Mayor Wheeler Pledges Over $265,000 in New Federal Funds to Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program

Due to impacts caused by the coronavirus, Mayor Greg Wheeler has committed $265,048 in a new round of funding to the Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. With the addition of new grant money, this would bring Mayor Wheeler’s total commitment for rental assistance to Bremerton residents this year to over $633,000.

The new financial support for rental assistance is coming out of the CARES Act Federal Stimulus package. This is the second award the City will be receiving under the CARES Act, which will be awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in response to the coronavirus. The new funds pledged to the rental assistance program are subject to City Council approval.

“This newest round of rental assistance will greatly expand support to Bremerton residents facing financial hardship due to COVID-19,” said Mayor Wheeler.  

The City of Bremerton originally budgeted $100,000 from its budget for rental assistance this year. In April, Mayor Wheeler committed an additional $268,383, which the City received through the CARES Act federal grant awarded to help residents financially impacted by COVID-19. The City Council approved the allocation of those federal funds at its April 15 meeting. For the newest round of funds, Council members are set to vote at the November 4 meeting. 

The City is holding a public comment period on the proposed use of the federal funds through November 4, 2020. Comments can be sent to Sarah Achaoui, CDBG Administrator, 360-473-5375 or sarah.achaoui@ci.bremerton.wa.us.

In addition to the City’s contribution for Bremerton rental assistance, the Bremerton Housing Authority has also contributed $100,000 to the program this year. 

For more information on the Bremerton COVID-19 Rental Assistance program, please visit BremertonWA.gov/rentalassistance, bremertonhousing.org or call 360-473-0325.