10 Jun 09 Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing

The Florida Department of Children and Families is preparing to staff up and be in a position to once again accept and fund applications from families with minor children who are behind in their rent, or who are homeless and need aid for a security deposit to get back into an apartment.

Tom Pierce, Director of the Office on Homelessness, issued the following memo that explains eligibility and the application process:

I am pleased to announce that the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) will begin receiving new applications on July 6, 2009.

Please do not send applications to the program until 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 6. Any applications received before that time will be denied.

Applications are available online in English, Spanish and Creole at:

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness/efahp.shtml

Or by calling 1-877-891-6445.

Application Guidelines

• The household must have at least one child under 18 years of age living there full-time.
• The application must be filled out completely, including Social Security numbers for all family members; monthly income from all sources; a written explanation of the housing emergency; and the signature of the applicant.
• The one-page Vendor Agreement must be completed and signed by the landlord, mortgage company or property owner. If the case is approved, a State of Florida check will be mailed directly to the landlord, mortgage company or property owner.
• The program can pay up to $400.00 one time per year for overdue rent or mortgage payments, or for security deposit for a household that is homeless, being evicted, or whose housing has been damaged by fire, hurricane or other natural disaster.
• Fax applications to 1-850-921-2559.
• Mail applications to:

Department of Children and Families
Office on Homelessness – PDHO
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700

If you have questions, please call 1-877-891-6445.

Tags: DCF