Bois Forte Corona Relief Program – $300.00 – Statement

Dear Bois Forte Band Member,

This statement is regarding the second Bois Forte Corona Relief program in the amount of $300.00.

There has been confusion regarding the program, such as individuals receiving denials, application process, etc. To date, there have been NO APPLICATIONS DENIED under this program for the relief payment.

After receiving various statements from concerned Band members, we believe some confusion is coming from a letter dated February 8th signed by Cathy Chavers. This letter was mailed out after the program information packet was sent. The letter that was signed by Cathy and dated February 8th, is for Band members to give to any agency who want to use this relief payment as income. This relief payment is not considered income. Again, this letter is to be given to any agency that wants to use this relief payment as income when determining eligibility for a service or program.

The other issue is how the application process works and how the relief payment is sent out. We have been receiving over 300 to 400 applications per day that are being directed to Edward Villebrun and Beverly Steel, our workers handling this program.

Relief Program Application and Payment Process:

Application is received by Ed and Beverly.

Ed and Beverly review the application and make sure everything is checked off correctly.

Application is sent to Enrollment for verification.

Once verified it is then approved for payment.

Application is then sent to accounting to process the check for payment.

Applications that could be incorrect or may have been checked “Under $300.00”, will receive a call from Ed or Beverly using the phone number listed on the application. If changes need to be made, Ed and Beverly will make them and initial next to the change, verifying that is where a change was made. The application will then be processed.

Due to the large number of applications, Ed and Beverly can only take calls from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please leave your name and number if you receive a voicemail, failure to do so will slow your application process. Ed or Beverly will return your call. If you have any questions on how to get a hold of Ed and Beverly, ask an RTC receptionist at 218-757-3261.

All Band members need to apply for this program. Why do you need to apply for this funding?

First, this money is CARES Act funding that needs to be spent and it is managed by the U.S. Treasury and with that comes strong regulations and restrictions on how the money is spent. One of the regulations is that we utilize an application process. If we do not follow these rules, we will be in non-compliance and must pay the money back. This is why everyone is required to fill out an application.

An application packet has been mailed to every Band member over the age of 18. If you did not receive one, please contact Enrollment to verify that your mailing address is up to date. Applications can also be downloaded from the boisforte.com website.

For those who have already applied we ask for your patience. We are trying to process these as fast as we can.

Miigwech

https://boisforte.com/bois-forte-corona-relief-program-300-00-statement/