Leon County will soon offer financial assistance to businesses, human service agencies, and households impacted by COVID-19. The Leon CARES program has up to $51.2-million in federal funding available to help with essential public health and safety expenses.
The funds can cover a wide range of expenditures related to COVID-19. They include enhanced testing, direct assistance to individuals for financial hardship, and addressing food insecurity.
The dollars can be used for economic relief to local businesses, as well as COVID-related costs incurred by the City, County and Judicial Offices.
The Leon County Commission approved the program last month to meet critical community needs related to COVID-19.
“Leon CARES demonstrates the County’s continued commitment to caring for our community’s lives and livelihoods throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” said Leon County Administrator Vince Long. “Working alongside our many partners, we have created an easy, intuitive process to apply for and receive assistance.”
Applications will be accepted starting Monday, August 17th. For questions, contact the Leon CARES Call Center at (855) 203-6584 (toll free) between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Click here to find eligibility criteria for each level of assistance.
Program eligibility and other details:
- Individual Assistance – Assists Leon County households with past-due rent, mortgage and utility bills with a one-time payment up to $3,000.
- Small Business Assistance – Assists Leon County small businesses with COVID-19 expenses such as employee wages, vendor bills, rent, utilities, promotion, and safety costs. A one-time payment up to $8,500 is allowed based on the number of employees and other criteria.
- Local Human Services Agencies Assistance – Assists local nonprofit organizations that provide human services with a one-time grant up to $20,000.
