Staff does not have a recommendation for this item as it is information only.

The Community Development Division spearheaded coronavirus response initiatives to assess community need and coordinate / mobilize community resources. This effort included recruiting two AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members through the Billings Metro VISTA Project. The overall goal of the Coronavirus Response Initiative VISTA Project is to reduce the number of community members testing positive for COVID-19 by providing access to healthcare, education, prevention, and intervention strategies in relation to COVID-19 in Yellowstone County. The project required a community assessment, the creation of reports and materials, strategic planning, and outreach activities.

In the fall of 2020, two surveys designed to gather feedback from community members and social service agencies were conducted regarding how they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Community Member Survey resulted in 3,512 responses and the Service Provider Survey resulted in 26 responses. AmeriCorps members Amber Nichols and Blake Matthews reviewed and analyzed survey responses, drafted the Coronavirus Response Initiative Report, took it through a 30-day public comment period, then published the final report (billingsmt.gov/coronavirusreport).

Blake Matthews and Amber Nichols will present the report's key elements, share identified service gaps, explain options for the use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding (CDBG-CV), touch on the CDBG-CV application process that is bringing recommendations to Council on June 26, and update the City Council on their individual efforts to fill service gaps to date.

Information only.

AmeriCorps VISTA financial support is provided through the Billings Metro VISTA Project.