The City of Lathrop is still seeking applications for its Emergency Grant Assistance program to help families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the city’s website, disbursements of up to $3,200 per household for those that have been financially affected by the pandemic – either through job reduction or loss – are still available for those that qualify.

An application process is required, and the application as well as a list of all documentation necessary for approval can be found on the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

The program is part of the City of Lathrop’s ongoing commitment to help ensure the financial stability of not only the businesses in the community – which were serviced by a separate grant program – but also the residents themselves that were impacted either directly by contracting the virus and then falling behind on rent payments or utility bills, or by losing their job as a result of the economic fallout.

According to Lathrop Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal, the program has been successful in providing a safety net to the residents of the community – some of whom have been greatly impacted financially by the pandemic – and speak to the council’s dedication to all facets of the community.

“It was very important to us – we wanted to help as much as we could and the businesses got helped not once but twice so we wanted to make sure that we could help our residents as well,” Dhaliwal said. “The families that I spoke to were very appreciative that the city was there when they needed help.

“For some families that is two months of their mortgage, and that can make a huge difference when there is no money coming in.”

The City of Lathrop has tried to be proactive in getting ahead of the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused and has used its resources to help try and keep businesses open even during period of quarantine or mandated closures.

From creating games boosting local restaurants and eateries to providing direct cash assistance to businesses that qualify, making sure that the “mom and pop” businesses that serve as the backbone of the community stay afloat remains a primary focus as local government begins to shift towards recovery.

Despite improvements in the COVID-19 long-term outlook and the reopening of businesses, Lathrop’s City Hall remains closed to the general public until further notice. No date has been set for reopening at this time.

For additional information about the services that are offered for local residents impacted by the pandemic – both residents and businesses – vist the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.