Sykes Backs Distribution of Federal Pandemic Relief Funds for Rent and Utilities
January 25, 2021
Vernon Sykes News
Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) supported the Ohio Controlling Board’s decision to release $133 million in federal funding, in part to assist Ohioans with rent and utilities, as part of the state’s continued response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Ohioans have resiliently battled the Covid-19 pandemic, but those who have been financially impacted will have a more difficult time recovering without additional support,” said Sykes, who is a sitting member on the Controlling Board. “Nobody should have to live without basic utilities, and these funds will create tangible solutions that help meet Ohioans’ needs.”
Local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) will receive $100 million, distributed based on the population’s income and unemployment rates within each county. Households with an eviction or late notice may receive assistance toward their rent back payments and future payments. Additionally, households that have had their utilities disconnected, have been threatened with disconnection or are behind on their utility and home energy bills can also receive assistance toward arrears and future payments.
About $33 million will be disbursed for other coronavirus relief services, including about $21 million transferred from last fiscal year to this year. Services include outreach about the vaccine and other public information campaigns; support for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for adults impacted by the pandemic; and an award for keeping Covid-19 infection and mortality rates among Ohio Veteran Homes residents lower than the communities they serve.
Additional distribution details for these funds can be found here.
“Ohioans have resiliently battled the Covid-19 pandemic, but those who have been financially impacted will have a more difficult time recovering without additional support,” said Sykes, who is a sitting member on the Controlling Board. “Nobody should have to live without basic utilities, and these funds will create tangible solutions that help meet Ohioans’ needs.”
Local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) will receive $100 million, distributed based on the population’s income and unemployment rates within each county. Households with an eviction or late notice may receive assistance toward their rent back payments and future payments. Additionally, households that have had their utilities disconnected, have been threatened with disconnection or are behind on their utility and home energy bills can also receive assistance toward arrears and future payments.
About $33 million will be disbursed for other coronavirus relief services, including about $21 million transferred from last fiscal year to this year. Services include outreach about the vaccine and other public information campaigns; support for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for adults impacted by the pandemic; and an award for keeping Covid-19 infection and mortality rates among Ohio Veteran Homes residents lower than the communities they serve.
Additional distribution details for these funds can be found here.