On March, 27, 2020, the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security CARES Act with overwhelming, bipartisan support. The intent of the CARES Act funding is to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and their families, small businesses and to preserve jobs for American industries.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, Wright County will begin accepting applications for financial assistance related to the COVID-19 emergency through its Department of Health & Human Services. Those who are childcare or foster care providers and those who provide residential services in their homes are encouraged to apply for CARES Act assistance if they were financially impacted by the pandemic or resulting from Minnesota’s declaration of a peacetime emergency that forced many businesses to close.

Wright County has received CARES Act funding to help residents who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Those who have had to quarantine during the pandemic may have eligible expenses covered by the CARES Act. Families and individuals who have suffered economic hardship and can provide documentation may also be eligible.

To be eligible for CARES Act Families, Individuals and Provider funding, applicants must meet three requirements:

* Live in Wright County

* Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19 or the resulting Executive Orders that led to the declaration of a peacetime emergency that resulted in unplanned, necessary expenses.

* Have eligible expenses that were incurred between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 1, 2020.

Child care, foster care and owners of residential placement settings are specifically encouraged to apply if expenses related to the peacetime emergency were incurred. Individuals and families adversely impacted may also apply. Economic Support Funds have been set aside to assist with unplanned COVID-related expenses. Individuals who have been quarantined and incurred expenses may apply for funds through the CARES Act Essential Services mandate using this application process.

Applications will be reviewed upon submission and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

Wright County Health & Human Services has provided links for those interested in accessing these CARES Act funds. They can visit the county’s COVID-19 webpage at www.co.wright.mn.us/945/Coronavirus-COVID-19,

can link to the application page at www.co.wright.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/20541/CARES-Act-Funding-Assistance, can access the application form directly at https://forms.nintex.com/FormHost.aspx?id=RmWgc8VEgBWSNfjRgXTFYyFyYaYCZVlSPwUOBmjJcZv2LTGbt5jPMSnJwXQoTPIqfUTj1gv73uvcBDr3bwBAOdQnfNqqemjILHzFimVhcbrkQ4BQZhnWxoExB5Q4X7X4&TZOffset=300&TZStdOffset=-360&HasDST=true or call (763) 682-7422 to have an application mailed to them.

Wright County Health & Human Services is dedicated to working for those in our community in need of assistance in times of crisis and is prepared to serve the providers, families and individuals negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.