Clay County has received $6.6 million from the Department of the Treasury through the CARES Act to provide rental assistance to eligible households negatively impacted due to COVID-19 and the resulting economic impact.
Clay County residents can apply to cover the financial obligation of three months of past due rent, internet services, and utility and home energy costs, including electricity, gas, water, and fuel oil, incurred from March 2020 to now. This county-wide program covers unincorporated areas and all municipalities.
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Applicants for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program must meet all criteria to be considered. Eligibility requirements include:
- Reside in Clay County and responsible for rent at your residence
- One or more adults in your household lost a joy, experienced a reduction in hours at work or lost self-employment income due to COVID-19
- Person is at risk for losing housing or becoming homeless
- Have a 2020 annual household income under 80% median income
The Board of County Commissioners will hold three community meetings to provide information about this emergency rental assistance program.
Community meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. at these locations and dates:
- March 15 at Green Cove Springs City Hall, located at 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs
- March 17 at the Keystone Heights Pavilion, located at 555 South Lawrence Blvd. Keystone Heights
- March 18 at the Orange Park Town Hall, located at 2042 Park Avenue in Orange Park
The community meetings are intended to help potential applicants navigate through the application process. Applications for Emergency Rental Assistance can be submitted online beginning Monday, March 22. On that date and after, they can be submitted here.
Approved applications will be processed for direct payment via check mailed to the eligible landlord, tenant, or utility company. Applicants can check the status of their application any time online and questions about the program can be directed to 904-529-4256.
“The CARES Act has made a big impact in Clay County for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations providing food assistance to residents. And now, we are pleased to be able to offer emergency rental assistance to those struggling to pay for rental housing and utilities during this year-long economic crisis.” Clay County Board of County Commission Chairman Mike Cella said. “Commissioners are working to inform tenants and landlords through community meetings, local media, and social media to ensure those who truly need rental assistance can get it.”