For Immediate Release: 1/26/2022 4:23 pm
City officials are seeking volunteers to help distribute $50 million in federal funding to those most disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The volunteers must be Worcester residents who are able to serve a three-year term focused on a specific needs area. The five ad hoc committees will help direct the funds — part of $146 million committed to Worcester by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — to community organizations, small businesses, and individuals. The funds are especially for low-income communities and communities of color.
“It’s crucial that we help those who have suffered most during this pandemic,” City Manager Edward M. Augustus said in a statement. “So many families and small businesses are holding on by a thread. These ad hoc committee volunteers will play a pivotal role in helping deliver relief where it’s needed most.”
The ad hoc committees will work with the City Administration to review grant applications and develop award recommendations. Committee assignments will conclude at the end of 2024 when the funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, part of the federal government’s American Rescue Plan, must be distributed by.
Committee assignments are as follows:
Eligible Worcester residents who are interested in one of the above subject areas are encouraged to visit www.worcesterma.gov/arpa to apply by Feb. 22, 2022. Questions can be directed to ARPA@worcesterma.gov.
