We at Cloudburst are committed to providing our community of partners and clients with information to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Please continue to visit this page as we learn more about the resources available in our areas of practice. We’ll also post resources here that we hope will support you through this difficult time.
The CARES Act (PL 116-136)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The Act provides significant resources to state and local governments to respond to the current public health crisis and the community impacts of public health mitigation measures. Resources including Act summaries highlighting HCD resources are available from the following entities.
- National Low-Income Housing Coalition
- National Association for County Community and Economic Development
- Novogradac
- National Council of State Housing Agencies
HUD Programs
HUD’s programs have received significant funding through the CARES Act. HUD has also made other resources available to assist communities with their response to the public health crisis. Be sure to subscribe to HUD’s email lists and be sure that your local HUD CPD Office has your current contact information including that of your chief elected official.
CARES Act Allocations
The CARES Act allocated over nine billion dollars to existing HUD formula grant programs. The initial round of allocations was released on April 2, 2020 and are available from HUD.gov.
April 1, 2020 “Mega-waiver” CPD Memorandum
On April 1, 2020 HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development released a memorandum describing significant waivers available to HUD grantees. Grantees must request authority to use the waivers described in the memorandum. Waivers are available to the COC, ESG, and HOPWA programs. Waivers are also available to the Consolidated Planning requirements for HUD grantees. Grantees can address questions related to the waivers to their local HUD CPD Office or submit an email question to [email protected]
Community Development
HUD’s CDBG program office has created a resource page for infectious disease response. This page includes the following resources
- CDBG COVID-19 Q&A: Using CDBG Funds for Staff Costs and Unused and Partially Utilized Space
- National Briefing on CDBG Support for Infectious Disease Response Webinar (03/16/20)
- CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response
Homelessness
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) has created a page dedicated to Disease Risks and Homelessness. Featured resources include the following.
- Infectious Disease Toolkit for CoCs (now available in Spanish)
- Webinars and Office Hours
- News and Announcements
- Daily Resource Digest
Environmental Review
HUD’s Office of Environmental Review has a resource page offering guidance on completing environmental reviews during the public health crisis.
Office of Management and Budget
The federal Office of Management and Budget has released M-20-17 Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Financial Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations that offers some relief to grantees in the administration of federal awards.
Self Care Amidst Crisis
We at Cloudburst know that our partners and clients are hard at work. Like you, we are adjusting to changes in our work environment and disruptions to our relationships with family and friends. It is easy to become consumed with anxiety. We would like share what we hope will bring you precious moments of peace and joy.
- 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch on Stage from Home
- NPR Music’s Isle of Calm Playlist
- 12 historic sites you can now tour virtually from your couch
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams also available on YouTube
- Chatty, cheerful podcasts to listen to if your home feels too quiet
- Deepak and Oprah’s meditation course on Hope in Uncertain Times (now free)
- Kindness of Strangers(Donate 30 minutes of your time. Write encouraging messages for hospital staff)
- Let celebrities read children’s books to your kids