Des Moines, West Des Moines distributing block grants to programs for vulnerable residents
Des Moines and West Des Moines are redistributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal block grants to benefit local businesses, hunger and housing needs.
The Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus program is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, and distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to eligible cities with at least 50,000 residents.
Des Moines officials secured $2.2 million from the program. The capital city plans to put $750,000 of that into a small-business assistance program, which launched Tuesday and is led by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Several metro cities are making their own contributions to that relief effort, with Des Moines giving another half million from its coffers.
More:As aid programs burn through funds, Iowa businesses still looking for help during pandemic
From the block grant, the City Council also plans to spend nearly $700,000 on rent and mortgage relief, nearly $500,000 on administrative costs and $350,000 on an emergency food distribution program.
Another metro city also plans to use its block grants to help the most vulnerable residents.
West Des Moines is getting more than $192,000 from HUD, most of which it plans to use for rent, mortgage and utilities assistance for low-income people directly affected by COVID-19.
“The goal of these funds is to provide relief from some of the financial stress this pandemic has put on our residents who are struggling to make ends meet,” West Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer said in a news release Tuesday.
While Ankeny’s population makes it eligible for the program, the city “chose not to participate in the entitlement program,” city spokeswoman Amy Baker said.
Des Moines’ emergency food distribution program would allow local restaurants to prepare hot meals that would then be distributed in low- to moderate-income areas. Council members said last week that food is a pressing need during the pandemic.
“People are hungry, I saw it firsthand today,” said Councilman Joe Gatto last week. His restaurant, Baratta’s, handed out 300 free meals on April 27.
More:Baratta's gives out 300 free meals to Des Moines families
Des Moines will also use $1.1 million in Emergency Solutions Grant funding from HUD, most of it — $964,000 — going to homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. City Manager Scott Sanders said last week that the funding will help house homeless people in hotels, where they can hopefully be protected from the virus.
Shelby Fleig covers Des Moines' western suburbs for the Register. Reach her at shelbyfleig@dmreg.com or 515-214-8933.
Austin Cannon covers the city of Des Moines for the Register. Reach him at awcannon@registermedia.com or 515-284-8398.
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