Prepare For Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order Extension: Lightfoot

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot thanked Chicagoans for swiftly ending social gatherings along the lakefront and warned them to prepare for a stay-at-home order extension.

"Thanks, Chicago. People have complied and responded in an incredible fashion. Compliance has been remarkable. Hats off to Chicagoans [for] understanding that staying at home saves lives." Lightfoot said Friday.

The mayor said she expects the statewide stay-at-home order, given data on the spread of COVID-19, will continue past April 7.

"Realistically we’re looking at something stretch deep into April," Lightfoot said, adding that the Gov. J.B. Pritzker will ultimately make that call.

Lightfoot also announced the city has created a $2 million "COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant program" to help people who have lost their jobs due to economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis . The one-time grants funded by the Family Independence Initiative and the city housing department aim to help Chicagoans struggling to make rent and mortgage payments.

“Due to the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 crisis, we have a responsibility as a city to support of our residents and families during their urgent time of need,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This program represents a critical resource not only to our communities but our entire city as we navigate this evolving challenge and ensure every Chicagoan remains safe, healthy and secure.”

The fund will issue $1,000 grants to 2,000 people who can show documentation of their financial hardship — including unemployment applications and notification of job losses, layoffs or reduced hours — and proof of a household at or below 60 percent of the area median income, $53,000 for a family of four.

“The City of Chicago understands the need to respond quickly to the financial straits so many of our residents find themselves in,” housing commissioner Marisa Novara said. “Sudden job loss or reduction in hours has a cascading effect on the ability to pay rent and mortgage, creating housing instability at a time when we need it most."

Grants are expected to be awarded between early and mid-April. Awardees will receive funds via transfers to their banking institution, PayPal, or CashApp accounts.

People can apply online at www.chicago.gov/coronavirus and over the phone through community-based organizations.

Mayor Lightfoot said the city plans to seek donations and additional funding that could lead to a second round of grants.