LYNNWOOD — Lynnwood residents financially burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for up to $1,000 in relief.
In June, the city council OK’d a plan to use $200,000 from the federal CARES Act to help residents afford rent, mortgages and other expenses. On Thursday, applications opened through the Communities of Color Foundation, a nonprofit focused on social and racial justice in Snohomish County. As of Monday, 56 people have applied for relief, said Jacque Julien, the nonprofit’s executive director. Payments could be ready within a week.
“Housing has been an ongoing area of focus for the city council and our city administration,” Mayor Nicola Smith said in a news release. “We wanted our relief efforts to be focused on keeping individuals and families in their homes during these difficult times.”
Eligible residents must live within city limits and demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undocumented Lynnwood residents are also encouraged to apply. No identifying information will be given to the federal government, the nonprofit said.
To apply, visit www.c3coalition.org/covid-form.
Grants will range from $500 to $1,000. In most cases, the money will go directly toward landlords and service providers.
The program is operating on a first come, first serve basis, and demand is high, Julien said.
In total, the city received $1.88 million through the CARES Act. Half a million went to 50 small businesses, each getting $10,000, that were impacted by the pandemic. Some 176 businesses applied for the grants, which will help pay employee salaries and other expenses.
The rest of the federal money, about $500,000, went to the city to cover payroll and technology costs, as well as to buy personal protective equipment.
The Lynnwood program mirrors one already in place in Edmonds.
The city of Mountlake Terrace is also considering a residential relief program, which would deliver meals from food banks to homebound residents, as well as process grants to pay unmet bills.
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
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