Gov. Reeves announces two programs to help families impacted by coronavirus

Gov. Tate Reeves on Wednesday announced two new initiatives to help families impacted by the coronavirus.

The first program will provide short-term help with mortgage payments for Mississippians who have been laid off or lost income because of the pandemic. Residents can apply for aid from the Hardest Hit Fund online at www.mshomesaver.com.

Scott Spivey, executive director of the Mississippi Home Corporation, explained that the funds were distributed by the federal government after the 2008 financial crisis and are set to expire next year. Spivey said the organization moved $10 million intended for blight elimination to help with mortgage assistance instead.

Homeowners who apply online will be directed to a counseling agency that will help Mississippians gather the documents needed to get up to six months of assistance, Spivey said.

The second program announced Wednesday is called the Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan and will be run by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The goal is to provide childcare services to essential workers, such as sanitation workers or nurses, by setting up temporary, emergency childcare facilities throughout the state.

People interested in being a part of the program can visit www.mdhs.ms.gov/ccair/ for more information.

Contact Giacomo "Jack" Bologna at 601-961-7282 or gbologna@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @gbolognaCL.