Rapid Re-Housing Grant

Due to the large volume of current applicant for rental assistance, the Financial Rental Assistance program is now closed. Sometime after the first of the year we will re-assess the status of the funding and determine at that time if there is funding still available and if so, the program will be re-opened.

Starts:  November 1, 2016

Ends:    September 1, 2017

The Osceola County Financial Rental Assistance Program provides short-term assistance to Osceola County residents who are homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless. Eligible families are those living in a motel and are self-paying; families doubled up with family or friends to prevent homelessness; or families facing eviction due to foreclosure of their landlord’s rental property.

Funds are provided on a first come, first ready basis to eligible residents who have lived in Osceola County continuously during the past six (6) months; meet income requirements; and have not received any rental assistance during the past two (2) years.

Assistance consists of security deposit, utility deposit, and first two (2) month’s rent. The total assistance amount is based on income requirements, Fair Market Rental Rates, and affordability for a maximum of $5,000 per household. No application or background fees are paid by the grant.

Eligible clients are responsible for bringing all required documents to their first intake appointment. The list of required documents is attached.

All household members 18 years of age or older must attend “Taking Control of Your Money,” a free financial management class offered at Osceola County Extension Services. For class dates and times, and to register (mandatory) log onto www.ocfcs.eventbrite.com or call 321.697.3000.

Additional Requirements:

• Rent amounts cannot exceed 41% of the total gross monthly household income.
• The rental unit must be located in Osceola County.
• Applicants may not move into the rental unit prior to a health and safety inspection of the property by Osceola County Human Services staff.

Current Rental Rates and Monthly Gross Household Income Requirements:

Required Documents (copies only!):

• A COPY of the last four most recent paycheck stubs for you and any other household member who will be occupying the home. The paycheck stubs must have the year to date gross income listed. If you are paid in cash or by personal check, you must provide a letter from your employer stating your year to date pay. This letter must be on company letterhead. Phone and fax number of employer for verification.
• A COPY of all other sources of income for ALL members of the household, including but not limited to current Social Security/SSI benefit letter and Unemployment checks/statement. Child support or alimony requires child support agreement and divorce decree as evidence of payment (If you do not receive child support, Osceola County will need verification of this), and any other retirement pension statements.
• A COPY, for ALL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS, Six month of bank statements for all checking accounts, savings accounts, money market, employer card, reload cards, etc.
• A COPY of your Florida Driver’s license or Florida picture identification for each adult members (18 years and older) of the household. Out of State Driver’s license or ID’s are not acceptable. Passports are not sufficient.
• A COPY of social security card for all household members.
• A COPY of birth certificates for all household members under the age of 18.
• A COPY of most recent year tax return for each adult member (18 years and older).
• A COPY of eviction letter, hotel or motel receipt or letter from case manager stating that Family is homeless.
• A COPY A COPY of your food stamp assistance letter showing the amount.
  • Each member with income will be required to attend a Financial Assistance Course (Taking Control of Your Money). Please call the Osceola County Extension Services Department at 321-697-3000 to register.
  • Please make COPIES OF ALL THESE ITEMS. Originals will not be returned.
  • Household members 18 and older MUST attend the interview appointment.

For more information, call 407-742-8414, or send an email to RentalHelp@osceola.org.