Program Would Offer Assistance to Low-Income Families – NBC New York (47)

What you should know

• A city in New York has launched a program to offer thousands of dollars to families in need, all in an effort to alleviate the economic crisis.
• The news is doubly good because undocumented residents of Mount Vernon in Westchester County are also eligible.
• The lottery is open to residents 18 years of age and older with an annual income between $15,000 to $80,000. To participate, visit the website www.cmvny.com/levelup.

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NEW YORK — A city in New York has launched a program to offer thousands of dollars to families in need, all in an effort to ease the economic crisis.

The news is doubly good because undocumented residents of Mount Vernon in Westchester County are also eligible.

Qualifying families have two weeks to apply.

The high cost of living affects the economy of many families and that is why the mayor of Mount Vernon announced the Level Up program: a lottery where 200 low-income families can receive a total of $500 a month for a year to help them alleviate a little pockets.

“We know that there are many people who have difficulty putting food on the table, paying rent, paying electricity and things like that. There are no restrictions on how they can use the money when they receive it,” says Marlon Molina, the deputy commissioner of development community in Mount Vernon.

The lottery is open to residents 18 years of age and older with an annual income between $15,000 to $80,000. To participate, visit the website www.cmvny.com/levelup.

The application will be open until August 5.

Something very important that we want to let the public know is that you don’t have to be a citizen… undocumented people can apply for this program,” says Molina.

The announcement has been well received by Mount Vernon residents.

“It’s good because we all participate, we help lift the economy,” said Alberto Cruz, a Mount Vernon resident.

In the meantime, merchants hope that with these funds will also come more sales.

“Of course it is good help. People who have it spend but if there isn’t, where do we take it?” said a winemaker, Víctor Marmolejos.

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