| HUD No. 20-125 HUD Public Affairs (202) 708-0685 |
FOR RELEASE Monday August 17, 2020 |
HUD SECRETARY BEN CARSON VISITS FAITH-BASED HOMELESSNESS SERVICE PROVIDERS IN MICHIGAN
Ministries Received Critical PPP Funds Amid Pandemic
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson today visited Gospel Ministries in Kalamazoo alongside U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI 6) and Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids. Both ministries received critical Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, as authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law by President Trump.
View additional pictures via Secretary Carson’s Twitter page here.
“Homelessness has been a major issue in various cities across our Nation long before this pandemic occurred, and unfortunately the dire living conditions of our most vulnerable Americans left many without a home to isolate in or proper medical and healthcare resources to defend themselves against this invisible enemy,” said Secretary Carson. “Faith-based organizations stand in a unique position to help tackle these issues. The Trump Administration has worked tirelessly to combat and minimize the effects of COVID-19, and we appreciate the partnership and example of the faith community in ensuring America’s homeless aren’t left behind.”
Background:
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law to provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Among the provisions contained in the CARES Act are provisions authorizing the Small Business Administration (SBA) to temporarily guarantee loans under a new 7(a) loan program titled the "Paycheck Protection Program." Loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will be 100 percent guaranteed by SBA, and the full principal amount of the loans may qualify for loan forgiveness.
On April 4, 2020, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced that SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck Protection Act Interim Final Rule.
The PPP has delivered loans to small businesses across the country and is supporting more than 51 million jobs for American workers. PPP loans are helping support economically distressed communities hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.