(WWJ) The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is giving $11 million to Michigan to protect residents in public housing from a COVID-19 outbreak.
According to the press release from HUD; the funds are slated for a variety of purposes including coming up with an outbreak preparedness plan, buying personal protection equipment for public housing staff, travel costs to get tested, and childcare for essential workers.
HUD officials say the money can also be used to prevent an outbreak by modifying the space to accommodate social distancing, paying staff unable to work because of coronavirus, isolating residents who have tested positive; and buying tablets for students and internet for remote workers.
The funds have been allocated to housing commissions in Detroit, Pontiac, Hamtramck, Ferndale, Wayne, Saint Clair Shores and several other cities in Michigan. You can see the full list here.
“HUD has worked hard to ensure that these funds will reach Public Housing authorities quickly and efficiently so they are well equipped to protect their residents and staff as we all work together as a Nation to combat this invisible enemy,” HUD Secretary, Ben Carson, said in the press release.
The money was made available through the Federal Cares Act signed by President Trump on March 27. It is a cut of $685 million allocated to Public Housing Commissions throughout the country.