Help Available For Residents In Financial Hardship

Mills County Public Health is coordinating an assistance program for Mills County residents who are suffering financial hardship during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Mills County announced last week that it has received an award from the Iowa West Foundation Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund to address challenges related to COVID-19, and to ensure resources are available to serve the Mills County community.

“As the local impact of the pandemic unfolds, we know that many individuals and families have had their employment disrupted. Many others are needing help to stay safely isolated from others,” said Mills County Public Health Director Julie Lynes. “For those who are experiencing a financial hardship and need assistance with rent or utilities; or need a gift card for groceries or other necessities, this funding will help. We want our community to stay safely at home and have what they need.”

Rent or utility assistance will be paid directly to the entity owed. Gift cards for groceries and other personal and household items will be available for curbside pickup at the Mills County Public Health Office. Community volunteers are also available to grocery shop and leave goods by the front door.

“We’re trying to spread the word that if you know of any of your employees, neighbors or friends who have suffered a financial impact related to COVID-19, they are eligible to fill out a very brief on-line application and we are able to offer them assistance,” Lynes stated at the April 14 meeting of the Mills County Board of Supervisors. “We have partnered with our local grocers – No Frills, Russ’s Market, Mullholand’s in Malvern and Dollar General here in Glenwood.

“We are just really trying to alleviate some of the financial burden we know people in the county and some of the people that we are employed with might be having as a result of this situation,” Lynes added.

Applications for assistance can be submitted online at MCPH’s COVID-19 website - covid19.millscoia.us under the “Application for Assistance” tab. Applications can also be submitted by calling 712-520-4001.

Any person with questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the assistance program is asked to call Mills County Public Health at 712-527-9699. Resources, support and information related to COVID-19 are available.

Lynes said MCPH’s website is state of the art and includes updated maps, information and recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

 

The Opinion-Tribune

116 S Walnut St Glenwood, IA 51534-1665
P.O. Box 377, Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-527-3191
Phone: 712-623-2566
Fax: 712-527-3193

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