ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2020) — The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday voted to spend an added $4 million to help residents and businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
The money is set to go to help struggling renters stay in their homes and pay back rent, to assist businesses create outdoor dining and sustain their businesses, and to direct additional aid to local nonprofits to help seniors, families and others in need.
The additional assistance is part of the $15 million Anaheim Community and Economic Recovery Plan, put forth by Mayor Harry Sidhu and approved by the Council on March 26. Tuesday’s action adds to the $8 million already allocated under the plan for community relief efforts.
The added recovery funding draws on $33 million in federal assistance allocated to Anaheim to address coronavirus in the city.
“The coronavirus crisis continues to have devastating impacts on our neighborhoods and businesses,” Mayor Sidhu said. "This money will keep people in their homes, sustain businesses and help families meet daily needs as we all work through this challenge together.”
Here’s a summary of the spending approved on Tuesday:
- $1 million for rent assistance
- $1 million for community aid through nonprofits
- $1 million for public health spending
- $1 million for small-business assistance
Rent assistance
Anaheim’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will see an added $1 million in funding.
That adds to $3 million initially allocated in the recovery plan for rent assistance.
Eviction Moratorium
Additionally, the Council on Tuesday voted to extend protections for renters by reinstituting the city’s ban on residential and commercial evictions. The previous moratorium was in place from March 24 to June 30. It is now in effect again through Sept. 30.
Community Relief
An added $1 million will go to the nonprofit Anaheim Community Foundation, which makes grants to other nonprofits serving seniors, children, families and others. The funding adds to $3 million already allocated to Anaheim Community Foundation.
Community relief funding has gone toward groceries and meals, support services and diapers, toilet paper and other household needs, as well as hand sanitizer and hygiene kits, bus passes and motel vouchers for those recovering from homelessness.
Public Health
A quarter of the spending will go toward future public health needs, including face coverings and other personal protective equipment, as well as potential future testing needs should they arise.
Small-Business Assistance
The remaining $1 million will go toward grants to businesses with five or fewer employees and toward a shop, dine and buy campaign to support Anaheim businesses.
That adds to $6.5 million in business funding already allocated to Visit Anaheim, which books events at the Anaheim Convention Center and promotes Anaheim as a place to visit.
For promotion of Anaheim restaurants, shops and businesses, the City Council approved a contract with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce to implement a shop, dine and buy local program.
For regular updates on coronavirus, please see Anaheim.net/coronavirus.