JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (Note: The video above is from a previous related report.)
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced on Twitter Sunday afternoon the city will receive federal funds for rent and utility assistance.
Mayor Curry's tweet said Jacksonville residents must meet "certain federal qualifications" to receive assistance.
Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state will be participating in a program that will allow for $1.4 billion in emergency rental assistance to Floridians. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was established under the federal COVID-19 relief legislation signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.
Curry held a press conference Monday at noon to discuss the funds coming into the city. You can watch the mayor's full news conference below.
DeSantis said cities and counties with a population of 200,000 and greater will receive funds directly from the United States Department of the Treasury for the program. While final allocations have not yet been released, it is anticipated that more than $850 million will be provided to the State.
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DeSantis said cities and counties with a population of 200,000 and greater will receive funds directly from the United States Department of the Treasury for the program. While final allocations have not yet been released, it is anticipated that more than $850 million will be provided to the State.
Assistance will be given to tenants who qualify under the following guidelines, according to the U.S. Treasury Department:
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median. (See below for Duval County)
At least one person in the household must meet all three criteria. Also, people receiving assistance cannot also be receiving federal rental assistance from another source.
Once approved, the money will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. However, in the case a landlord does not want to participate in the program, the money will be distributed to the eligible household.
Shannon Nazworth, president and CEO of Ability Housing said this assistance can help avoid the many evictions that could potentially happen when the eviction moratorium expires.
“A lot of people are in pretty serious arrearages, and if we can get them caught up, then we can forgo a crisis.” Nazworth said. “This is so desperately needed and a great relief here when the resources are available."
For more information about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, visit this link.