COVID-19 Tips for Bozeman: Where are Federal Dollars and Juggling

As federal aid makes it's way to states for various programs, where does it actually go? And BTW - what talent have you learned since having to stay at home?

Another edition of information and advice is here from City Commissioner, Terry Cunningham!

Daily Update / Tip: Governor Bullock announced nine different programs associated with the distribution of $1.25 billion in federal aid to the state of Montana. One of the programs is designed to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on renters and homeowners. The Emergency Housing Assistance program will provide rent, security deposit, mortgage payment, and/ or hazard insurance assistance as-needed for Montanans who have lost a job or substantial income loss as a result of COVID-19. Initial payments may include up to three months assistance where the eligible household can demonstrate arrears for April and May, with continual inability to make their June payment. Montana Housing will pay the difference between 30 percent of the household’s current gross monthly income and their eligible housing assistance costs, up to $2,000 a month. Household income limits range from $75,000-$125,000 based on family size. Montanans receiving other forms of housing assistance are not eligible. Total funding available is $50 million. Apply at Housing.mt.gov.

FAQ: Q: Is there a program to assist businesses in the Governor’s among the recently announced programs? A: Yes. The Montana Business Stabilization Grant program will provide working capital for small businesses to support payroll, rent, accounts payable, debt service and expenses related to shifts in operations in order to retain existing businesses, retain current employees or retain business viability for future re-employment. Eligible small business must be Montana-owned, employ 50 or less, have sustained a loss of revenue since Feb. 15 due to COVID 19, and be in good standing with the Secretary of State or local tribal government. Total funding available is $50 million, the maximum award amount per business is $10,000.

Pulling Together: The HRDC reports a significant increase in the number of families requesting emergency food assistance as a result of the economic disruption caused by Coivd-19. To help HRDC address this need, the community has really stepped up, donating money and volunteer hours to ensure there’s enough food and volunteers to provide food security for families in need. The list of philanthropic organizations, businesses, individuals, faith groups and service organizations who have donated funds or services is too long to list, but it’s heartening to see our community respond in overwhelming fashion. Thank you for what you’re doing!

What Can I Do? Learn to juggle. Seriously. I’ve always wanted to learn to juggle, and this “stay mostly at home” period is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Here’s my challenge to you. Find a Youtube video on how to juggle 3 balls – called a “3-ball cascade,” and slowly build up your confidence over the next 3 weeks until you’re a pro. Set a deadline – say, May 30th – to keep you focused. I’ll do the same. Challenge a friend to learn with you! Then, on May 30th, we’ll each post a video on our favorite social media channel to show off our new skill. Let’s do this!