Help for Low Income Suffolk Residents to Overcome COVID Hardships

PATCHOGUE, NY – JUNE 22, 2020 - The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. (EOC of Suffolk) has received $1.7 million in federal funds to provide financial assistance to individuals and families facing economic hardships arising from COVID-19-related disruptions.

The funds are being made available to eligible Suffolk County residents who have either lost their jobs, became temporarily unemployed, or faced financial difficulties because of the pandemic.

The funds originate from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – commonly known as the CARES Act – which is providing $41 billion in funding to supplement the nationwide Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Signed into law on March 27, the relief program aims to address the consequences of increased unemployment and economic disruption resulting from the COVID-19 virus.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has triggered the most damaging economic crisis America has faced in some 80 years,” said Adrian Fassett, CEO of EOC of Suffolk. “During this difficult period, these federal funds will help our organization fulfill our mission of promoting the economic self-sufficiency of Suffolk County residents.”

An applicant’s eligible expenses can include food, funeral costs, rental expenses, broker fees, utility expenses, medical expenses, retraining expenses, clothing, bedding, toiletries, and other expenses. Household income cannot exceed 200 percent of poverty guidelines.

The determination of financial eligibility for CARES assistance does not factor in an applicant’s supplemental unemployment payments, stimulus payments, or other relief funding an individual has already received or is currently receiving.

For further information, residents can visit www.eoc-suffolk.com or contact Halim Kaygisiz at hkaygisiz@eoc-suffolk.com or 631-241-2119.

About the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.

The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc (EOC of Suffolk, Inc) is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) minority community-based organization incorporated in the State of New York on May 5, 1967. EOC of Suffolk, Inc is Suffolk County's designated community action agency, recipient of the Federal Community Service Block Grant, which supports activities designed to assist low-income families and individuals receiving assistance under part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act.

The agency’s mission is to promote a goal of self-sufficiency by broadening the minds of children, revitalizing communities, and assisting families and children in need through the provision of services and to coordinate available federal, state, local, and private resources. For more information, go to www.eoc-suffolk.com or call 631-289-2124.