Otter Tail County commissioners, on Sept. 1, addressed resilience and the response to assist county residents in the wake of COVID-19.
To that end, the county is conducting significant public information outreach and program education to inform households of the resources available.
They including the state’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program, the Otter Tail County CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act Emergency Assistance program, utility assistance programs, financial counseling and other programs.
Addressing the county board on these topics were County Human Services Director Deb Sjostrom and Housing and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Barbara Dacy. “We want to treat people equally,” Dacy said.
Funding will be used to meet the emergency needs of eligible county households who are in an emergency as a result of COVID-19 expenses from March 1, 2020, to Dec. 30, 2020.
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The assistance must be used for emergency situations due to the impact of COVID-19 in which the household is without, or will lose, housing, utilities, transportation, or other eligible situations that would affect housing stability, food security, as well as gaining or maintaining meaningful employment.
It is estimated that more than 650 households may have adverse financial impacts as a result of COVID-19. Additionally, it is estimated that up to approximately $1,500 is necessary and reasonable to help minimize financial hardships of county households as a result of COVID-19.
“We as a county will do all we can to make sure that dollars go to those truly in need,” said County Commissioner Doug Huebsch of Perham.
