As more people’s financial futures become uncertain due to the spread of COVID-19, community leaders in Collier County offered guidance about how the federal government’s relief package will help those in need.
During a conference call with community leaders, a few members of Immokalee-based nonprofits wanted to know what to tell people in the community who are facing financial instability.
Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel, whose district includes the town of Immokalee, said the county could receive federal relief funds as soon as the end of the week.
"Rent-based assistance, mortgage assistance and food... that’s three high-level concerns that I have heard expressed. There is federal stimulus money coming [for them] in Collier County in the near future," McDaniel said.
McDaniel also said county government officials were discussing how the money would be dispersed.
"I have been in contact with our county manager and senior staff about coordinating the efforts of the dispersal of that money to our people on an as-needed basis [and] a most-needed basis," McDaniel said.
The commissioner said he did not currently have the criteria for who would qualify for relief money for things like rent and mortgage payments, but he hopes the money will be in the hands of those who need it by the end of the month.
