LI Group Received Over Funds To Help Residents Impacted By COVID

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Patchogue-based organization recently announced that it has received over $1.7 million in federal funds to help those facing economic hardship due to the coronavirus. The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. (EOC of Suffolk) will be giving those funds to eligible Suffolk County residents who have either lost their jobs, became temporarily unemployed, or faced financial difficulties because of the pandemic.

The funds come 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. After it was 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," Adrian Fassett, CEO of EOC of Suffolk said. "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 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.