The deadline to apply for household financial assistance from the Haines Borough has been extended by two weeks. Residents now have until August 28 to apply for up to $1,000 to help pay for utilities, rent, moorage fees, and waste disposal bills.
The money for the borough’s household financial assistance comes from the CARES Act, a federal program that aims to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. So far the borough has received $2 million from the CARES Act to help respond to the pandemic.
At a meeting Tuesday, interim borough manager Alekka Fullerton said that 230 people have applied for household financial assistance so far. Assembly member Brenda Josephson said she was pleased with the response.
“I’m really happy that it’s popular, and I hope people are not shy about applying that are in need.”
The assembly has allocated $300,000 for household financial assistance but say they intend to provide more funding for the program once they receive the next payment from the CARES Act.
The borough will have to spend 80% of the first $2 million payment before it can receive more funding.
Any household that suffered an economic hardship due to the pandemic is eligible for financial assistance from the borough. The borough will pay up to $1000 directly to utility providers, landlords, the local harbor and community waste solutions.
Only one application will be accepted per residence. Staff at the library will be available for a few hours each day to help residents complete the application.
