In recent weeks the Sunnyvale City Council added some new COVID-19 programs to the roster of services that the City is providing for residents during the shelter in place order. Here’s a summary of what’s available.
The Council approved an eviction moratorium — which includes mobile home parks — that extends until the state of emergency has been lifted. After that, renters will have 180 days after to pay back rent. Tenants being threatened with eviction should contact Project Sentinel www.HOUSING.org, 408-470-3744.
There water service or garbage collection rate increases planned for July 2020 will be deferred for a year, and late fees and charges for water, sewer, and garbage collection services will be waived. Further, there will be no water service cutoffs until June 30, 2020.
The Council approved the creation of a Small Business Assistance Program for brick-and-mortar businesses that have been hurt by the pandemic, providing grants up to $15,000 to cover operating expenses for qualifying Sunnyvale small businesses. Up to $600,000 has been appropriated in matching funds — Google and LinkedIn have committed a total of $400,000 for the program.
City staff will work with the Enterprise Foundation to define eligibility criteria and administer the program. Applications will be available when the program launches later this month. Initial requirements are a physical location in Sunnyvale, and fewer than 100 employees for restaurants and fewer than 50 employees for all other businesses. Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 in grants.
The City will also be distributing $690,000 to local non-profits assisting low-income Sunnyvale residents, including rental assistance, food vouchers and motel vouchers for homeless residents. The money is part of the federal CARES Act.
The Sunnyvale Senior Center continues its meal programs, with pick-up and delivery options. Services also include grocery delivery, prescription pick-up and delivery, and care management. To sign up call 408-730-7360, or email recreation@sunnyvale.ca.gov.
Sunnyvale Community Services offers emergency assistance, financial assistance, referral services and food programs to families, individuals and seniors living in Sunnyvale and Alviso. Call 408-738-4321.
The agency also offers emergency food assistance, financial help and other help for Sunnyvale residents who have been laid off, are working fewer hours, or have less income because of cancelled events. Destination Home also offers temporary financial assistance e to help low-income residents who are unable to pay rent as due to COVID-19. Call 408-738-4321 or visit svcommunityservices.org.
For information about these programs, visit Sunnyvale’s COVID-19 webpage, https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/news/topics/coronavirus.htm.
