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Normal To Issue Housing Relief Through CARES Act

Town of Normal sign
WGLT file photo
Town of Normal officials say they expect new federal funding for housing assistance to go quickly.

The Town of Normal is using some of its federal COVID relief for housing assistance.

The town has approved $100,000 that it received through the federal CARES Act to help homeowners and renters who are struggling to make payments because they've lost a job, or taken some kind of financial hit due to the pandemic.
 

Taylor Long speaking at Normal Town Council meeting
Credit YouTube
Town of Normal associate planner Taylor Long said the town could put more money in the program if demand is there.

Associate planner Taylor Long said the town could put more money in the program if the demand is there.

“If it’s a resounding need as we fear it might be, it’s very likely that town staff will go back to council and look to have the rest of the money put toward this program,” Long said.

The federal government provided the town $246,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, specifically for pandemic relief. Long said the town hasn’t spent that money as it awaits to see what needs may arise.

Long said housing assistance funds will awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, but priority will be given to those who were low-to-middle income before the pandemic. That is defined as someone making less than 80% of the area’s median income. For a family of four, that would be $76,250 per year.

Residents can get up to $2,000 each. The funding goes directly to the landlord, lender or utility.

Long added even through the federal governmenthas banned evictions through the end of the year, it's important for residents to not fall behind on what they owe.

“Don’t take the false sense of security that might come with the ability to not be evicted,” Long said. “Don’t let these bills pile up. Just try to get ahead of it.”

Residents can apply through the town or Mid Central Community Action in Bloomington. They also can call the McLean County 211 hotline for additional referrals, or to determine income guidelines.

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Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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