Posted September 25, 20227:00 pm
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CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland City Council has recently given the OK to a new round of federal stimulus funding that benefits several social service programs, including help for the growing number of folks facing evictions.
To help those facing eviction, the council has awarded $1 million in stimulus funds to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
The money, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, will be used for the right to counsel initiative, which provides legal representation for tenants facing eviction.
“This money goes a long way,” said Legal Aid Society's Melanie Shakarian. “The return on investment is incredible for the Cleveland community. Last year, close to $5 million of funds were saved in terms of missed work and opportunities for education for folks we helped in the community.”
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland helps residents facing stressful situations, including eviction. Shakarian said the numbers continue to soar.
“We’re on pace to see a 30% increase in requests for housing help", she said. “This post-Covid increase is due to a whole variety of factors, including housing conditions, rent increase, inflation.”
City council also approved use of stimulus funds for other social services.
Nearly $3 million will be used to provide signing and retention bonuses for early childhood education workers. Another $2 million will help families pay for childcare.
Aside from social services, another $2 million will be spent on installing dash cameras in all of the city’s police cruisers.
Shakarian said she’s grateful for the portion of funds they’re getting and is confident it’ll help give much-needed support to so many Cleveland residents.
“When you’re going through such a traumatic and stressful situation you need help by your side," said Shakarian.
Original story can be found on Spectrum News 1: $1M in stimulus funds to help Clevelanders facing eviction