Apply Now For Escambia Rent, Mortgage, Utility Assistance; Another $16 Million In CARES Assistance Coming Soon

September 1, 2020

Escambia County residents can apply for a rent, mortgage and utility assistance beginning Tuesday. And Escambia County will also begin taking applications for over $16 million in assistance in a couple of weeks.

Approximately $813,451 was being made available Tuesday by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to assist eligible applicants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to begin to distribute the first of the CARES dollars to our citizens who are hurting and in need. Also, while this includes the first $ 800,000 dollars of available CARES funds, we should begin taking applications for the larger allocations exceeding $16 million dollars to be distributed to our individual citizens and our businesses within two weeks,” Escambia County Commission Chairman Steven Barry said.

Barry, who represents District 5, pointed out that residents can apply online or get in-person assistance at libraries including Century and Molino. He said more locations will be made available when the $16 million in funding is released.

“When that application period begins we are going to have county personnel in multiple locations in District 5 to help our citizens and businesses complete their applications successfully. It’s extremely important to me that we get these dollars into the people’s hands who are in need and especially those who have missed out on other forms of help earlier this year.”

During the current application period eligible expenses must occur between March 1 and December 30, 2020. Maximum assistance will be $3,000 per household and will be paid directly to the landlord, mortgage, or utility company.

General eligibility requirements:

  • Escambia County resident (including City of Pensacola and Town of Century)
  • Income adversely impacted by COVID-19
  • Total household income cannot exceed 120% Area Median Income
  • This program is for past due rent, mortgage and utilities ONLY

Income requirements are as follows:

Applications will be accepted beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 through Monday, September 14, 2020 or until funds have been committed. Applications are available online at myescambia.com/CARES. For further information, contact Meredith Reeves at (850) 595-1642 or EscambiaCaresRentandMortgage@myescambia.com.

Paper applications will be available at the following locations starting Tuesday, Sept. 1 for citizens who do not have online access:

  • Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 200 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • West Florida Public Libraries (including Century and Molino)

Completed paper applications with attachments should be emailed to EscambiaCaresRentandMortgage@myescambia.com, faxed to (850) 595-0342, or dropped off at the Brownsville Community Center or Neighborhood Enterprise Division. Please make sure all attachments are clear and legible. Applicants needing assistance with completing applications should call (850) 595-1642 for further guidance.

Comments

12 Responses to “Apply Now For Escambia Rent, Mortgage, Utility Assistance; Another $16 Million In CARES Assistance Coming Soon”

  1. Susan Hernandez on September 5th, 2020 12:45 pm

    I have paid into the system for 49 years. I don’t have a computer. Just my phone which l can’t do much on.
    Why can’t l just submit my landlord’s info and my power bill account number to have relief paid. They can verify my existence. I’ve spent my entire adult life jumping through hoops, being told l don’t qualify because l didn’t have all the paperwork needed. I am 70 years old and need some help…….

  2. Nita on September 2nd, 2020 9:54 am

    Thats a great idea especially since its going straight to landlords or utility companies nobody can say its being abused.

  3. William G on September 2nd, 2020 4:48 am

    WELL THOUGHT-OF PROGRAM MECHANICS, knowing that proceeds will go DIRECTLY to LANDLORDS for BACK RENT. My wife & I have always wondered why none of our Federal disaster programs ever initiated such. Finally – us landlords who have been deprived of rent income will have some reprieve, after not being paid by tenants for over 4 months.

  4. Yakimah Allen on September 2nd, 2020 3:30 am

    Rent

  5. Tressie Wimbush on September 2nd, 2020 1:08 am

    Rent and utilities .

  6. Jeannie on September 1st, 2020 10:10 pm

    So, all the folks who used their stimulus, unemployment benefits, and/or otherwise scraped, borrowed or begged to keep the roof overhead, the power on, all while struggling to eat and feed the babies… are just what? OUT OF LUCK???… not qualified? Way to go Escambia! Hope you’ve got all the right Ts crossed.

  7. Resident on September 1st, 2020 12:51 pm

    “There is fixing to be a high demand for flat screen TV’s in Esc Co.”

    And why would that be? Maybe if it could only be used for reading comprehension classes. Read how the money will be paid.

  8. just sayin on September 1st, 2020 12:16 pm

    There is fixing to be a high demand for flat screen TV’s in Esc Co.

  9. Lifendason on September 1st, 2020 9:13 am

    This sounds great for Escambia residents. Is there one for Santa Rosa? Also, will this be monitored or will money be handed out to those spending more money on drugs than rent?

    I hope it doesn’t become abused.

  10. Tc on August 31st, 2020 11:57 pm

    Glad to see the $ will go directly to what’s its intended to be used for .

  11. Merry on August 31st, 2020 11:33 pm

    The application will be submitted and completed online. Go to the County website to see what documents you need to get together to complete the application.

  12. Christina fields on August 31st, 2020 10:42 pm

    What do i need to bring with me?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News