The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved an $80,000 allocation of federal ARPA, American Rescue Plan Act, dollars to support emergency shelter needs this winter for local citizens who are currently unhoused. Also approved was a proposal presented by Commissioner Katey Jacobson to use $100,000 in ARPA money to support local child care services. The childcare grants will be for up to $15,000 each to assist providers in meeting basic operational needs with the goal of expanding the number of child care slots in the county. The American Rescue Plan Act funding is part of $9-million in federal dollars given to local governments to help rebound the economy and meet community needs.
Commissioner Hall stated "although we're working on a state-funded five year county-wide coordinated homeless services plan, the need for sheltering this winter is immediate. We hope this funding can help to bridge the gap until a permanent solution can be found." Commissioners approved matching a $30,000 grant to Grace Wins Haven by the CIty of Newport to provide motel vouchers. Another $30,000 will go to Coastal Support Services in Lincoln City to offer motel vouchers in north county. An allocation of $20,000 to the Yachats Church will support a program they're establishing to use freestanding Pallet Shelters to house people.
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