2nd Wave Of Muscogee Nation's COVID Direct Assistance Funds Available To Citizens

Thousands of Muscogee Nation citizens across the state and country are getting much needed help to recover from the pandemic.

Each member of the tribe is now eligible to receive $2,000 through funds given by the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act. 

"I think it's going to be a great help not only for me, but for every person within our tribe," said Muscogee Citizen Joe Martel. 

Martel said this past year and half has been hard on him and his family. He owns a food truck in Beggs and business has been slow.

"With the pandemic, things have really changed as far as being able to provide for your family and not being able to get your hours that we usually do," Martel said. 

Martel said getting money from the Muscogee Nation is his saving grace.

"It's like being out in the ocean and someone gives you a lifesaver and are able to come afloat. It's going to help out it's going to help out tremendously," said Martel. 

Miranda Carman heads the tribe's Human Services Office. She said every citizen is eligible for $2,000, regardless of age or income.

The tribe launched a new online portal today called "CampHouse" where everything is in one place to make the process easy.

"Chief Hill's administration has been really adamant to look at simplifying all of our processes across the nation. There's been a team that's worked since the CARES funds launch to create an online place for citizens to be able to login," Carman explained. 

Carman said citizens will receive a pre-loaded debit card or deposit. Martel said he, his wife and son are all citizens, so he'll be eligible to get $6,000. He said he'll put the money to good use.

"Oh, catch up, catch up on bills," Martel said. 

People who are Muscogee citizens but have not formally applied for membership will have to apply by the end of the month to receive their checks.