City, Jacksonville Bar launch Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program this week

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A program launching this week will provide more than $5.1 million to Duval County residents and business owners at risk for losing their apartment, home or business location due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Applications will be accepted at JacksonvilleCares.com for residential properties starting Thursday, followed by commercial properties the week of Dec. 7.

“Although necessary, the safety measures implemented during the pandemic negatively affected some of Jacksonville’s citizens,” Curry said. “My administration and I are serious about honoring the local government’s responsibility to use every available resource in support of its citizens, especially throughout times of uncertainty. As we work toward returning to normal, I hope this assistance will provide relief to our neighbors and move them closer to recovery. I am grateful to the JBA for its leadership, contributions to the program, and commitment to being a valuable corporate citizen.”

Grants will be offered to residential tenants, homeowners and business owners on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted.

“When I heard about it, I was, like, ‘That’s exactly what people need,’” said Cynthia Olson, co-owner of Martinizing Dry Cleaning, which qualified for a Paycheck Protection Program loan and a loan through the Small Business Administration that have kept the doors open up until this point. “We’re optimistic but we’re not happily ever after. Far, far from happily ever after.”

Applicants may receive up to $5,000 for a residential property and up to $10,000 for a commercial property, with the payment going directly to the landlord or lender. Complete applications will be processed first for payment.

According to the city, either the landlord or the tenant can apply for the grant but part of the process is to get the other party to agree to the workout, so before Thursday, you need to speak to your landlord or tenant and let them know you are planning on applying. The city says both people will need to enter information into the online software portal that will go live Thursday. Once one party applies, they have to enter information for the other, and the other party will be notified of the application and be requested to fill out their side of it. Applications don’t move forward until all information is gathered and entered for both parties.

Applicants must be able to provide the following documents:

Residential

• Identification for all household members
• A copy of the lease or mortgage
• Proof of the ability to make payments of 60 days of rent or mortgage
• A notice from the landlord or mortgagee of pending eviction or foreclosure (if applicable)

Commercial

• A copy of the lease or mortgage
• The landlord or mortgagee W-9
• Proof of a reduction in income, staffing or employee hours of at least 20%
• A copy of the current Duval County Occupational License
• Proof of the ability to make payments of 60 days of rent or mortgage
• A notice from the landlord or mortgagee of pending eviction or foreclosure (if applicable)

Click here for more information.