As Congress continues to debate a new stimulus package that could provide COVID relief benefits to Americans, some local county agencies say there is help for people locally who are effected by the pandemic and can't make certain financial obligations as a result. 

Mortgage payment, rent payments along with water, electric and gas bills. We all got them. But when your job goes away because of the coronavirus pandemic, sometimes people no longer have the money to cover those bills.

Last month, the state provided Trumbull County Community Action Program or TCAP a million dollars to help assist people in the county with those bills to make sure they aren't losing their homes or face having a utility shut off.

"We are able to help residents retroactively and by that I mean if they have had a problem paying bills since April we can pay as far back as April if you are Covid impacted if you are within the income guidelines and if you are a Trumbull County resident," said Van Nelson of TCAP.

To be eligible, you have to fall under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, for a family of four that's an annual income of up to $52,400.
TCAP has already assisted 300 people with the program, most of which found themselves without a job or having to stay with their children.

"Moms who have had to stay home with kids and home school. You know how the schools have been effected recently and more deeply. Those are the people that we have been seeing and are glad to assist," added Nelson.

Mahoning County residents can contact MYCAP at 330-747-7921 and Columbiana County residents can contact CAACC at 330-424-7221. 

TCAP is 330-393-2507.