As the eviction clock ticks away, you’re not alone in the fight to keep a roof over your head. In Florida, a safety net of resources is spread out before you, waiting to be grasped. From the United Way 211 crisis line to online tools like the Eviction Lab, connections to local agencies offering rental assistance and eviction prevention services are just a call or click away. But where do you start, and what’s the best path forward for your unique situation?
Key Takeaways
- United Way 211 provides 24-hour information and referral services to connect with local agencies offering housing assistance and eviction prevention resources.
- The EPIC program helps Orange County families avoid eviction and maintain stable housing through rental assistance and eligibility screening.
- Organizations like Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida and the Legal Aid Society offer eviction prevention legal assistance to those in need.
- The Florida Housing Justice Alliance provides resources on tenant rights and available assistance during the pandemic, including protection under the CARES Act.
- Eligibility for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs varies, requiring specific documents and meeting program-specific requirements such as residency and income limits.
Housing Assistance and Eviction Prevention Resources
When facing eviction, accessing the right resources can be a matter of urgency.
You can start by contacting the United Way 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line, which provides 24-hour information and referral services to connect you with local agencies offering housing assistance and eviction prevention resources.
Additionally, you can access the Heart of Florida United Way’s reference guide or the Eviction Lab’s online tools to find comprehensive lists of rental assistance and eviction prevention programs in your area.
These resources can help you find an eviction prevention program that suits your needs and prevent homelessness.
Legal Assistance and Emergency Shelters
You’ve investigated housing assistance and eviction prevention resources, but what about legal assistance and emergency shelters?
If you’re facing eviction, you can turn to organizations providing LEGAL AID. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association offer eviction prevention legal assistance.
For emergency shelter services, contact the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida or the Salvation Army (Orange County) for their women’s and children’s shelter. Additionally, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission provides transitional housing.
Reach out to these organizations for support: (800) 405-1417, (407) 841-8310, (407) 872-5790, (407) 423-2131, or (407) 423-8581.
Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) Program
You’re likely interested in learning about the Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC) Program, which helps Orange County families avoid eviction and maintain stable housing.
To get started, you can call the EPIC message line at 407-836-6514, leaving a message with your full name, phone number, and court case number. The program staff will then screen your application and contact you within two business days to discuss your eligibility.
Eligibility and Application
To access the EPIC program, individuals must take the first step by calling the EPIC message line at 407-836-6514, leaving a message with their full name, phone number, and court case number.
Program staff will contact you within two business days to begin the eligibility screening process. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and you’ll need to provide required information for screening.
If you’re eligible, the EPIC program can provide assistance to prevent evictions in the community. You can also access additional resources to support your needs during the eviction prevention process.
Program Details and Process
After initiating the eligibility screening process, you’ll want to understand the program details and process that will guide your experience with EPIC.
The EPIC program provides rental assistance to eligible Orange County families to prevent evictions and maintain housing stability.
- Request help by calling the EPIC message line at 407-836-6514, leaving a message with your full name, phone number, and court case number.
- Program staff will follow up within two business days to discuss your eligibility and application.
- If eligible, you’ll receive assistance to prevent eviction and maintain housing stability in Orange County.
Florida Eviction Protection and Tenant Rights
Florida offers various resources to support tenants facing eviction, ensuring they’re aware of their rights and available assistance.
You can check if your property is protected from eviction under the CARES Act by using the Shimberg Center’s online map.
The Florida Housing Justice Alliance provides information on housing rights during the pandemic and allows you to take action to demand relief.
If you’re facing eviction, you can call the United Way 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line for 24-hour support, connecting you with legal aid and emergency shelter services.
Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Eligibility
When considering rental assistance and eviction prevention programs, you’ll need to navigate eligibility screening, program requirements, and the application process.
Each program has its own set of criteria, such as residency requirements, income limits, and proof of residency, which you’ll need to meet to qualify for assistance.
Eligibility Screening
To access eviction prevention programs, you’ll need to navigate eligibility screening processes, which vary by program.
These screenings are vital in determining your eligibility for rental assistance.
- Required documents: Be prepared to provide identification, proof of income, and relevant housing documents, such as a copy of your Driver’s License or State ID.
- Program-specific requirements: Each program has unique requirements, such as the Hollywood City’s program, which requires residency within the city limits for at least six months.
- Timely response: You’ll need to respond promptly to screening requests, as some programs, like EPIC, require a screening process within two business days.
Program Requirements
Your eligibility for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs hinges on meeting specific requirements, which vary across programs. These requirements guarantee that housing programs target those who need them most.
| Program | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| EPIC (Orange County) | Leave a message with full name, phone number, and court case number |
| City of Hollywood | Reside within city limits, proof of residency for at least six months, and meet gross annual income limits not exceeding 80% of AMI |
| Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida | Call (800) 405-1417 to determine eligibility |
| Heart of Florida United Way | Contact 211 for information and referral services to determine eligibility |
| Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association | Call (407) 841-8310 to determine eligibility |
Application Process
The application process for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs involves specific steps that vary across programs.
To apply, you’ll need to provide required documents and information.
1. Initial Contact: For the EPIC program, call the message line at 407-836-6514 and leave a message with your full name, phone number, and court case number.
Program staff will contact you within two business days for an eligibility screening.
2. Eligibility Requirements: Meet program-specific requirements, such as residency and income limits, to qualify for rental assistance.
3. Required Documents: Gather necessary documents, like proof of income and housing documents, to complete the intake application form.
Taking Action and Seeking Additional Help
Taking proactive steps is crucial in preventing evictions and seeking relief.
Join the Florida Housing Justice Alliance and use the NoRent.org tool to write to your landlord.
For 24-hour assistance, call the United Way 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line for help with rental aid, eviction prevention, legal aid, and shelters.
Check if you’re protected from eviction using the Shimberg Center’s map and your county’s eviction policy.
If you need more help, contact legal aid organizations like the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association or access online resources like the CFPB and Eviction Lab for guidance on tenant rights and rental assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Help With an Eviction in Florida?
You can get help with an eviction in Florida by calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898211 for local assistance, or reaching out to organizations like the Citizen Resource and Outreach Division’s EPIC program for Orange County families.
Is There a Grant to Prevent Eviction?
You’re looking for a grant to prevent eviction; yes, there are options like Emergency Funding that provide financial assistance to help you pay rent and avoid eviction, and in Florida, programs like EPIC and the City of Hollywood’s rental assistance offer similar support.
What Is the R3 Program in Florida?
You’re grasping at a lifeline, and the R3 Program in Florida is a lighthouse of hope! This Rental Relief initiative provides up to six months of past due rent assistance, covering up to $10,000, to eligible households, giving you a second chance to get back on track.
What Is a Valid Defense to an Eviction in Florida?
You should know that a valid defense to an eviction in Florida includes the landlord’s failure to maintain habitable conditions, retaliation, improper notice, or breach of lease terms, which you can identify through a thorough lease review.
Conclusion
You’ve taken the first step towards maintaining stable housing by exploring eviction prevention programs and rehousing resources in Florida. With various options available, you can access rental assistance, legal aid, and emergency shelters to prevent eviction. Did you know that in 2020, over 70% of evictions in Florida were due to non-payment of rent, highlighting the importance of timely rental assistance? By understanding eligibility requirements and seeking help, you can avoid eviction and secure a stable future.
