12-13-22

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the Monroe County Legislature unanimously approved funding for a slate of transformative initiatives that will receive a share of the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars under the Bring Monroe Back initiative. In all, 40 projects that align with a focus on public safety, public health, economic/workforce development and infrastructure/sustainability will receive more than $98 million in grants for programs and projects that target our community’s greatest needs.

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spark transformative change in Monroe County by investing our ARPA funds in programs and projects that serve our community’s greatest needs,” said County Executive Bello. “This money will directly benefit the people of Monroe County through sustainable initiatives that serve our veterans, residents of underserved neighborhoods, children, people seeking workforce training, vulnerable senior citizens, at-risk youth, families and small business owners. I thank the Legislature for passing this historic funding package, and Congressman Joseph D. Morelle, and Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their efforts to secure Monroe County’s ARPA dollars.”

ARPA, enacted in March 2021, provided $350 billion in emergency relief and recovery funds to state, local, territorial and Tribal governments. Through the efforts of Congressman Joseph D. Morelle, and U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Monroe County received $144,080,127.

“As lead negotiator of the American Rescue Plan Act, I was proud to have delivered over $144 million to Monroe County to lift up residents, institutions, small businesses, and more to not only recover but to build for the future, and I applaud County Executive Bello for ensuring these funds are being used to directly target the needs of the community,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “From job training and a fund for small businesses, to mental health clinics, a program to prevent Black maternal mortality, and support for child care providers, these investments are laying the foundation for Monroe County’s success for years to come.”

“Last year, I was proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan and deliver historic resources for Monroe County,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This federal funding will be transformative for our community, allowing our local government and community organizations to strengthen the essential programs and services families rely on every day. I’m grateful for County Executive Bello’s leadership, partnership, and dedication to utilizing these funds in a way that benefits our entire community—and I look forward to our continued work together to uplift every family who calls Monroe County home.”

Under the Bring Monroe Back recovery initiative, the Department of Planning refined a strategic vision for investing ARPA funding through a communitywide survey, testimony from community organizations and three in-person and one virtual public forums. Following an application process that kicked off in June, grant recipients were selected by the planning department in conjunction with an internal review team and voting committee. It is expected Monroe County will initiate contracts with the approved community organizations and vendors no sooner than March 1, 2023.

Awarded projects include:

$7.1 million for the Community Resource Collaborative to create wraparound services and neighborhood outreach for better collaboration between well-known community organizations in the city neighborhoods known as the “Crescent.”

$1.4 million for Foodlink to expand food access for Monroe County families via innovative community programs such as Foodlink’s “meal delivery truck,” which provides meals to underserved neighborhoods.

$1.5 million for Willow Domestic Violence Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Family Justice Center that will provide wraparound services for domestic violence survivors in a safe, caring environment, while also providing access to key community agencies, social service providers and legal assistance.

$2 million to support Providence Housing Development Corporation’s “Door of Hope” rapid rehousing program providing rental assistance and supportive services for hearing and Deaf individuals fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking.

$1.9 million for the Veterans Outreach Center’s renovation and expansion of Richards House–increasing their capacity to house 66 homeless veterans opposed to 38 prior to the expansion. Residents will have access to healthcare, job programs, nutritional assistance and other support services.

$5.8 million to support “The Hive,” a community collaboration led by EnCompass: Resources for Learning that will expand access to academic support, job training and placement, career pathway navigation, mentoring experiences and behavioral health supports for at-risk youth and families

$800,000 for Lifespan of Greater Rochester to connect older adults with LPNs who will work as patient advocates and educators and increase access to health care by coordinating transportation, attending medical appoints, facilitating telehealth, arranging pharmacy delivery, scheduling preventive health care screens and vaccinations.
A complete list of awardees is attached. Grant amounts reflect funding for each organization over a four-year span. Monroe County is creating a centralized reporting system and will work with all selected organizations to establish quarterly reporting requirements and benchmarks.

The funding approved by the legislature accounts for $40.6 million invested in workforce/economic development; $56.3 million invested in public health and safety; and $2.1 million invested in infrastructure and sustainability. Remaining funds have been allocated as such: $20 million for broadband improvements; $20 million for ongoing COVID-19 response; $4 million in a public safety fund; and $1 million for administration.

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