SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The city will make available to struggling residents grocery store gift cards for the purchase of essential items.
The city, together with its community development corporation, One South Euclid, and the youth network South Euclid MyCom, is funding gift cards in amounts of $50 and $100 to be distributed to qualifying applicants as part of the South Euclid United Together COVID-19 Food Security Response Fund.
Mayor Georgine Welo envisioned the program as a means to help those having difficulty paying their bills during the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are committed to helping as many low-income families as we can with some relief at this time in the form of a gift card,” Welo said in a city press release. “When there is a lack of, or limited income, it can be very difficult to decide what you will have to give up, so stepping up to help during this extraordinary time is the right thing to do.”
Applications will be available and gift cards distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning May 29 at onesoutheuclid.org/grants. The deadline for submission is 4 p.m. June 12.
The fund will provide assistance in the form of gift cards from participating grocery stores to purchase basic needs such as food, toilet paper, baby formula, diapers and over-the-counter medication. Non-essential items, such as cigarettes/nicotine products, alcohol or gift cards, may not be purchased with the voucher cards.
During the past two weeks, the city has conducted an informal survey of residents on its website and on its Facebook and NextDoor online sites. The results, as of Tuesday (May 26), show that of the 252 respondents, 49.2 percent have stated that their economic situation has changed due to COVID-19.
Also, 15.9 percent stated that they are currently unemployed, 39.7 percent stated that their income has been reduced and 16.3 percent are worried that they won’t have enough money to buy food or medications.
The survey is still posted for those who would like to respond.
Community Services Director Keith Benjamin said the survey was conducted because city Housing Manager Sally Martin was attempting to determine how many residents, during the pandemic, are having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage.
Here are the fund’s eligibility guidelines:
-- The maximum gross monthly income (MGMI) for a one-person household is $2,127. This person can receive a gift card for $50.
-- For a two-person household, the MGMI is $2,873, and a $50 card is available.
-- For a three-person household, the MGMI is $3,620. Available is a $50 gift card.
-- For a four-person household, the MGMI is $4,367. A gift card of $100 is available.
-- For a five-person household, the MGMI is $5,113. A $100 gift card is available
-- For a six-person household, the MGMI is $5,860. A $100 gift card is available.
-- For a seven-person household, the MGMI is $6,607. A $100 gift card is available.
-- For an eight-person household, the MGMI is $7,353. A $100 gift card is available.
For each person in a household over the age of 8, $373 should be added to the maximum gross monthly income. The fund’s guidelines are based upon 2020 Federal Poverty Guidelines at 200 percent.
“One South Euclid has been working hard to ensure that residents and businesses have access to financial resources, especially during these challenging times,” said Len Calabrese, president of the One South Euclid Community Development Corp.
"During times of uncertainty, South Euclid has always come together to support one another,” Welo said. “I’m grateful to all members of City Council, our One South Euclid Community Development Corp. and the MyCom youth network for their outstanding leadership and support during these challenging times.”
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