DeSantis announces $28M for COVID-19 disaster relief employment

Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference at Orlando Regional Medical Center Tuesday, June 23, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. DeSantis spoke about Florida’s caseload of coronavirus topping 100,000. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida has been awarded an additional $28 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant in response to COVID-19.

This federal grant is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and will provide disaster-relief employment in the form of temporary jobs, employment and training services and supportive services to eligible Floridians.

“As our state and local communities continue to recover from the pandemic, I am proud to announce $28 million in additional funding for disaster-relief employment,” DeSantis said. “I look forward to putting these dollars to use right away to give Floridians in need an opportunity to work.”

Earlier this year, the Department was awarded $12 million for the Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant in response to COVID-19. Disaster relief employment includes humanitarian assistance and cleanup activities. These activities may involve:

  • Providing medicine, food and other supplies to individuals in need
  • Assisting with setting up quarantine areas and providing assistance to quarantined individuals
  • Working at food distribution centers and other community-support organizations
  • Cleaning schools or sanitizing quarantine or treatment areas
  • Other activities related to organizing and coordinating recovery and quarantine efforts

Individuals who qualify for disaster-relief employment are:

  • Dislocated workers
  • Workers temporarily or permanently laid off due to COVID-19
  • Self-employed individuals who have lost work due to COVID-19
  • Individuals who have been unemployed long-term

“We are grateful for Gov. DeSantis’ dedication to helping Floridians recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant will help Floridians who have lost jobs by providing employment and training services. With our partners at DEO, the CareerSource Florida network is here to help our neighbors as they rebound and, ultimately, reimagine and rebuild Florida’s economy.”

For information regarding Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants, Floridians should visit the CareerSource website to find a local Career Center.

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