Sandy Springs Partners With Nonprofits To Use Coronavirus Funding

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The City of Sandy Springs wants to partner with local nonprofit agencies to assist the City in utilizing $384,260 in special COVID-19 Community Development Block Grant funds received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On May 19, the Sandy Springs City Council approved a $100,000 grant contract with the Community Assistance Center. The city will use a formal proposal process to allocate the remainder of funds to other local agencies.

The additional monies were made available through HUD as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act for the COVID-19 pandemic response. The Community Development Block Grant Program focuses on the development of viable urban communities, including decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expansion of economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate-income. In keeping with those guidelines, the Community Development Block Grant funds can be used to meet emergency needs related to the pandemic, including the provision of food, housing assistance, and other support activities.

The Community Assistance Center provides several services in support of individuals and families in need. Services include providing food and clothing, as well as financial assistance through rent and utility support.

The Community Assistance Center reports that since March 16, the Community Assistance Center has experienced a 400 percent increase in calls for assistance and expects the added need to continue through at least the end of the year. In March, the city approved an allocation of $25,000 for the Community Assistance Center to assist the agency in meeting food, clothing, and other needs, excluding rent subsidies, since there was a moratorium on rent evictions in Fulton County. As part of the grant contract, the funds provided must serve Sandy Springs residents. The Community Assistance Center will provide monthly reporting and must adhere to the strict reporting protocol required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Development Block Grant program.

The city plans to issue a procurement for the remainder of the funds next month.