The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced the availability of $18.7 million in CARES Act funding to non-entitlement communities to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. HCD announced they will conduct a workshop webinar to answer questions about the over-the-counter application process and what activities are eligible for funding. You can register for the June 24 webinar here. Applications will be accepted between June 8 and August 31, 2020. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) explains that eligible activities include:
- Assistance to businesses and microenterprises impacted by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and shut-downs
- Public services related to COVID-19 support
- Facility improvements related to COVID-19 healthcare and homeless housing needs
- Acquisition of real property to be used for the treatment or recovery of infectious diseases in response to COVID-19
The NOFA is accessible here and outlines the application process, activities eligible for funding, and the allocation for each jurisdiction. In order to apply for funding, local governments must have an approved housing element in place, so there are thirteen cities and four counties that are currently ineligible until their housing element issues are resolved.
RCRC supported HCD’s efforts to expedite disbursement of $19 million CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and simplify the application process for local governments. Read RCRC’s comments here.