By Ronald Penh
The city of Gardena is offering a financial assistance program for those that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying Gardena residents can receive up to $500 towards utility bills and nutrition assistance.
The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 4 at 11:59 p.m. The applications and more information on the program is available online at www.cityofgardena.org/cdbgcv.
The financial assistance is a one-time grant that does not need to be owed back. The program aims to cover the payment of electricity, gas, water, and/or trash utilities and also offers eligible residents’ access to groceries and essential need products. Utility payments will be made directly to utility providers on behalf of the qualified resident.
An income limit is set for applications that qualify for the program. For those that have a household size of 1 must not have a maximum income of more than $63,100. Household sizes of 2 must not have a maximum income of more than $72,100, household sizes of 3 must not make more than $81,100, household sizes of 4 must not make more than 90,100, household sizes of 5 must not make more than $97,350, household sizes of 6 must not make more than $104,550, household sizes of 7 must not make more than $111,750, and household sizes of 8 must not make more than $118,950.
Some examples of your household being negatively affected financially from the COVID-19 pandemic include the loss of a job, being furloughed, or being cut back in hours. Being negatively affected financially is a key qualifier for being eligible for the program.
A total of $75,000 was funded toward this program. The program was created through the Human Services Department, Community Development Block Grant and CARES Act.
