NORMAL — Anticipating increasing COVID-19-related hardships, the Normal Town Council will consider boosting a coronavirus housing assistance program.
Normal launched a COVID-19 housing assistance program in September to help Normal residents struggling with rent and utilities because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The program was created through a partnership with Mid Central Community Action.
Normal used $100,000 of $246,067 in Community Development Block Grant funding, received as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, to fund the housing program.
On Monday the town council will consider allocating a remaining $143,262 in CDBG-CV (coronavirus) funds for the program, said Normal City Manager Pam Reece.
The program has served a total five eligible, income-qualified households in paying rent or utilities since September for a total $5,623.13.
As other community resources are depleted, and the the statewide eviction moratorium expires Dec. 12, the town is anticipating an increase in residents requiring financial assistance, said Reece.