The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was created on March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing effects of this historic public health crisis. In response to COVID-19, the US Congress has authorized the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide supplemental Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV),Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) and Housing for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA-CV) Grant funding to entitlement communities such as the City of Bakersfield.
On May 20, 2020, City Council approved $89,158.52 in HOPWA-CV funds for implementation of the CARES HOPWA Grant by Kern County Public Health (KCPHD). Staff recommends using HOPWA-CV funds to address impacts of Covid-19 to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their households. These funds will be used by KCPHD to increase access to stable, and affordable housing for low-income persons living with HIV and AIDS and their families. Specific HOPWA Program activities provided by KCPHD include: rent subsidies and emergency utility assistance for families; hotel/motel voucher assistance, food, transportation and referrals into treatment and care for HIV/AIDS and staff salaries necessary to provide the services listed above.