It has been difficult not being able to host my regular meetings with all of you. I miss being able to personally share all the new exciting things going on in our city. I hope that you have all stayed safe and healthy, and I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Until then, I would like to use this opportunity to share some exciting things happening in Surprise.
Perhaps most exciting, was the reopening of our Council Chambers for “in person attendance” on Sept. 15. Physical distancing measures are in place, seating is limited to 50 people, and masks are required while entering and exiting chambers. You may remove your mask once seated, if you so choose. If you’re not quite ready to attend in person yet, please remember that City Council meetings are always broadcast live on SurpriseTV, online at surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise, and Cox channel 11 and Century Link channel 8513. We are also maintaining our current virtual public comment options for City Council meetings for the time being, so you can comment by phone or email using the instructions within the meeting agenda.
The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and many people have experienced hardships and challenges that they never could have imagined. The city of Surprise has resources that can help families and individuals with rent, utilities and mortgage payments. Below are two programs that are available through our Human Service and Community Vitality Department.
The Surprise/El Mirage CAP office at the Surprise Resource Center has received a significant amount of federal CARES Act funding to help residents who have been impacted by the pandemic with rent and utilities. We have expanded our capacity to serve more individuals and families who are eligible, so call our HOPE line today at 623-222-HOPE (4673). Due to the pandemic, eligibility has expanded to serve families with higher incomes, up to 300% poverty level. (Example - family of 4 is eligible if their gross monthly income is $6,550 or lower). Bilingual staff are ready to help.
The Surprise CARES Housing Mortgage Assistance program is another program to help Surprise residents who have experienced a loss of income directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents needing assistance with mortgage payments are encouraged to visit the participant portal on the City’s website (www.surpriseaz.gov/housing) to apply. Call the Surprise CARES Housing Hotline for more information: 623.222.1640.
Also, if you or someone you know is struggling with stress and anxiety during these difficult times, the city of Surprise COVID-19 Community Care Resources webpage, surpriseaz.gov/3804/COVID-19-Community-Care-Resources has a list of different resources available. Listed below are some phone numbers for crisis hotlines and suicide prevention. Please remember, you are not alone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
National Substance Abuse Use and Disorder Issues Referral and Treatment Hotline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
Maricopa County Crisis Hotline: 602-222-9444
Teen Life Line (phone or text): 602-248-TEEN (8336)
Veterans (Be Connected): 866-4AZ-VETS (429-8387)
For our business community, I am pleased to announce that at the Sept. 1 Surprise City Council meeting, Council voted to disperse $430,000 in funding to address coronavirus-related community and business needs. $250,000 of the funding will be allocated to a new Small Business Relief Grant program, with $155,000 supporting meal programs, water utility assistance, and homeless outreach. Administration of the grant will be facilitated by a third party, so up to an additional $25,000 has been approved for that purpose. We are able to offer these programs, because of AZ CARES money that was distributed to the city of Surprise.
For the Small Business Relief Grant program, it seeks to help businesses in Surprise with fewer than 25 employees and less than $2 million in revenues. The businesses must have experienced economic distress and loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closures compliant with Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive orders. The grant dollars are intended to assist for-profit businesses with rent, utilities, payroll expenses and other necessary operating costs. Grants amounts will be determined by business category, ranging from $1,500 in Category 1 to $10,000 in Category 5. Council may choose to add additional funding to the grant program, pending demand.
The remaining funding will be used in support of the following social service programs:
Surprise Senior Center Meal Program - $25,000 to continue free senior meal services at the Surprise Senior Center.
Home Delivered Meal Program & Group Supported Workers - $60,000 to a local non-profit delivering meal to homes and employing adults with disabilities.
Homeless Outreach - $55,000 to pay for non-profit homeless services provider to conduct outreach, provide services, and purchase a van to transport guests.
Water Utility Assistance - $15,000 to help qualifying residents pay their water bills.
For assistance, please call the Surprise Resource Center HOPE line at 623-222-4673.
Moving on to another important topic, the safety of our residents in very important to me, and the city of Surprise needs your input for the 2021 Maricopa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Surprise works with Maricopa County and other jurisdictions around the Valley to review, update, and adopt the Maricopa County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan reduces the potential loss from natural hazards and is a living document that requires adjustments to maintain its relevance and remain a useful tool and resource. Maintaining a FEMA approved plan also ensures the community’s continued eligibility for non-emergency, federal hazard mitigation grants. If you would like to provide input on this survey, please visit maricopa.gov/1760/Hazard-Mitigation before Dec. 31. The survey includes 10 questions, and all responses are anonymous.
In closing, we may not know what October has in store for us yet, but it is my hope that you are able to mask up, decorate, and embrace the spirit of the month. Let’s be honest, we’ve all had enough. Try to be creative and may your tricks be more of a treat. Happy Halloween.
