Freeholders provide COVID-19 updates, announce Financial Recovery Initiative

FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley provided updates on COVID-19 and announced the launch of the Monmouth ACTS Financial Recovery Initiative (FRI) at a press conference held today.

“To date, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Monmouth County since March is 11,915,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Monmouth County COVID cases have recently increased in young adults who are experiencing mild symptoms.”

Freeholder Director Arnone also gave an update about the Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program.

“We have approved and dispersed more than $14.1 million,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “We still have more than $6 million available, so we are urging small business owners to submit an application. The application is relatively simple and all you need is your tax return to get started.”

Small business owners can go to www.MonmouthCountyCares.com or call 732-375-2196, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley spoke about the launch of the Monmouth ACTS Financial Recovery Initiative.

“Without question, COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on millions of people across the nation – and thousands here in Monmouth County and the financial needs caused by the pandemic have been far-reaching,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “Monmouth County residents are feeling the financial strain. They are facing unemployment and wondering how they are going to feed their families, afford child care, pay utility bills and so much more. Families are faced with real challenges – like going back to work, transitioning their children to virtual or hybrid education, and managing the child care crisis.”

The Monmouth ACTS Financial Recovery Initiative, which is a public/private partnership initiated by Monmouth County government, was created to educate and communicate financial programs and services available to Monmouth County residents who are facing financial strain due to COVID-19.

“The Financial Recovery Initiative builds upon Monmouth ACTS, and the work of its existing Financial Empowerment Hub,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley. “Through the initiative, government, local communities and service organizations work collaboratively, facilitating connections so we can create and share opportunities for financial empowerment supports and resources to meet the needs of residents under financial strain.”

The Financial Recovery Service Network – a crucial component of the Initiative – includes six service areas and a growing collaboration of service providers, already numbering over 30 organizations working together: Financial Assistance and Support, Financial Coaching and Income Tax Assistance, Housing Assistance, Workforce Training and Employment Assistance, Nutrition Assistance and Child Care.

To connect with the Financial Recovery Initiative, visit www.MonmouthACTS.org/FRI. Residents can also call 732-683-8959 to be connected with a dedicated member of our Financial Recovery team, who will assess their needs and direct them to the best resource for their situation.