Ward 6 Weekly Update 11/19/2021

This week, City Council voted on resolution 21-319, to authorize the City to accept $11.5 million in Round Two Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Funding (ERA2)!

Back in 2020, St Paul received the first round of emergency rental assistance funding. Then this past March, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in response to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Under this act, program aid was allocated to the state of MN as well as MN cities and counties, with a total of $11.5M allocated to the City of St Paul. 

These Emergency Rental Assistance funds may be used much in the same way as the first round of funding, with some notable additional provisions including an expansion of allowed expenses related to housing and housing stability services, an increase in the number of months of assistance a household can receive (from 15 to 18), and the ability for the city to utilize a portion of the funding for other affordable housing purposes defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist very low income families. 

Given the expansion of eligible uses of this funding, the $11.5M will be used in two different portions. The first $2M will be used for existing applications and re-certifications to both the Landlord Emergency Rental Assistance Program (the “Landlord Application Program” or “Zero Balance Project”) and the Tenant Emergency Rental Assistance Program (the “Tenant Application Program”). The remaining $9.5M will be utilized to serve the lowest income and most difficult to house residents; City staff will bring a proposal on specifics to the City Council at a later date.

These programs have provided critical funding to renters behind on rent, and to landlords behind on their mortgages, helping to keep our community housed. I'm so glad we are able to receive this second round of funding. 

For more details, read the full resolution here. 

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is hosting a vaccine clinic for youth ages 5-11 on this Sunday, November 21st! Click here to schedule your appointment online.

Did you know? Many zoo animals are getting their Covid vaccines too, listen to this MPR article to hear more. 

Kids can also receive their vaccine at several Saint Paul Public Schools locations that are holding vaccine clinics. These will be for children ages 5-11 and one clinic for ages 12 and up. 

For other child dose options, see Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health-operated clinics. Kids can also get the vaccine at free clinics operated by the State of Minnesota, at health care clinics, and pharmacies.

Remember, there is no cost for the vaccine. You do not need to provide a government-issued ID or medical insurance to be vaccinated, and no question on immigration status is ever asked. Parents and guardians can find more information about the vaccine for children and teens.

All Minnesotans are now eligible for their COVID-19 booster shot! Officials have authorized 'mixing and matching' COVID-19 vaccine boosters, meaning anybody who is eligible to get a booster shot can get either the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson booster shot regardless of what they received for their primary series. Make your appointment!

Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health has opened its COVID-19 vaccination clinics to the general public. Ramsey County is offering Pfizer and Moderna booster shots at clinics by appointment only. Registration is available online or individuals can call Ramsey County Public Health’s vaccine phone line at 651-266-1190 (Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) with questions or to get help. Up to $100 in gift cards are being offered!

COVID Community Coordinators (CCCs) are community-based organizations that connect Minnesota’s diverse communities to COVID testing, vaccination, and other resources. CCCs support Minnesotans who need COVID-19 information specific to their communities, including in their languages. Coordinators help community members find and get critical resources to deal with health concerns, as well as employment, food access, housing, child care, and legal rights. Search for a COVID Community Coordinator that fits your needs.

The State of Minnesota and Ramsey County have opened COVID-19 testing sites that are free and open to everyone who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms.

The COVID-19 Test at Home program is now available to all Minnesotans across the state. 

The State of Minnesota offers community testing at multiple locations. Currently, the closest Saint Paul locations include Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport in Terminal 1. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site. Walk-ins are also accepted. 

Additional testing locations are open throughout the state.