More of the $146 million in American Rescue Act Funds Worcester received is becoming available.
The city announced Tuesday that applications for the funding of mental health support programs and job training are open.
Mental health support programs can request up to $250,000 in their proposals with a total of $2 million available, according to a press statement from the city manager’s office.
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The money is meant to help community-based organizations serve impacted populations, the statement said, with organizations that serve uninsured or under-insured clients on a pro-bono basis being encouraged to apply.
Applicants for the $1.2 million available for job training can apply for up to $100,000 per proposal.
The city is looking for proposals that will “address the negative effects of the pandemic and be aligned with the priorities and strategies identified in MassHire’s Central MA Regional Workforce Blueprint,” the statement said.
Priority will be given to proposals that benefit populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
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“I am thrilled to announce these programs, as support for mental health services and workforce development are among the city’s top priorities,” Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista said. “We have seen the mental health and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these programs will go a long way to helping those most disproportionately impacted.”
Proposals for the mental health support programs are due to the city’s Executive Office of Economic Development by 5 p.m. on March 3. Job training applicants have a little more time with applications due at 5 p.m. on March 17.
Applicants who would like more information or need help applying can attend a technical assistance workshop for the mental health support funds on Feb. 8 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and for the job training funds on Feb. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Levi Lincoln Chamber at City Hall.
In December, Batista announced that the city would use $1 million of its ARPA funds for fuel assistance to support families with rising utility costs.
A few months prior, the city announced it would begin accepting applications for $50 million in ARPA funding going toward the following programs: Community Projects and Programs, Small Business Safety Net, Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Lead Paint Abatement and Flood Insurance.
