The County received $240 million in ARPA funding to enhance our communities

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Today, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne joined Senior Advisor to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Tom Perez, for a tour of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and to provide an update on the positive effects that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars have had on Cuyahoga County. ARPA, signed into law in 2021, provided $240 million in direct aid for Cuyahoga County. ARPA funding has enhanced the County’s health and human services initiatives, contributed to gains for small businesses and nonprofits, and bolstered our infrastructure, including access to broadband for underserved communities.

“The American Rescue Plan was a vote of confidence in America’s local leaders,” said Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. “By investing ARPA dollars in essential services to foster healthy families, Cuyahoga County leadership and its partners are building strong, resilient communities for generations to come — as the President and Vice President intended.”

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has been a longstanding, vital partner to Cuyahoga County and just last year opened a new addition, made possible through $5 million from County ARPA funds. In 2023, the County launched the on-site Workers in the Community program at the Food Bank, meeting customers where they are and improving residents’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and Medicaid programs. Other on-site service locations include the Cuyahoga County Public Library – Garfield Heights Branch, Cleveland Public Library - Lorain Branch, Cuyahoga Community College, Metrohealth Buckeye Health Center, and the Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc. Since the inception of the program in September 2023, the County has served over 4,000 customers at these sites.

“Local governments play a critical role in ensuring that essential social services are accessible to all, making sure no one is left behind,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “With the support of American Rescue Plan Act dollars, we have expanded critical programs throughout the County and laid the groundwork for lasting community support.”

ARPA funding has also been utilized to support newcomers to Cuyahoga County. In February of 2024, the County opened the Welcome Center to serve immigrants, refugees, and those with limited English proficiency. The County partners with outside service agencies funded by ARPA funding, including Re:Source Cleveland and the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to connect residents to resources including housing, job support, educational services, legal support, and language services. To date, the Welcome Center has assisted over 2,000 residents, over 98% of whom were applying for public benefits.

In Cuyahoga County, ARPA funding has also contributed to major improvements to shelters, providing lifelines for residents experiencing homelessness. In addition, ARPA funding has enhanced the safety of first responders and residents and expanded the use of technology in public safety. The County also used ARPA dollars to support foster care and child welfare services, lead reduction initiatives, bolster services for our senior population, and contribute to the remediation of brownfields.

Photo gallery of event. Courtesy Cuyahoga County Communications