GUEST BLOG: CARES Act to Help Arkansans

Hannah here! I’m so happy to be back! This month we are talking about what the American Heart Association advocates have helped do for Arkansans most impacted by the pandemic! As you may know the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act passed in Congress this past March to support those who have been most severely impacted by the coronavirus. The pandemic has affected some more than others, and we need to provide resources for those who need it the most.

With YOUR help, the ALC (Arkansas Legislative Committee) authorized a request from the Arkansas Department of Human Services to allocate $1.8 million in CARES act funds to go to “Statewide Critical Direct Feeding Services for Children, Elderly, and Families.” Right now, there are thousands of Arkansans are out of work and not able to receive the assistance they desperately need. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an especially negative effect on some of our neighbors, including people of color, low-income Arkansans, and those in high-risk jobs. These Arkansans are experiencing extreme economic distress and will be greatly helped by the CARES Act funds!           

These funds will be distributed through the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, which operates our state’s food banks. Our state has six regional food banks that distribute to all 75 counties! The Hunger Relief Alliance has seen a 40% increase in need for food assistance from across Arkansas since the start of the pandemic. In some counties, this need has even increased 100%! This is why your advocacy for these funds to be distributed to those who need help the most, is so appreciated. You have helped change the lives of so many Arkansans across the state!      

In addition, $4 million will go toward rent assistance and $5 million for nonprofits to provide direct COVID assistance. This was made possible thanks to advocacy efforts by our fellow fantastic American Heart Association advocates! Together, we are helping Arkansas become a relentless force for building longer, healthier lives in our state. You all have made living life in a pandemic a little easier for those Arkansans who have faced many hardships lately. We are still adjusting to our new “normal,” and the CARES act funds being distributed to “Statewide Critical Direct Feeding Services for Children, Elderly, and Families” is the perfect way to do that! Thank you all, again, for your tremendous advocacy for this issue!      

That’s all for me this month, guys! I hope you are all staying safe, happy and healthy! I want to thank you so much for reading along every month and for all of the support you all have shown me! I can’t wait to talk to you next month!!

So much love,

Hannah
Guest Blogger & AHA Advocate