St. Louis County distributed $2.8 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds to 51 community organizations that serve priority settings and populations that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The various agencies and organizations provide a range of shelter and other services throughout the county, a Monday news release said.
In many instances, the CARES Act funds were for pandemic-related expenses such as personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, physical modifications and additional staffing.
Some organizations received funding to expand services and programming based on needs created by the pandemic.
"The pandemic has created a particularly difficult situation for so many of our partner agencies," Commissioner Patrick Boyle, who represents eastern Duluth, said. "They are facing increased costs at the same time their services are needed more than ever. So, I appreciate that the county is able to help them as they are on the front line helping the people who've been disproportionately affected by COVID-19."
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Boyle is the chair of the board's health and human service committee.
The $2.8 million distributed to community organizations is in addition to $1.8 million given to area schools, and $6.2 million given to small businesses in the county.
Awards ranged from about $4,000 to more than $375,000 for Life House, which provides services for youth and people under 25 years old who are homeless.
