Emergency assistance is available to citizens of Muskingum County who are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic through The Muskingum Economic Opportunity Action Group Inc. (M.E.O.A.G., Inc.), The Community Action Agency of Muskingum County.

“We understand that there are individuals who may have found themselves in a situation they never thought they would be in due to the coronavirus pandemic,” the agency said in a release. “We are here to help those in the community during this uncertain time.”

The Community Action CSBG (Community Service Block Grant) has obtained additional funding through the CARES Act to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus.

The grant is designed to assist qualified individuals who may be facing eviction and are at risk of homelessness, those who may need assistance with necessary car repairs to ensure they can maintain their day to day living responsibilities/obligations and those who may need additional assistance with an electric, gas or bulk fuel bill to ensure they are able to keep their services on.

Applicants must meet income-based qualifications, including falling at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines while also meeting other eligibility requirements.

Those needing assistance or questions answered should contact Lauren Gildow with the Muskingum County Community Action Agency at (740) 454-1310 ext. 112.