From Worcester Interfaith:
Worcester is receiving $145 million in federal COVID relief funds. Officials are holding sessions for community input, though they say they will only use the input for $10 million.
We need to show up and say our priorities – the current proposal for how to spend the funds from the City Manager are far from these priorities:
· that the funds go to people hardest hit by the pandemic: people of color, working class residents of Worcester, and tenants in precarious living situations.
· that the money be spent on affordable housing, food security, health and human services, and youth programs.
· that community members have input on how ALL of the funds get spent.
· that none of these funds to go to the Worcester Police Department.
· We also need to ask for more community input sessions so that many residents can raise their voices and we can shape Worcester’s pandemic recovery and future together
UPCOMING LISTENING SESSIONS:
· Thursday, September 9, 6 pm @ Boys & Girls Club, 65 Boys & Girls Club Way
· Thursday, September 16, 6 pm @ Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St
You may also fill out a survey to share your priorities as to how the American Recovery Plan funds should be spent: http://www.worcesterma.gov/arpa