For
Immediate Release:
October 1, 2020
Freeholders
provide COVID-19 updates, announce Financial Recovery Initiative
FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf
of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Director Thomas
A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley provided updates on
COVID-19 and announced the launch of the Monmouth ACTS Financial Recovery
Initiative (FRI) at a press conference held today.
“To
date, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Monmouth County since March
is 11,915,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Monmouth County COVID cases have
recently increased in young adults who are experiencing mild symptoms.”
Freeholder
Director Arnone also gave an update about the Monmouth County CARES Economic
Assistance Grant Program.
“We have approved and dispersed more than
$14.1 million,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “We still have more than $6
million available, so we are urging small business owners to submit an
application. The application is relatively simple and all you need is your tax
return to get started.”
Small business owners can go to www.MonmouthCountyCares.com
or call 732-375-2196, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Freeholder
Deputy Director Kiley spoke about the launch of the Monmouth ACTS Financial
Recovery Initiative.
“Without question, COVID-19 has had
a devastating effect on millions of people across the nation – and thousands
here in Monmouth County and the financial needs caused by the pandemic have
been far-reaching,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “Monmouth County
residents are feeling the financial strain. They are facing unemployment and
wondering how they are going to feed their families, afford child care, pay
utility bills and so much more. Families are faced with real challenges – like
going back to work, transitioning their children to virtual or hybrid
education, and managing the child care crisis.”
The Monmouth ACTS Financial
Recovery Initiative, which is a public/private partnership initiated by
Monmouth County government, was created to educate and communicate financial
programs and services available to Monmouth County residents who are facing
financial strain due to COVID-19.
“The Financial Recovery Initiative
builds upon Monmouth ACTS, and the work of its existing Financial Empowerment
Hub,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “Through the initiative,
government, local communities and service organizations work collaboratively,
facilitating connections so we can create and share opportunities for financial
empowerment supports and resources to meet the needs of residents under
financial strain.”
The Financial Recovery Service
Network – a crucial component of the Initiative – includes six service areas
and a growing collaboration of service providers, already numbering over 30
organizations working together: Financial Assistance and Support, Financial
Coaching and Income Tax Assistance, Housing Assistance, Workforce Training and
Employment Assistance, Nutrition Assistance and Child Care.
To connect with the Financial
Recovery Initiative, visit www.MonmouthACTS.org/FRI.
Residents can also call 732-683-8959 to be connected with a dedicated member of
our Financial Recovery team, who will assess their needs and direct them to the
best resource for their situation.
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