$270K+ Committed To Coronavirus Relief Programs In Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — The town has awarded 41 percent of its total available funding for three coronavirus relief programs. In June 2020, the Department of Planning and Community Development announced assistance programs for income-eligible households and businesses that have been impacted by the economic instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as public service agencies.

The three assistance programs are funded through an additional allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds known as CDBG-CV made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. To date, of the total CDBG-CV award, $271,628 has been committed, and the DPCD continues to process requests.

Emergency Tenant Assistance Program

The Arlington Emergency Tenant Assistance Program is designed to support renters who have been impacted by the pandemic. DPCD’s program administrator, MCO Housing Services, is working with over 50 Arlington households that applied for the rental assistance to review documentation for eligibility prior to a final approval from DPCD. DPCD is working closely with the Arlington Health and Human Services staff administering the COVID-19 Relief Program as well as the staff at the Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) administering their COVID-19 Emergency Response Program to ensure that households needing assistance are receiving assistance that best fits their needs and eligibility.

As of Aug. 6, 21 households have received assistance averaging approximately $3,800. Approval of assistance for 21 more households is still pending.

DPCD will announce a second round of funding for tenant assistance available in the late summer supported with a $300,000 grant from the Arlington Community Preservation Act Committee.

Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program

The Arlington Small Business Relief Program supports Arlington small businesses impacted by the pandemic. With the assistance of the Amazing Arlington volunteers to spread the word about this program, over 30 small businesses applied to qualify for the funding. Of the over 30 businesses, 24 small businesses submitted a full application for review by DPCD. The types of businesses that applied include:

· 6 retail shops;

· 5 dry cleaners/tailors/laundromats;

· 4 quick service food establishments;

· 3 sole proprietorships offering health services;

· 2 activity-based businesses;

· 2 convenience stores;

· 1 barber shop; and

· 1 landscaping company.

As of Aug. 6, 22 businesses have been approved to receive $10,000 grants to sustain their businesses through the pandemic and grant agreements are in the process of being signed.

Public Service COVID-19 Support

Finally, the CDBG-CV funds are supporting Food Link, Arlington EATS, the Arlington Boys and Girls Club, and the Arlington Council on Aging (COA) to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the important programs that these agencies are implementing for Arlington, including food security, childcare support, and technology support.

Specifically, a $15,562 award was made to the COA to establish a Technology Loan Library to help seniors access the COA’s remote offerings through the purchase of internet-capable devices and internet hot spots. The COA will connect seniors who are not comfortable navigating a computer and the internet with a volunteer. Arlington EATS and the Food Link were awarded $10,000 and $21,400, respectively, to support their contactless food delivery system as well as to support a larger number of households needing food security. The Arlington Boys and Girls Club was awarded $5,000 to implement their Board of Health-approved programming in their facility to help with the childcare needs of parents and guardians who still need to work.

Other Related Activities

A Substantial Amendment was released by the Town of Arlington to reprogram $50,000 in economic development funds to support the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program as well as to provide funding Arlington EATS to support the fit out of the market space at 117 Broadway and to the Department of Public Works to support the annual curb ramp program.

The CARES Act allows the Town to program CDBG funding quickly and efficiently with a 5-day comment period. Comments can be submitted beginning on August 6, 2020 through August 12, 2020 at 4 PM to Erin Zwirko, Interim Community Development Program Manager, at ezwirko@town.arlington.ma.us. All comments received and the Town’s responses will be included in the Substantial Amendment that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This Substantial Amendment can be viewed online at arlingtonma.gov/cdbg.

For all questions about the CDBG programs, including the yearly funding cycle, please contact Erin Zwirko, Interim Community Development Program Manager, at 781-316-3091 or ezwirko@town.arlington.ma.us.