HELENA -- The Small Business Administration released the data on the businesses and organizations that received a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
The Montana Independent Living Program was one of the nonprofits that received one, getting somewhere between $1-$2 million dollars.
Allison Alvarez, Quality Assurance Resource Specialist for MILP, said the loan was crucial in helping them provide services amid the pandemic.
“We were really grateful to participate in the [PPP] loan program," said Alvarez. "We were able to keep everyone employed, keep providing services to people with disabilities in their homes, and it was just a wonderful thing for the community.”
Alvarez said MILP did have to change some operating procedures to help Montanans, they kept working amid the pandemic to help.
"When the public health emergency hit, MILP was able to work on getting some personal protective equipment for people in their homes. So they could be healthy and safe," said Alvarez. "We serve about 300 individuals in their homes with health care services, and so we were able to get masks and disinfectant, grocery assistance, planning for transportation.”
Like most employees across the United States, many MILP employees are working from home, but Alvarez said they'll continue to help as long as someone reaches out.
"We're going to keep serving people digitally and online and through the telephone, said Alvarez. "We're not open to the public right now, but we are continuing to serve individuals with disabilities and ask that if anyone needs anything, that they call us. We're happy to help."