American Rescue Plan Act

Overview

Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), passed by the federal government in March 2021, Massachusetts state, county, tribal and local entities received federal aid to respond to the public health and economic impacts of the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recipients may use ARPA funds to: 

  • Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services up to the amount of revenue lost due to the pandemic 
  • Respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, by supporting the health of communities, and helping households, small businesses, impacted industries, nonprofits, and the public sector recover from economic impacts 
  • Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors 
  • Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand affordable access to broadband internet 

Town of Amherst staff have worked collaboratively with elected and appointed officials to identify a robust process for allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. 

The Town has been allocated $11.9 million through this Federal grant. Town Council and Town Manager have approved the initial spending plan and we are moving forward with project planning. 

Stay tuned for project updates! 

RESIDENT AID ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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Family Outreach of Amherst, in Collaboration with the Town of Amherst, has been allocated $150,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to help Amherst residents with overdue rent, mortgage, or utility bills.  These funds will have a direct impact on our Towns’ residents, as most everyone in our community has been affected by COVID. 

Applicants must demonstrate that financial hardships are a result of COVID or the economic impacts of COVID. A minimum of 50% of the funds will be reserved for BIPOC, women, LGBTQ, or other marginalized communities.  Financial ability will also be considered when awarding grants.  

Grants will be for a maximum of $3,000 and accepted on a first come first serve basis, until funds are depleted. 

Residents should 1) download and fill out the application, and then 2) contact Family Outreach of Amherst at (413) 548-1275 to schedule an appointment.  

PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA DE AYUDA PARA RESIDENTES

Family Outreach of Amherst, en colaboración con la ciudad de Amherst, ha recibido $150,000 de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA) para ayudar a los residentes de Amherst con facturas de alquiler, hipoteca o servicios públicos atrasadas. Estos fondos tendrán un impacto directo en los residentes de nuestros Pueblos, ya que la mayoría de los miembros de nuestra comunidad se han visto afectados por el COVID. 

Los solicitantes deben demostrar que las dificultades financieras son el resultado de COVID o los impactos económicos de COVID. Se reservará un mínimo del 50% de los fondos para BIPOC, mujeres, LGBTQ u otras comunidades marginadas. La capacidad financiera también se considerará al otorgar subvenciones.  

Las subvenciones serán por un máximo de $3,000 y se aceptarán por orden de llegada, hasta que se agoten los fondos. 

Los residentes deben 1) descargar y completar la solicitud y luego 2) comunicarse con Family Outreach of Amherst al (413) 548-1275 para programar una cita.  

Download Application Form