WAYNE COUNTY — Eligible Wayne County residents who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in their county can now look for rent, mortgage and utility relief, among other forms of assistance, through a brand new program.

With Wayne County residents facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wayne County and the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency have inaugurated a new CARES Relief and Recovery Services program, making $3 million available to provide assistance to area individuals and families with immediate needs, the county announced this week. The program is being funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The new CARES Relief and Recovery Services initiative focuses on specific areas of need:

• Food and income support

• Water and energy assistance

• Rent and mortgage assistance

• Property tax assistance

• Funeral assistance

Program eligibility requirements include:

• 200 percent of poverty level (i.e. Family of 4 with annual household income under $52,000).

• Unemployed, laid off, hours decreased

• Child in Head Start or child receiving free or reduced lunch

• Recipient of benefits through Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (i.e. SNAP, 
TANF, SDA, Medicaid, etc.)

• Currently enrolled in programs such as WRAP, MEAP, etc. with income restrictions

Individuals can access CARES Relief & Recovery Services by visiting: www.WayneMetro.org. There, applications may be completed online and individuals can chat live with a service specialist.

Applicants may also call the Wayne Metro CONNECT Center at (313) 388-9799.

CONNECT Center hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. until noon. Programs may vary by community, so individuals are encouraged to contact Wayne Metro’s CONNECT Center before applying.

“People are suffering and the CARES program is poised to significantly help them,” said Louis Piszker, CEO of Wayne Metro. “We look forward to working with our partner network to move this initiative forward efficiently and effectively and bring much needed relief.”

Last week, the city of Detroit announced with Wayne Metro that $8 million in services was being made available to Detroit residents with immediate needs.

Additional partners include: ACCESS, Brilliant Detroit, COTS, Elder Law, Jefferson East, Inc., Gleaners, The Guidance Center, Matrix Human Services, SER Metro, Thrive by Five (American Indian Health, Development Centers, Focus: HOPE, Starfish Family Services, The Order of Fisherman), United Community Housing Coalition, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, Wayne County Community College District and numerous resident organizations.