Rental Assistance is Available to Those in Need

Thanks to funds provided through the American Recovery Act, rental and utility assistance funds are now available for Polk County renters who qualify. Up to $12,000 is available to those who need the assistance most.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners partnered with three local nonprofit agencies to distribute the nearly $8.4 million in Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds.

The commission approved the three contracts in October with Florida Rural Legal Services, the http://www.alpi.org" target= "new">Agricultural and Labor Program, and Heart for Winter Haven. The three agencies were selected based on their experience with administrative and compliance requirements of federal grant and emergency assistance programs and their experience in assisting local governments in the planning and distributing of federal funds to eligible recipients.

Through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible recipients can receive up to $12,000 to pay for rent and utilities for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The three contracted agencies will help the county target, process and coordinate the applications for those in need.