More than 10 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last two weeks alone. And that number will rise. TPR is reaching out to people who are now out of work, and we want to hear from you. Email dominic@tpr.org with your experience.
Ryan Vestil
Photographer Ryan Vestil specializes in music events. He took photos during concerts at the Aztec Theatre, Paper Tiger and huge festivals like SXSW, which was one of the first major events to be canceled. Vestil still has a day job, but the loss of photography income has taken a toll.
Georgia Parker
Georgia Parker is a Boerne, Texas-based musician. She relies on weekly gigs with her band, Big Cedar Fever, for income. She’s out of work for the foreseeable future because of the coronavirus pandemic. Western swing is her passion.
Imagine Books and Records
Irma and Don Hurd opened Imagine Books and Records in 2011. It’s a place where young people go to feel safe, where you can buy countercultural books and hear underground music.
Now the couple wonders if Imagine Books and Records can survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Racheal O'Riley
Racheal O’Riley worked at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium on the northwest side of San Antonio. It is now closed due to the pandemic, so O’Riley is out of work. They moved in with the Hurds. O’Riley’s lease ends this month, and they are still gathering funds to pay this month’s rent and any late fees.
Bexar County has halted rental evictions until April 22, but questions remain for people without income who can’t pay their rent after that date. County Judge Nelson Wolff said the order might be extended.
Chris Conde
Chris Conde wrote for the San Antonio Current for four years — one year as a freelancer, and three as a full-time staff member. He was laid off in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic along with several other staffers.
Conde is also a rapper, but live performances are suspended for the foreseeable future. He is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, and the loss of work combined with the stay-at-home order is especially isolating.
Quest O'Neal
Quest O’Neal worked at Pat O’Brien’s, which is now closed because of the pandemic. O’Neal also goes by another name — “The Golden Child” on NBC’s show American Ninja Warrior.
The immediate future of the show is unclear, but O’Neal is still training.
This story will be updated.
Dominic Anthony can be reached at Dominic@TPR.org and on Twitter at @_DominicAnthony.
