ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request for the Following:
A. To APPROVE the CDBG UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
B. To APPROVE the REALLOCATION OF CDBG Funds to the Utility Assistance Program.
Body
BACKGROUND:
A. Approve the Utility Assistance Program.
This program is designed to provide funds to renters and homeowners delinquent on electric/gas (Ameren) and/or water (Illinois American Water) bills due to COVID-19 impacts. Funds will be provided for up to six consecutive months of overdue electric/gas (Ameren) and/or water (Illinois American Water) payments to approved applicants. Payments can go back up to April 2020. The maximum grant amount is $5,000 per household.
Applicants will be selected via a virtual lottery. All application materials must be completely submitted in order to enter the lottery.
Applications will be available for approximately four weeks and can be accessed via an online portal or paper application. A brief video training session will be available on the application launch date to guide applicants through the application process.
To be eligible:
* The property must be located within the corporate boundaries of the City of Peoria
* Total household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) by household size
* Household must show a negative impact due to COVID-19
* Household must be past due on electric or water bills
* Households previously receiving City Household Assistance funds are not eligible.
Additional program details:
* Up to $5,000 for up to six (6) months of utility assistance
* The only eligible utilities are electric/gas (Ameren) and water (Illinois American Water)
* Payments will be made by the City directly to the utility company
B. Approve the Reallocation of CDBG Funds to the Utility Assistance Program.
All households being helped with the current version of the household assistance program will receive the grant funds th...
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