MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Board voted unanimously to allow general fund tax dollars to go to Meridian Cares, which would support Meridian Township residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution originally asked for $12,000 in funds to go to the fund but there was an additional $50,000 added which will come from the Township’s general funds. The funds will total $62,000

While there is a moratorium on evictions through June 30, there are other issues facing residents such as the ability to receive unemployment but one of the biggest issues has to do with HUD funds for housing.

“Almost no funding had been allocated for housing,” Human Services Specialist Darla Jackson said.

But Jackson’s biggest issue is the residents that have month’s worth of rent.

“It’s those situations that I’m a bit concerned about where unemployment is an issue or their expenses are much higher because they’ve never been in this situation," Jackson said.

Last month, the Board voted to create the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Association Program which would award 45 grants totaling $180,000 to small businesses.

Board members also expressed they would like to reallocate go toward families but commissioners worried that it was unlawful to do so. The township asked for a legal opinion from Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes Law Firm and got the ok to proceed with the residential grants due to the circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic.