The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, leaving many families facing financial instability. In response, Washington DC has launched Phase 2 of the DC CARES Program, offering vital financial relief to excluded workers within the District. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, aims to support those who were unfortunately left out of federal stimulus packages and are grappling with economic hardship due to the ongoing health crisis. Building upon the $5 million allocated in Phase 1, this second phase injects an additional $8 million into the community, demonstrating Washington DC’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all its residents.
Understanding the DC CARES Program and its Mission
The DC CARES Program stands as a testament to Washington DC’s core values: hope, love, diversity, and inclusiveness. This program is a collaborative effort between Events DC, the Executive Office of the Mayor, the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and several key community-based organizations (CBOs). Its primary goal is to provide financial assistance to “excluded workers” – individuals residing in DC who have suffered income loss due to the pandemic but are ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits or federal COVID-19 relief programs. This includes, but is not limited to, returning citizens and those working within the cash economy.
Phase 2 of the DC CARES program is structured to deliver direct and immediate aid. Events DC has allocated $8.1 million to the Greater Washington Community Foundation to facilitate the distribution of pre-paid debit cards, each valued at $1,000. These funds are intended to provide a crucial safety net, helping recipients cover essential needs such as food, rent, and medical care during these challenging times.
Who is Eligible for the DC CARES Program Application?
Eligibility for the DC CARES Program is carefully defined to ensure that aid reaches those most in need within the excluded worker community. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following key criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Washington DC.
- Income Loss: They must have experienced a significant loss of income directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Excluded from Federal Aid: Crucially, applicants must be ineligible for unemployment insurance or other forms of federal COVID-19 related relief. This is the defining characteristic of “excluded workers” that the program seeks to assist.
This targeted approach ensures that the DC CARES Program effectively supports those who have been most vulnerable during the pandemic and have had limited access to other forms of government assistance.
How to Apply for the DC CARES Program: Accessing Phase 2 Relief
The application process for the DC CARES Program Phase 2 is designed to be accessible and straightforward. Individuals who believe they meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply through a centralized intake system. The primary access points for application are:
- Online Application Portal: Visit the dedicated website www.DCCARES2021.org to access the online application form. This portal serves as the central hub for all Dc Cares Program Application submissions.
- Phone Application Support: For those who prefer to apply by phone or require application assistance, a dedicated phone line is available at 202-332-1264.
The Greater Washington Community Foundation is working in close collaboration with a network of trusted community-based organizations to ensure the smooth outreach, processing, and distribution of these pre-paid debit cards. These partnering CBOs play a vital role in connecting with the excluded worker community and facilitating access to the DC CARES program application. These organizations include:
- Bread for the City
- The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
- CentroNía
- Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
- Mary’s Center
- Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
- DC Jobs with Justice
These organizations are deeply embedded within the communities they serve and are well-equipped to assist eligible individuals with the application process and ensure that the relief funds reach those who need them most.
Conclusion: A Continued Commitment to DC Communities
Phase 2 of the DC CARES Program represents Washington DC’s ongoing commitment to supporting its diverse community and investing in the city’s future. By providing this critical funding, Mayor Bowser, Events DC, and their partners are taking concrete steps to address the economic fallout of the pandemic and ensure that excluded workers are not left behind in the recovery process.
If you are a DC resident who has been excluded from federal relief and experienced income loss due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to explore the DC CARES Program application. Visit www.DCCARES2021.org or call 202-332-1264 to learn more and begin your application. This program is a vital resource designed to help you navigate these challenging times and build a more secure future.
