CHERRY HILL, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced that Camden County will receive $1,414,818 and the city of Camden will receive $1,226,497 for a total of $2,641,315 in funding to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. The funding for these grants is from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. This is the second allocation of CARES Act funding through the ESG program (ESG-CV2).

“Homeless individuals are one of the most at-risk groups for transmission of COVID-19, and it is crucial that we provide them the support and resources they need to stay safe,” said Congressman Norcross. “This funding, allocated through the CARES Act, will provide services such as cleaning, medical care, housing and social distancing at homeless shelters, as well as emergency rental assistance for those who might become homeless. We cannot neglect our most vulnerable populations during this time of crisis, instead we must provide resources and assistance to protect individuals from becoming homeless and to aid those who are currently facing homelessness.”

“These funds will be quickly put to use to support vulnerable families facing a potential loss of housing, homelessness, or other related issues caused or exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic in Camden County,” said Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “This $1.4 million will allow us to rapidly respond to, and prevent individuals from facing, homelessness. We are again thankful for Congress’ swift response to tackle these challenges and for getting counties the funding needed to address them.”

“This is encouraging for Camden and for all those who are considered the most vulnerable in our community,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “I applaud Congressman Donald Norcross for his strong leadership and unwavering support for Camden during this difficult time. As we collectively navigate the pandemic and work towards recovery, these funds will be crucial to lessening the toll of COVID-19.  Urban communities like Camden have been severely impacted as a disproportionate number within our community have tested positive and succumb to the virus. The Emergency Solutions Grant monies will strengthen Camden’s ability to assist those receiving assistance and aid persons at risk for homelessness.”

The CARES Act provided $4 billion for HUD’s ESG program for local governments to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless, receiving homeless assistance, or are at risk of becoming homeless. In total, HUD has allocated $3.96 billion in ESG funding to impacted communities in every U.S. State and territory, and the remainder $40 million is being utilized to provide technical assistance to build capacity of grantees in those communities receiving ESG funding.

The funding allocated to Camden and Camden County can be used to:

• Make more emergency shelters available for homeless individuals and families.
• Operate emergency shelters by providing food, rent, security, maintenance, repair, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, furnishings and supplies necessary for their operation.
• Provide Hotel/Motel Vouchers for homeless families and individuals.
• Provide essential services to people experiencing homelessness including childcare, education services, employment assistance, outpatient health services, legal services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment services, and transportation.
• Prevent individuals from becoming homeless and rapidly rehouse homeless individuals.

###

Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director
carrie.healey@mail.house.gov