Wayne County Cares Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Wayne County CARES Program was a grant program designed to provide monetary support for those who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions and state closures. In particular, the County wanted to help workers in the service industry – a population that has experienced drastic income reduction. Qualifying sectors included restaurants, entertainment, fitness and hospitality. Wayne County allocated $6 Million dollars of CARES Act funding for the program, which translated into 12,000 payments in the form of $500 dollar VISA debit cards. Awardees could use the $500 debit cards to pay for variety of necessities from housing to food. Wayne County values its residents and is proud to have provided an accessible stimulus for 12,000 service workers facing extremely difficult circumstances. The County also made specific considerations around equity and inclusion, by lowering barriers for residents working in these fields to apply and receive this grant.