October 16, 2020
Originally published in Mayor Armondo Pavone's October 9 Newsletter
The impact of COVID-19 on Renton families has been significant. Many of our residents have lost their jobs. Because of that, they lost their ability to pay their rent and utilities and buy food.
Using CARES funding, we have allocated over $900,000 to assist with rent and utilities, plus support feeding programs. This will make a significant difference in our residents’ lives as they navigate through the pandemic.
Funding includes $393,300 in rental assistance and $110,000 in food assistance in CARES Act funding to nine local agencies. Centro Rendu, Renton Salvation Army, and African Community Housing and Development will receive $100,000 each, Mother Africa ($60,000), and the Multi-Service Center ($83,300). Funding for assistance with food was allocated to REACH Meal Coalition ($10,000), REACH Center of Hope ($60,000), Margie Williams Helping Hands Food Bank ($10,000), and Sustainable Renton ($30,000).
Sustainable Renton has gone from distributing 3,000 pounds of food weekly before COVID-19 to over 20,000 pounds today.
An additional $401,178 in Community Development Block Grants Coronavirus funding has been allocated to three local agencies for help with food, utilities, and capital improvements: Renton Housing Authority ($250,000), St. Vincent de Paul/St. Anthony’s ($50,000) and Renton Salvation Army Food Bank ($101,178).
Renton human services providers have been stretched to the limit to provide help during COVID-19.
Centro Rendu usually serves over 200 families and individuals each week. Since the advent of COVID-19, they have seen that number quadruple. CARES funding will allow them to provide much-needed rental assistance.
For the past 12 years, the Multi-Service Center has provided rent and utilities assistance, plus a shelter program to more than 2,500 residents annually. They, too, have seen their numbers increase. Their funding will go towards rental assistance for about 25 Renton households.
Sustainable Renton’s free grocery store has grown from distributing 3,000 pounds of food a week pre-COVID-19 to currently over 20,000 pounds. They currently serve upwards of 150 vehicles a week, several of which contain more than one family, from the parking lot at St. Matthews Church each Monday.
If you need help with rent or utilities, or would like to help our on-going community effort, our COVID-19 resources page has the information.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 105,500 (2020), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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