Mayor’s South Side Task Force Chair Janine Santoro discussed upcoming events for getting the word out for people to access the city’s new “We Build Bethlehem” online platform at the May 31 meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center.

Residents are strongly encouraged to fill out the online survey at: WeBuild.Bethlehem-PA.gov. Here the public can influence what the city should spend its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding on. The federal program provides $1.9 trillion to state, local, territorial and tribal governments to help replace lost revenue due to COVID-19’s economic impact.

Santoro announced input from low-income families is being sought regarding the city’s Environmental Justice initiative. Community Area Development Corporation of Bethlehem board member Donna Taggart replied the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley will be assisting with this.

Interviews for a consultant with expertise on affordable housing and homelessness issues are ongoing.

Topics covered at the end-of-the-month meeting include the Taking Pride in Our Youth panel discussion on services for LGBTQ+ youth held June 1 and the Great Southside Sale held June 4 at Broughal Middle School.

Rev. Suzanne Trump described how St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church is assisting with homeless intakes for the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter, as well as an unused church building being utilized for the Boys & Girls Club summer programming.

Attending remotely, Susan Vitez, representing the Steelworkers’ Archives, mentioned upcoming events including walking tours and steelworker reunions.

Santoro provided links to Pennsylvania’s Real ID process at www.dmv.pa.gov and the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program at www.fcc.gov/acp

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month.