CITY OF BRUNSWICK: Mortgage, rent and water assistance for those impacted by COVID-19

By Press release submission

Nov 9, 2020

City of Brunswick issued the following announcement on Oct. 29.

Community Action Wayne/Medina (CAW/M) which serves Wayne and Medina Counties, has received a $960,440.00 Home Relief Grant, through the Ohio Office of Community Assistance. The grant purpose is to assist households impacted by COVID-19 with rent or mortgage payments and to prevent water and sewer disconnections beginning November 2, 2020, with the grant set to expire December 30, 2020.

Ohioans, who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments, water bills, or sewer payments are encouraged to contact CAW/M to submit an application for assistance. Funds are available for a limited time and applicants are encouraged to reach out early.

“We are thrilled to have this resource available to help our community maintain safe and healthy homes for their families as we recover from the economic fallout from COVID-19,” said Melissa Pearce, CAW/M President/CEO. “Though the funds are available for a short time, this new resource and our experience administering similar programs will help hundreds of households regain some household stability. With housing rent and mortgage payment moratoriums set to expire at the end of the year, as well as the unemployment benefits of many families, this assistance can provide a more hopeful look toward 2021.”

Governor Mike DeWine announced the availability of funds last Friday during a joint press conference with members of the General Assembly. The funding is part of the CARES Act stimulus package and are available until December 30, 2020, adding urgency that the message reaches eligible families. All households that are experiencing challenges in paying past due payments should contact CAW/M at 330.264.8677 to learn more or complete an application.

“Though the eviction moratorium by the Centers for Disease Control has prevented some residential evictions for non-payment of rent and mortgage bills, late fees are still accumulating,” said Pearce. “This funding will make a positive impact, will keep families in their homes now, and will prevent future evictions.”

Residents outside of Wayne and Medina counties can find their local Community Action Agency by visiting https://oacaa.org/agency-directory/.

CAW/M serves the mission to strengthen the community through collaborations and services by promoting self-sufficiency, household stability and family and childhood education. For over 50 years, CAW/M has provided much-needed services and opportunities to thousands of low-income people and families each year, improving their lives and generating positive impact in the communities served. From early childhood education to home repair, CAW/M provides an environment of friendly customer service. Head Start programs offer a two-generation approach and work to close the achievement gap that poverty may impact, assisting families in developing and supporting education for their children. Eligible low-income households are assisted through various cost-savings programs, making homes safer, more energy-efficient and affordable. Other services support economic self-sufficiency and independence, addressing self-sufficiency, transportation, food insecurity, employment, prescription assistance and relevant community partnerships that leverage resources.

Original source can be found here.