Tucson To Distribute CARES Act Funds Directly To Residents

TUCSON, AZ — Federal assistance provided through the federal CARES Act will be directly distributed to some Tucson residents in need, mayor Regina Romero announced Thursday.

In a news briefing, Romero said the city has received $3 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and is now working to distribute it people affected by the pandemic through its We Are One/Somos Uno Resilience Fund.

Romero said priority will be given to individuals and families who have not received any other relief funds during the pandemic. Grants of up to $700 for individuals and $1,200 for families are available.

Applications are accepted online through the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona starting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19. The last day to apply is at 5 p.m. on Sept. 9.

Romero said the city also voted to continue a moratorium on evictions and water service shut-offs at city owned public housing residences. The city is also suspending late fees for nonpayment of rent or water utilities, she said.

In the conference, the mayor also urged residents to complete the 2020 U.S. Census as soon as possible.

"Last week, we learned Trump administration is ending the census a month early. Ending the census early will have a direct effect on the accurate count of historically under counted populations," she said.