Verga Administration Awards ARPA Funds to Wellspring

Verga Administration Awards ARPA Funds to Wellspring for Family Shelter and Housing Opportunities

Mayor Greg Verga is proud to announce the award of $120,170 to Wellspring House, one of eight community organizations receiving Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, to help double the size of Wellspring’s family shelter capacity and to make improvements to current family units located in central Gloucester.

The City of Gloucester was awarded $23 million under the American Rescue Plan Act’s local funding provisions and has been distributing these funds to several sectors within the community. Mayor Verga recently announced the appropriation of $870,170 of Covid Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, also known as ARPA funds, to be distributed to 8 community organizations. This funding will be used to support their critical missions within our community and to aid in their work to assist in the City’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Wellspring House has been instrumental in bridging the gap for those experiencing challenging times and providing an opportunity for families to find stable and safe housing,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Whether it was during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the months following, Wellspring has provided critical services and support to those in need, including innovative job training and critical housing.”

After substantial public input and a careful application process, Wellspring House was awarded funds to support families who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity by doubling the number of family units through their Ready to Rent Program. Pre-existing units are being improved with new furnishings and renovations in partnership with Koo de Kir Architectural Interiors led by Gloucester resident, Kristine Irving.

Melissa Dimond, Wellspring’s President and Executive Director said, ”Wellspring is deeply grateful to the City of Gloucester for awarding these funds to help us better respond to the housing insecurity crisis in our community. These critical dollars will help fuel Wellspring’s Ready to Rent Program that will bring 5 new apartments into the family shelter inventory in Gloucester. Through our work with families for nearly 43 years, Wellspring understands that once housing is stable, parents can begin the process of planning for their futures. Wellspring provides the coaching and access to job training and education to help parents find good paying jobs and financial security.”

In addition to this nearly $900,000 for community organizations, Mayor Verga has also strategically allocated $13 million to support critical infrastructure upgrades, $1.5 million to the City of Gloucester’s Affordable Housing Trust, and $1.5 million to fund several economic development initiatives. 

To learn more about the City of Gloucester’s ARPA funds, including appropriations and expenditures, go to arpa.gloucester-ma.gov. 

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