CACAA provides emergency rent and shelter across 8 panhandle counties

Almost one-fourth of families in this eight county region of Florida live in poverty. Families living in Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties can get help from this regional nonprofit organization who has served Floridians since 1965.

Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) provides numerous rental assistance opportunities to lower income households living in the eight counties surrounding the state capital. Some programs are county specific, but all serve to help fight poverty by reducing homelessness, preventing evictions and assisting families with transitional and permanent affordable housing. If your household has experienced either a temporary hardship or has chronic problems with affording a safe rental home, then CACAA can help.

The Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) is probably the most helpful for families with an immediate eviction issue. It provides actual rent payments to your landlord when you are unable to keep up. DEAP also can assist with utilities to prevent disconnection. If you have experienced a recent hardship such as illness, death in the family or a loss of employment, this could be a great way to keep on track. Help with transportation and groceries are also included. DEAP benefits are currently only available to Leon County residents. Call 850-222-2043 to make arrangements for an interview with intake staff.

Project Independence is a special program that is available for families who have experienced frequent problems in paying rent and living costs. This program will help you break the cycle of poverty once and for all. Help with security deposits and getting utilities turned on are just part of the program. There are also small business entrepreneurship grants of up to $3,000 available. Even help with transportation is available (gas vouchers, bus passes, etc.). Sometimes getting help with rent on your next home can be the game changer that allows you to make permanent improvements to your life. Through Project Independence, you can get help with those living costs and potentially even work for the agency for 30 days to improve your skills. Call the Tallahassee office at 850-222-2043 to make arrangements to enroll in the local program serving your county.

CACAA provides real benefits and real support to families who need help with basic living costs. Get rental assistance today along with the skills you need for tomorrow.