More American Rescue Plan Funds Enter Service
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New Albany’s Redevelopment Commission added another set of groups to the growing list of those served by the American Rescue Plan. At today’s meeting, the board unanimously approved aid to three additional organizations within the City of New Albany: the New Albany Township Trustee, System of CARE, and Harvest Homecoming.
The Redevelopment Commission provided $100,000 in additional funding towards the Township Trustee’s mission of helping individuals with utility payments, housing and rent, food, healthcare, and homelessness relief to those in need and that have been impacted by COVID-19. In 2020 alone, the Township Trustee assisted over 521 individuals and 266 households, supplying approximately $50,000 in utility assistance, $95,000 in housing assistance, $32,000 in food assistance, and $94,000 in homelessness assistance.
“These additional funds will go a long way towards helping those most in need in New Albany,” stated New Albany Township Trustee David Brewer. “Ultimately, our goal is to not only help people in the short term, but also invest in the health and wellness of these individuals that need it most so they can prosper in the future.”
The Redevelopment Commission also awarded $50,000 to System of CARE, a non-profit that offers community-based services and support for children, youth, and their families with (or at risk) for mental health challenged. The program is also recognized and endorsed by the Indiana Family & Services Administration for their work in child abuse prevention and substance misuse/addiction assistance.
Harvest Homecoming, the third largest festival in the state of Indiana, also received assistance through these actions. Harvest Homecoming draws hundreds of thousands of tourists to New Albany that help support local tourism, businesses, nonprofits, churches, children’s organizations, and others. The organization will receive $50,000 worth of financial assistance for multiple programs, including local merchant booth fee assistance, promotional assistance, tourism-focused initiatives like live entertainment, and others.
Brief History of the American Rescue Plan
In early March, President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan was signed into law by congress. As part of this plan, the City of New Albany is expected to receive a total allotment of $16.83 million to help aid in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The first half has already been received by the city of New Albany, and the second half is expected sometime next year.
The New Albany City Council has, through a bipartisan 5-3 vote, tasked the New Albany Redevelopment Commission (NARC) with implementing programs and funds from the American Rescue Plan. The NARC has vast experience dealing with federal programs and guidelines, as well as having a staff in place to help quickly get these rescue funds into service.
Further Reading and Past Actions
A Statement from Mayor Gahan on the American Rescue Plan
