The city of Takoma Park, Md., is distributing $2 million to low and mid-income households this fall.
Starting Oct. 25, residents can apply for a one-time $1,000 payment to be spent on rent, utilities, or however recipients see fit.
The Direct Cash Assistance Program dips into the city’s $17.5 million received in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan. The program aims to ease the economic burden on Takoma Park households brought on by the pandemic. The city is partnering with FORWARD, an organization helping local governments administer pandemic recovery programs, to implement the initiative.
“Our team is committed to incorporating equity into every aspect of this program and will work with the City to reach traditionally hard-to-reach communities,” FORWARD CEO Adnan Mahmud said in a press release.
FORWARD is also working with local homeless service nonprofit Shepherd’s Table on outreach and marketing to encourage people to apply.
Takoma Park households with an income of $50,000 are eligible. Applicants must present proof of income and residency and can opt to receive payments by direct deposit or paper check. Applications will remain open while funds last.
The funds will provide “immediate relief” for community members still hurting from the pandemic, according to the press release.
Interested applicants can find more information and apply by visiting tinyurl.com/takoma-aid.