Sussex receives funds for COVID-19 programs
Sussex County has received nearly $900,000 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding to support programs, residents and organizations dealing with COVID-19 issues.
The majority of the funding, about $620,000, has been set aside for hotel/motel vouchers for Sussex County residents who are homeless, displaced or quarantined. Funds will be distributed in a partnership with Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers.
About $250,000 will be allocated for rental assistance, legal services and senior food programs, said Brad Whaley, Sussex County community development and housing director.
The funds will be available to local governments and nonprofit organizations through an application process that will be made available by the end of July, said Brandy Nauman, Sussex County housing coordinator and Fair Housing compliance officer.
Whaley said a virtual public hearing on the proposed use of the funds will be scheduled this month with a five-day period set aside for written comments.
Nauman said staff will work with Sussex agencies that apply for funding. “They will have to justify that all expenses are related to COVID-19,” she said.
The Delaware State Housing Authority received a $1.4 million grant from HUD, which was passed through to Sussex County and Kent County housing officials. Whaley said a second round of funding will be available but county officials must file an application in competition with other jurisdictions.
