Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with J. Jireh Development Corporation to provide rental and mortgage assistance to East Side residents impacted by COVID-19.
The Kimball Farms COVID-19 Community Assistance Program will provide one-time rental and/or mortgage assistance to residents within the 43203 and 43205 zip codes that have fallen behind on these payments due to reduced employment hours, unemployment, or other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be utilized to pay up to $1,500 of delinquent rents/mortgages per applicant/address. Funds can also be used to cover delinquent electric and/or water charges if they are included as part of the monthly rent or mortgage.
Columbus City Council is supporting this program with $40,000.00 in funding from the CARES Act fund.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to immediately provide the funds necessary to assist residents in need.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $40,000.00 and is available within the CARES Act fund.
Title
To authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with the J. Jireh Development Corporation in support of the Kimball Farms COVID-19 Community Assistance Program; to authorize a transfer of appropriations and an expenditure of $40,000.00 within the CARES Act fund, and to declare an emergency. ($40,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented job losses and affected the abilities of many Columbus residents to cover their basic needs, including rents and mortgages; and
WHEREAS, the goal of J. Jireh Development Corporation is to assist East Side residents in the areas of healthy food, housing, youth services, and employment; and
WHEREAS, the federal CARES Act has provided additional resources for states and cities across the country to address community needs as a result of the COVID outbreak; and
WHEREAS...
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