Last week, U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., announced that the federal government is sending almost $2 million to help Volusia County’s homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic.
Waltz announced on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be sending $1.9 million to Volusia County. The funds come from the $2.2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act” which Congress and the White House agreed to at the end of March.
“The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant funds will be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance. The funds will also support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19,” the congressman’s office noted.
“Sadly, the homeless are at a much higher risk of contracting coronavirus,” Waltz said. “This grant will be much-needed to prevent the spread and respond to the virus among our homeless population – and I am grateful this funding from the CARES Act is making its way to help some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Waltz is currently wrapping up his first term in Congress and represents parts of Northeast Florida with his district stretching from the southern part of St. Johns County down the Atlantic coast to Volusia County. He is a heavy favorite to win a second term in November.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
Author
