From the Board of Hamilton County Commissioners:
We know many Hamilton County residents are still struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to make sure everyone can find the right help easily.
So today, the Board of Hamilton County Commissioners launches 513Relief.org – a one-stop spot for all kinds of relief, both immediate and longer-term. This new website is a collaboration of not just Hamilton County agencies, but also agencies all across the region.
“Hamilton County now has one source for COVID-related relief – 513Relief.org,” said Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “As more and more programs come online due to the latest round of federal stimulus, we will have this one-stop available to capture it all.”
“We know people are hurting,” said Commission Vice President Alicia Reece. “We want the community to know that we hear them and are here for them. We want to make sure they have quick access to any help they might need.”
“Our partnerships on the federal and local level have been absolutely critical as we work to directly address the needs in our community. Whether it is rent assistance, food assistance, small business relief, or supporting testing and vaccine sites, we can now point to one place for immediate help for families, workers and business owners,” said Commissioner Denise Driehaus.
In January 2021, commissioners launched the COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Relief Task Force to meet the critical needs of families and businesses affected by COVID-19. This portal is the latest of many steps the county and task force have taken to help residents, businesses, first responders and healthcare providers. The county received $142.6 million in CARES Act funding last year to combat the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 in the community. Commissioners passed the CARES Act Plan last June, setting these priorities for the funds:
- Increasing Hamilton County’s capacity to support vulnerable populations both internally and in partnership with human services organizations;
- Support for small- and medium-sized businesses;
- Supporting first responders and our healthcare systems with logistical support and supplies;
- Increasing Hamilton County’s capacity to support vulnerable populations both internally and in partnership with human services organizations.
The original deadline for using these funds has been extended through December 2021. We will continue to emphasize help in four categories – public health, vulnerable populations, community/economic assistance and county operations.