The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to communities worldwide, and Riverside County is no exception. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the City of Riverside leveraged CARES Act funding to initiate a series of programs designed to assist residents and businesses in navigating these difficult times. These Riverside County CARES programs encompass a range of initiatives, from addressing food insecurity to bolstering local businesses and non-profit organizations. This article highlights the key programs implemented to ensure the well-being and resilience of the Riverside County community.
Key CARES Programs in Riverside County
The City of Riverside strategically allocated CARES Act funds across various sectors to provide comprehensive support. Below are some of the impactful programs launched:
Little Free Pantry Program
Addressing immediate food needs within neighborhoods, the Little Free Pantry program empowers residents to support one another. These pantries serve as accessible resources for individuals experiencing food insecurity, offering non-perishable food items and personal care products. The program also encourages community participation, inviting neighbors to contribute to these pantries, fostering a spirit of local support and ensuring that basic necessities are readily available to those in need within Riverside County.
Temporary Outdoor Flex Space Program
To support local businesses impacted by restrictions, the Temporary Outdoor Flex Space Program allowed businesses to temporarily expand their operations outdoors. This initiative facilitated the temporary closure of streets, alleyways, and traffic lanes, subject to Public Works Department approval. Funded by the CARES Act, the program covered the costs of traffic control services, easing the burden on businesses. Furthermore, the program provided free signage for businesses participating in the Temporary Curbside Pickup Program, enhancing visibility and customer convenience.
Riverside CARES Act Business Grant
Recognizing the economic strain on small businesses, the Riverside CARES Act Business Grant program offered crucial financial assistance. In partnership with the United Way of the Inland Valleys, the City provided one-time grants up to $10,000 to small businesses with 1 to 50 employees that had suffered negative impacts from COVID-19. The program witnessed an overwhelming response, highlighting the significant need within the Riverside business community. Ultimately, over $3.4 million was disbursed to over 350 local businesses, providing vital support during challenging times.
Riverside CARES Act Non-Profit Grant
Non-profit organizations and food pantries, essential pillars of community support, also received assistance through the Riverside CARES Act Non-Profit Grant program. Approximately $1.5 million was allocated to non-profits and an additional $320,000 specifically for food pantry programs. These funds were intended to help these organizations cover COVID-19 related expenditures, ensuring they could continue their crucial services to the Riverside community without disruption.
Microenterprise Business Grant Program
Further supporting small businesses, the Microenterprise Business Grant Program, a collaboration between United Way Inland Valleys and the City of Riverside Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, offered another avenue of financial aid. This program provided one-time grants up to $7,500 to microenterprises in Riverside, helping them address urgent needs arising from the local emergency and contributing to the resilience of the local economy.
Food Box Distribution
To combat food insecurity on a larger scale, the Food Box Distribution program was implemented. This initiative funded over 50,000 food boxes for Riverside residents. These boxes were distributed through local food pantries, Parks and Recreation facilities, and local schools, ensuring broad reach and accessibility to those in need across Riverside County.
Conclusion
The Riverside County CARES programs represent a significant effort by the City of Riverside to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing targeted support to residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations, these programs played a vital role in fostering community resilience and recovery. While some application periods have closed, the information serves as a testament to the proactive measures taken by Riverside County to support its community during times of crisis. For more detailed information on each program, please refer to the provided links and official City of Riverside resources.
