Longmont anticipates its COVID-related utility billing assistance fund to be exhausted by mid year.
Housing and Community Investment Division Director Molly O’Donnell gave an update to the Longmont Housing Board of Commissioners last week on spending and accomplishment from the Community Development Block Grant, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that aims to build stronger and more resilient communities.
There were extra grants available during the COVID-19 pandemic to help communities navigate the additional hardships, including the Fresh Start Utility Billing Assistance Program. That program serves income-qualified households financially affected by the pandemic by crediting utility account balances that are under threat of shut-off.
According to the 2022 report, the program served 169 households in 2022 including 89 households with an area median income less than 30%. More than $241,000 was spent on this program last year, including nearly $90,000 from regular block grant funds.
O’Donnell said the fund is still strong for the start of 2023. With just over $71,000 carried over into 2023, she anticipates the COVID-tied funds to be exhausted by mid-year.
She noted that 205 Longmont residents last year also utilized housing counseling services including budgeting, credit, foreclosure prevention, pre- and post-purchase and rental education classes and one-on-one counseling sessions.
