The Citizen Potawatomi Nation will provide $40 million dollars in assistance to citizens who are financially struggling because of the pandemic.
The Nation received more than $60 million dollars in CARES Act funds in June, 65 percent of which will go to tribal citizens. All the funds must be spent by the end of the year.
Because of the rules put in place by the U.S. Treasury Department, citizens aren't able to receive a per capita payment, or direct payment. Instead, they can apply for programs to help with rent or mortgage payments, buy computers or get WiFi so students can complete distance learning, buy school clothes or receive money to offset the loss of income.
Jennifer Bell, the director of public relations for Citizen Potawatomi Nation, said people can apply for multiple programs.
"If they're in a situation where they have been impacted in several ways by COVID-19, we have several ways to help them," said Bell.
So far, nearly half of the 35,000 Citizen Potawatomi members have applied for assistance.
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