JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Time is running out to apply for the city of Jacksonville’s emergency rental relief program. Nearly $29 million is available to Duval County residents who’ve been unable to pay their rent or utilities because of the pandemic.
The deadline is Friday at 6 p.m. and you can apply online or in person.
So far, over 4,400 citizens have applied for rent & utilities assistance through the Emergency Rent & Utilities Program, and over 600 have applied to our mortgage relief program. Thanks to our hardworking teams for helping citizens in need! https://t.co/rp9CtFaudZ
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) April 8, 2021
The city has partnered with United Way to distribute nearly $24 million to help residents to cover up to 12 months of rent. The city is also working with JEA to distribute $5 million to cover past-due utility payments.
To qualify, your family’s income needs to fall below 80% of the area’s median income.
For one person, your income level must be below $42,000. For a family of two, income must be below $48,000. For a three-person household, under $54,000. Or under $60,000 for a four-person household.
There’s no set maximum dollar amount one person can receive, but there are strict criteria regarding who qualifies and who doesn’t.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in Duval County.
- Provide proof of hardship due to COVID-19, including verification of unemployment benefits, a reduction in income, or other financial issues that threatened the household’s ability to pay rent when due.
- Provide a documented risk of housing instability or homelessness.
- Be unable to access other payment assistance for the same costs (ex: If rent assistance was received from another program for March-May, this program may not be used to pay for rent during that timeframe; however, it could cover other months).
You can ONLY apply for the program if your name is on the lease, and this information will be verified with the property owner or landlord.
Priority must be provided to households that have incomes at or below 50% AMI or have one or more members who have been unemployed for at least 90 days.
Assistance checks will be sent directly to your landlord and not deposited in your bank account like a stimulus check.
Paper applications will be available for pick up and drop off at the sites below. Limited in-person assistance is by appointment only.
Drop Off Only Sites:
Catholic Charities – Jacksonville
40 East Adams Street, Suite 310 – 32202
Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry
850 6th Avenue South, Suite 400 – 32250
City of Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Division
214 North Hogan Street, 7th Floor – 32202
Pick Up, Drop Off, and In-Person Application Assistance Sites:
Jewish Family & Community Services
6261 DuPont Station Court – 32217
Wealth Watchers
5310 Lenox Avenue, Suite 22 – 32205
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council
215 North Ocean Street – 32202
For additional information, see the city’s FAQs (click here) or call 904-630-2489 (CITY).
The city is also offering a mortgage relief program that can help people in danger of losing their homes.
That program is first come first served.