Haverhill is receiving an additional $597,180 in federal Community Development Block Grant aid for pandemic-related costs.
The extra money comes the latest CARES Act round and focuses toward communities with households facing higher risk of eviction including communities with high proportions of job loss and unemployment. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said local and state governments need more help.
“This funding will go a long way to help Massachusetts communities meet the significant needs of their populations as they mitigate the impact of this crisis on our families, but they’re going to need a lot more,” she said.
Sen. Edward Markey added, “The coronavirus pandemic has left families across Massachusetts struggling to pay rent and keep up with their mortgage. The CDBG funding will help assist and prevent these families from being evicted during these challenging times.”
Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell are so-called “entitlement” communities and receive Block Grants directly from the federal government. Lawrence received $935,531 while Lowell received $1,251,394. Other area cities may benefit from another $29 million allocated to the state for disbursal.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan said that while extended federal unemployment benefits expired weeks ago, working families’ rent and utility bills are “piling up.” “This funding will go a long way toward keeping those families who are most at-risk of eviction housed and safe, especially in Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Fitchburg, as we continue to respond to this unprecedented public health crisis.”