From families to small businesses, all have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have been left in financial uncertainty. In response, residents can get COVID-19 support in Miami-Dade County, offering pandemic assistance services particularly among the county’s Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. With support from the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other partners, the county is offering financial aid and social services for the people at its heart.
Family: For families, this includes programs addressing basic living expenses like food and housing. In collaboration with Feeding South Florida, the county hosts weekly drive-thru food pickups at more than 20 community distribution sites. On Saturdays, families can source fresh-picked, locally-grown produce at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Those struggling with rent also may receive relief up to $5,000 over three months through Miami-Dade County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Military: Veterans and current U.S. military personnel also can access housing support if they need it. The Military and Veterans Housing Assistance Program helps cover past due rent or mortgage payments for up to three months, with a maximum of $5,000. Veterans may receive funds for other critical expenses like groceries, medical supplies and baby care products through the Basic Needs Program, which provides vouchers up to $1000 for individuals and $2,000 for families.
Small Business: Businesses in hospitality, transportation, and even arts and entertainment can apply for grants and loans provided through the county. Small business owners with 25 or fewer employees who operate in Miami-Dade are eligible for assistance through earmarked funding. This relief addresses financial needs including employee payroll, supply expenses, utilities and disruption or reopening costs. The Small Business Assistance Forgivable Loan Program, in particular, distributes loans of up to $25,000, with 0% interest and no origination fees.
“The pandemic has placed a shock on our families and businesses, but with these safety nets in place we can bounce back and hopefully come out and make innovations that will allow us to withstand future shocks,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Learn more about how the COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Program in Miami-Dade county can suppoort at miamidade.gov/covidhelp.
