Kentucky plans to provide financial help for homeowners experiencing financial problems because of the COVID pandemic. The governor said the state will apply on Friday with the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the Homeowners Assistance Fund. The money is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Biden earlier this year.

Governor Andy Beshear stated on Thursday that Kentucky expects to qualify for $85.4 million to help homeowners. While the state has offered various rental assistance programs throughout the pandemic, this is the first time financial aid will be available for homeowners. “This is going to help those who own their home but have gotten behind,” Beshear remarked.

The state is awaiting additional information from Treasury on specific requirements that homeowners will have to meet and how the money will be allocated.

Public health officials continue to call on residents to get a COVID vaccine. On Monday, the governor said he would ease restrictions on most businesses and events when 2.5 million Kentuckians receive at least their first COVID shot. As of Thursday, public health officials had administered vaccines to 1.6 million people, 46% of Kentucky’s 16 and older population.

Thursday’s COVID report included 834 new cases. The governor noted that 116 of those cases were reported in Kentuckians 18 years old or younger. The positivity rate was 3.45%. “The way we beat this is vaccines,” Beshear added.