Our state has made tremendous progress in the fight against COVID-19. But we know that the virus is still out there, and as we see cases and hospitalizations rising to capacity in other states, our success in reopening depends on all of us. So be sure to practice social distancing, wear a mask whenever you’re in a crowded public place – especially indoors, and continue to wash your hands frequently. We’ve got this.
Last week, we shared the Return to Learn workgroup guidelines for K-12 schools’ reopening this Fall, prioritizing in-person instruction. The Governor and Legislature announced an agreement on the budget for the ‘19-’20 Fiscal Year, and the bipartisan $880M COVID relief funding bill was signed into law.
We also know that there is going to be a long road to full economic recovery, and this week we’re glad to share details of two new relief programs available to our constituents:
- Oakland County’s rent, mortgage, and utility grant program for those residents who may have fallen behind on payments due to economic hardship because of the pandemic
- Michigan’s $100 million small business grant program, available through the MEDC, to assist small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 – with 30% of funds reserved for women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses
You can find further details of both programs – with details on how to get more information – below.
Stay safe, and keep up with us on social media for additional updates and news.
Updates on COVID Relief Programs:
For Residents:
Oakland County residents who have fallen behind on their rent, mortgage or utility payments because of a lost job or other income reduction due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $15,000 per household.
The Rent, Mortgage & Utility Relief Program for Citizens that will pay up to three months of past-due rent, housing or utility bills for low income Oakland County residents who have been unable to pay their bills because of an income hardship directly related to the pandemic.
Applications for the program can be found at www.oakgov.com/COVID and will be accepted beginning this week through August 31. A second phase begins October 1 to November 30.
Residents of 53 Oakland County communities that participate in the county’s community development block grant program are eligible to apply. (Residents of Royal Oak are not eligible as those communities receive funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).
A complete list detailing the eligibility requirements for the grants is found at www.oakgov.com/covid. Applications can be picked up at Oakland County Community & Home Improvement, Oakland Pointe, Suite 1900, 250 Elizabeth Lake Road, Pontiac, Mich., 48341-0414 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Questions, applications and supporting documentation can be submitted by email to OCHousingRelief@oakgov.com. Residents can also request an application be mailed to them by calling 248-858-0730.
For Business Owners:
This week the MEDC announced that the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $100 million program that will provide grants to small businesses around Michigan working to recover from the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Grants will be administered by 15 Economic Development Organizations covering all 83 counties. A minimum 30% of the funds must be awarded to eligible women-owned, minority-owned or veteran-owned eligible businesses. The application period will be open July 15-August 5 at michiganbusiness.org/restart.
More information can be found at Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
