During its regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday night, the Statesboro City Council voted to establish a COVID-19 relief program benefitting three funds: a rental/mortgage fund, small business fund, and utility assistance fund. The $250,000.00 program will be funded using CARES ACT funds the City of Statesboro received in August 2020.
“As we navigate this unprecedented chapter in our nation’s history, the councilmembers and I want to make it abundantly clear to the people of Statesboro that they are not alone and that we are standing with them,” said Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “We are extremely thankful to be able to provide some assistance during this very difficult time for many families and businesses within our community.”
The recommendation was made to the Mayor and City Council by Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny who cited the difficult times that have plagued the community over the past seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the $250,000.00 allocated for the relief program, $75,000.00 was designated to rental/mortgage assistance, $100,000.00 for small business grants, and $75,000.00 for utility assistance.
The rental/mortgage fund will be administered by United Way of Southeast Georgia The maximum amount of assistance per family for rental/mortgage assistance is $3,000.00. The fund will provide assistance to citizens of Statesboro who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and are struggling with paying rent or have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.
The small business fund will be administered by Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG). The maximum amount of assistance per business is $5,000.00. The fund will provide assistance to business owners whose businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
The utility assistance fund will be administered by Action Pact. The maximum amount of assistance per applicant is $175.00. The fund will provide assistance for water, sewer, natural gas and electric bills.
More information regarding how to apply for the COVID-19 relief assistance will be available in the coming weeks. Eligible applicants must be residents of the City of Statesboro and will be required to meet several criteria to be considered for assistance.
