COVID-19 recovery continues across the globe more than a year after the pandemic began. In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey uses funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help jump-start recovery efforts. Specifically, Governor Ivey awarded $2.6 million to six counties to help them overcome the challenges of the pandemic. Etowah, Lee, Clarke, Coffee, Houston, and Pike counties will benefit from this round of federal assistance.

Ivey told the Alabama Political Reporter, “It is imperative for our own safety and welfare and for the sake of the economy that we put COVID-19 behind us and get on with our lives. Moreover, Ivey said she is “hopeful these funds will be beneficial in assisting these counties to help their residents as we continue to take great steps to overcome the pandemic.” Alabama received more than $40 million in funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act.

In northeast Alabama, Etowah County will use $500,000 to provide relief grants for small businesses. In like manner, county leaders will use the funds to provide rent and utility assistance for those struggling. Farther south, leaders in Lee County will also receive $500,000 in COVID-19 recovery funds. The Alabama Political Reporter confirms these funds will be used for food distribution, along with rent and utility assistance. Funds will also flow into more rural parts of the state.

A little more than 23,000 people call Clarke County, Alabama home. County leaders plan to use all $300,000 in federal assistance. Specifically, these funds will help those struggling to pay rent, mortgages, or utility bills. In addition, leaders will use some of the award to purchase personal protective equipment for first responders. More awards could be coming down the line for COVID-19 Recovery.

COVID-19 recovery for property, business owners

In Alabama, Governor Ivey expects to award more COVID-19 recovery funds to cities and counties as applications are processed. These HUD awards go beyond rental, mortgage, or utility assistance. In addition, federal relief can apply to food distribution and food pantries. Finally, HUD funds can apply to job creation to spur economic recovery as well as testing and vaccinations for Covid-19.

Help is available for anyone facing hardships due to COVID-19. Property owners with a Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgage should immediately call a HUD-approved counseling agency. Applications for assistance must begin by the end of June. Finally, Navigate Affordable Housing Partners is also working to help those at risk of losing housing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about rental assistance options as well as get help paying rent by clicking here.