POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County grant worth $750,000 is helping residents who lost income due to COVID-19 get caught up on their rent and utility payments.

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. partnered with the county to host an application in-take event where residents could also get legal advice.

What You Need To Know

  • $750,000 grant from Polk County to aid residents behind on rent

  • Residents qualify if they experienced income loss during pandemic

  • Residents can qualify for up to $12,000 of Emergency Rental Assistance

FRLS, Inc. had 76 cases of Polk County residents who are behind on payments prior to hosting the event for emergency rental assistance.

“It’s busy,” said Marisol Hernandez. “I got here at 8:30 a.m and I had a line outside.”

Hernandez is the Outreach Coordinator for Florida Rural Legal Services.

“I’m gonna have to interview all these people and input them into the system and assess their need.”

Hernandez says while most pandemic-related programs have already ended, the cost of housing has been difficult for some to keep up with.

“The effects of COVID-19 are still lingering,” she said. “People are still needing assistance.”

Deria Childs was one of the first applicants in the door and says she has not fully recovered from losing income due to COVID-19.

“It’s been a struggle, but I’m getting through it,” said Childs.

Residents can qualify for up to $12,000 of Emergency Rental Assistance.

Utilities like water, light and internet are also covered — plus relocation assistance covers three months of future rent.

Some residents have been frustrated, including Michelle Donahue was denied assistance because she wasn’t behind on rent.

“I don’t agree with that because if it wasn’t for my father’s money I would be behind but that money is going to run out in July,” said Donahue.

She says due to a disability she’s not working. “I’m in the process of fighting with disability for the 8th time,” she added.

Sueanna Jones of Florida Rural Legal Services, Incorporated says the event was meant to help residents who are dealing with all types of circumstances.

“We can still provide legal assistance in the fact that if you know you are going to be behind," said Jones. "[We can] possibly negotiate with your landlord assist you in that aspect so that we can do some type of mediation and if you do fall behind then you can qualify for our Emergency Rental Assistance.”

Whether approved or not, Jones wants residents to understand their options.

Some examples of COVID19-related issues are: 

  • Reduced hours due to fewer sales or customers because of COVID
  • Reduced paycheck or loss of employment due to taking care of a loved one or child who had COVID
  • COVID restrictions caused loss of income
  • Fixed income households that have increased expenses due to purchasing items/ or seeking additional health care to recover from COVID
  • Long-COVID issues that have caused a loss of income
  • Increase in financial responsibility due to COVID
  • Took a lower paying job due to COVID

The program is designed to pay directly to landlords, property management and utility companies on behalf of qualifying Polk County residents.

Documents Needed to Apply for Assistance:

  • Florida Driver's License for applicant and co-applicant
  • Documented income hardship (qualify for unemployment benefits or significant reduction income or increase in expenses due to COVID-19)
  • Delinquent statement for rent and utilities
  • Current lease or rental statement in applicant’s/co-applicant’s name
  • Most recent paystub, unemployment letter, or 2021 Tax Returns
  • W-9 form from your landlord or property manager

For more details inquire online at www.frls.org/CovidPolk or call (863) 904-4800.