NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Action Commission has relaxed its rules to allow as many as 10,000 or more Nashville families to get help paying their rent.
When Tennesseans have been ordered to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, having a roof over your head is a necessity the officials of the MAC say they don't want people to worry about.
MAC is expecting to see an increase of about 10,000 more families, because of the new changes to federal income guidelines going into effect Monday. They say for a family of three, the federal income threshold is now $36,900 - an increase of about $5,000.
For a family of four, the threshold is just short of $44,000. Meaning that’s how much your family can earn per year and still get help.
There's even help for those who may currently be jobless. Just head to the MAC website to find the application, along with all the requirements you need to meet.
“We don’t want people to panic. We know that having a roof over your head and utilities is a necessity. We all need that and so we want to make sure that people especially those that if I impacted by the virus and not being able to go to work, or a tornado even, we want them to know that we are here," said, Lisa McCrady with the Metro Action Commission.
Once your done, applicants can send the application in a sealed envelope and drop it off here at their offices on 2nd Avenue North.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
