Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grant

The City of St. Helens and Columbia County are partnering to apply for a $50,000 grant to assist local community-based public service agencies with COVID-19 personal protective equipment.

At their May 20 meeting, the St. Helens City Council is scheduled to adopt a resolution to apply for Community Development Block Grant Emergency Assistance funds. The $50,000 grant will be used for the county-wide purchase and distribution of COVID-19 personal protective equipment, supplies, and materials for public service agencies.

The City of St. Helens will be the lead applicant and enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Columbia County to form a regional public service program. Jointly, we will partner with local public service nonprofits who will deliver the services. Our application is for equipment, supplies and materials necessary to carry out vital public services.

St. Helens is eligible to apply for a 2020 Community Development Block Grant from Business Oregon.  Community Development Block Grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding dedicated to public services is $1.75 million statewide.

Thanks to the work of the Columbia County Emergency Management Department and Columbia County Public Health, personal protective equipment needs for medical, municipal, law enforcement, first responders, and health-related agencies have been met county-wide and adequate supplies exist for continued response.  However, there are outstanding equipment needs for community-based public service agencies. It is hoped that if this grant is awarded, it will help to fill this supply gap.

The St. Helens City Council will look at adopting the resolution to apply for the emergency assistance grant at their Wednesday, May 20 Public Hearing (6:45 p.m.) and Regular Session meeting (7 p.m.):

 

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