$872,881.00 in Additional Federal Assistance for Coronavirus Response is Coming to Escambia County....

The County has been notified and will receive $ 872,881 in CDBG funds from HUD CARES Act funding, which is to be used for CDBG-eligible activities for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response

Yesterday afternoon commissioners received word from Meredith Reeves, the county's Division Manager for the Neighborhood Enterprise Division of the Neighborhood and Human Services Department, that a significant amount of money has arrived for Escambia County to utilize to help with the COVID-19 Pandemic locally..

The funds have restrictions and limitations, but her below email spells out potential uses and who in the community can be authorized to utilize these funds.  Really good news!

Learn more about HUD's Community Development Block Grants here.

From the email:

"Commissioners,

Our office wanted to advise that the County will receive $ 872,881 in CDBG funds from HUD CARES Act funding, which is to be used for CDBG-eligible activities for coronavirus prevention, preparation, and response. CDBG funds must be expended on activities targeted for low/moderate income households (80% area median income). Normally, we cannot expend more than 15% of an allocation toward public services, but HUD has indicated that particular limitation will be lifted for these funds. Citizen participation, NEPA environmental review standards, and labor standards will still be required in order to implement funds. Very little guidance has been provided yet by HUD regarding date of fund availability, eligible activities, plan submission, etc., but we wanted to let you know that this funding is anticipated.

Same sample eligible activities that may be considered for this special funding (not exhaustive):
*Rent/Utility Assistance
*Mortgage Assistance
*Housing/Credit Counseling/Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
*Legal Services
*Homeless Services
*Food Pantries
*Meal Programs and/or Food Delivery for quarantined or at-risk households
*Small Business Loans (either owner is low/mod income OR low/mod employee jobs created or retained)

Please let me know if your office has any questions or concerns. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.
Thank you,

Meredith

Meredith Reeves, Division Manager
Neighborhood Enterprise Division
Neighborhood & Human Services Department
Escambia County"