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Date: 8/2/2022
AMHERST – Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA), in collaboration with the town of Amherst, has been allocated $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to aid residents struggling with overdue rent, mortgage or utility bills in wake of the coronovirus pandemic. The funding will be used to provide one-time payments, the town announced in a press release.
Accepted applicants must demonstrate that financial hardships resulted from COVID-19 or the economic impacts of COVID-19. Grants will be awarded for a maximum of $3,000 on a first-come, first-served basis. At least half of the funds will be reserved for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities. The release explains that financial ability will also be considered when determining eligibility.
Interested residents should fill out the application online at https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/62631/Resident-Assistance-Application-final and then call Family Outreach of Amherst at 548-1275 to schedule an appointment.
The application requires proof of income for all adults in the household and boxes asking if residents are requesting funds for rent, mortgage or utilities. Related documents – like a notice to quit, an eviction notice or other communication with a landlord about overdue rent, a late notice for a mortgage or a shut-off notice from a utility company that shows the amount owed, is required.
If approved, a pledge letter will be sent directly to the landlord or utility company that indicates the amount of funding and a check will be sent within approximately two to three weeks directly to the landlord, mortgage lender or utility company.
FOA is one of the programs offered by the Center for Human Development (CHD) that is based nearby in Springfield. CHD Marketing and Community Engagement Manager Lisa Brecher said that in addition to its own range of programs like the Parent Aide and Immigrant Services programs, The FOA also offers information, referral and advocacy services related to issues including housing, childcare, healthcare, counseling and education. Brecher said FOA has been providing outreach and support services for 32 years and has served over 500 families in the past year alone.
“Family Outreach of Amherst was approached by the town of Amherst to coordinate the ARPA funds secured by the town,” Brecher said. “FOA’s long history working with struggling individuals and families and our current [Community Development Block Grant]-funded Community Housing Support Program made us the perfect candidate to manage the fund.”
Brecher continued, “The goal of Family Outreach of Amherst is to support and assist the most vulnerable members of our community. Our clients are families who struggle with mental health, trauma, medical, substance abuse, and life skills issues. When working with a family we have no identified consumer. Each individual member of the family is a client and is offered services depending on their specific needs.”
She said that in the same day or week, the services for even just one family vary from taking a mother and infant to a [Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program] appointment, attend a special education meeting for an older sibling, help a family member fill out job applications, translate at medical appointments and other aides.