looting, vandalism and other acts within Ferguson, Dellwood, Jennings, unincorporated St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis. Roughly $625,000 in funding remains through this program, which is available to any business impacted by unrest.

More information about the Small Business Relief Program is online or by phone at (314) 206-3235 or email at RecoverySTL@stlregionalchamber.com.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration previously announced, in response to a request from Nixon, that it was making make low-interest disaster loans available to business owners and nonprofit organizations in north St. Louis County that have suffered substantial economic injury. These loans are also still available to impacted businesses.

Earlier last week, the Missouri Department of Insurance announced that department representatives are available now to assist impacted businesses navigate the insurance claim process. Representatives from the department are available to answer questions at (800) 726-7390 and will continue to be available at upcoming events in the greater St. Louis area.

Missourians who lost their job due to the unrest in Ferguson and the surrounding area may be eligible for unemployment benefits. To learn more about unemployment benefits or to file a claim, visit moclaim.mo.gov.

For residents seeking mental-health services, Nixon announced that the Missouri Resilience Coalition is continuing to provide mental-health support and services to children, families and residents of Ferguson and the surrounding areas. The coalition, which includes behavioral health, social services and related organizations, is also working closely with the faith community and mental-health professionals will be stationed at various churches throughout the area.

Individuals seeking help can talk personally and confidentially to staff with the skills to listen, calm, provide words of encouragement and engage people in conversation. Staff will also refer individuals to appropriate sources if longer-term assistance is needed. The Access Crisis Intervention number — (800) 811-4760 — is available 24 hours a day to help individuals in crisis.