Dear neighbor –
I’m writing today with exciting updates on our work to advance American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects in the City of Providence. This summer, we have kicked off quite a few new programs and projects!
First, we announced a series of programs intended to connect individuals with needed legal and financial resources to navigate many challenging scenarios.
The City’s Immigration Legal Assistance program, run by our nonprofit partner, Dorcas International, will help legal immigrants who face financial challenges with the costly and lengthy process of applying to become a U.S. citizen.
Providence’s Eviction Defense Program connects Providence families who are facing or at risk of eviction with legal services – an incredibly important service as we continue to face a housing crisis in our community.
And just last week, we also began the Driver’s License Restoration Program, facilitated by OpenDoors, Amos House and other partners, which will help individuals navigate the process of having their license reinstated by paying fines and court fees.
We continue to prioritize helping our city’s small businesses get back on their feet.
Roads Consulting Group, Inc. is available to provide technical assistance to Providence small businesses, in areas such as loan applications, accounting and finance, graphic design, social media, marketing and human resources support, as well as other areas of business development.
The Empower Providence Microenterprise Accelerator program, in partnership with GoDaddy, will provide online marketing and business assistance for 120 microbusinesses in the City.
We are proud to work with the Rhode Island Black Business Association, the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Social Enterprise Greenhouse on this initiative.
We also launched new grant funding opportunities for Providence organizations.
On the arts and culture front, we announced two new grant programs, the Cultural Facilities Grant Program and the Special Events Support Grant Program. Both programs allow arts and culture-based nonprofit organizations to apply for grant funds, such as for post-pandemic capital and construction needs or funding to put on special events in the city.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted our low-income neighbors. Just this week, we launched the Hardest Hit Community Organizations Fund grant program.
This program will provide grants to help neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations serving people who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially targeted to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organizations to ensure that those communities continue on the path to economic recovery.
More information about all of these programs can be found at PVDRescuePlan.com/Apply, and I encourage anyone who needs access to these programs and grants to apply today.
The City is frequently adding new opportunities to engage with ARPA programs, so remember to visit the site regularly, and share the link with others who may be interested.
For more information about the Providence Rescue Plan, visit pvdrescueplan.com.
Sincerely,
Jorge O. Elorza