FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2020
Contact:
Peter Leggett
peter.leggett@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-307-8603
Saint Paul, MN—Today, Mayor Carter announced that Saint Paul Bridge Fund applications are now open through April 19 for families and small businesses to access emergency relief in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am thankful to the city staff who have worked around the clock to launch this application process so quickly,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “Their hard work means help is on the way for Saint Paul families and businesses.”
ABOUT THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
Saint Paul families and small businesses can submit applications online now through April 19, 2020 at 5 p.m. All applications will be considered and reviewed, and no preference will be given based on when an application was received during the open application period of April 8 through April 19 at 5 p.m. All those eligible will be placed in a lottery system for selection and will have an equal chance of receiving a grant.
There is no cost to apply, and grants given to families and businesses will not need to be repaid. The grant application will not ask about immigration or documentation status, and immigration or documentation status will have no impact on eligibility.
Individuals who have questions, need help to apply by phone, do not have access to the internet or need language interpretation in Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo and Karen can contact city staff for assistance by calling 651-266-6565, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. More information about Saint Paul Bridge Fund guidelines and applications can be found online at www.stpaul.gov/bridge-fund.
ABOUT THE BRIDGE FUND FOR FAMILIES
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund for families will provide $1,000 of direct assistance for rent or mortgage payments. Eligible families will:
- Live in Saint Paul;
- Have incomes at or below 40% of area median income (or $40,000 annually for a family of four) before a COVID-19-related change in employment;
- Have at least one minor child in the household;
- Have experienced a significant loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Are not currently receiving ongoing housing assistance such as Section 8 or Public Housing assistance.
ABOUT THE BRIDGE FUND FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund for small businesses will provide $7,500 grants for immediate business expenses. Eligible businesses are defined as independent, for-profit businesses, which are retail-oriented and rely upon customer purchases for revenues. In addition, they must have:
- A physical location within Saint Paul, in operation for at least the last three months;
- Gross annual revenues of $2 million or less; and
- Documentation that revenues have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
The small business grants may be used for immediate business expenses including but not limited to rent or mortgage payments, employee health benefits, leave payroll and payroll, and payments to suppliers.
More information about the Saint Paul Bridge Fund eligibility can be found online at www.stpaul.gov/bridge-fund.
ABOUT THE SAINT PAUL BRIDGE FUND
The City of Saint Paul continues to work in close partnership with public health officials to respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Mayor declared a State of Local Emergency on March 15 to ensure the City can mobilize the necessary resources to protect public health and safety. Mayor Carter presented the Saint Paul Bridge Fund to the Saint Paul City Council on March 25, and it was passed on April 1.
The Saint Paul Bridge Fund is supported through Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority funds totaling $3.25 million. With the addition of support from the following philanthropic and economic partners, the fund stands to provide $3.85 million to families and small businesses in Saint Paul:
- John S. and James L. Knight Foundation - $400,000
- Ecolab Foundation - $50,000
- Securian Foundation - $50,000
- Minnesota United FC - $25,000
- Minnesota Wild - $25,000
- Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation - $25,000
- Xcel Energy - $25,000
Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/bridge-fund.
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