Trying to get emergency rental assistance in Homestead, Florida

(Request from Sonjia in Homestead, Florida) i sonjia is trying to get Emergency Rental Assistance.

Dear Sonjia,

Fortunately for you, there are a few emergency rental assistance programs in Homestead, FL. Each one has certain requirements that must be met before you are eligible to receive benefits. Here is a brief description of each program that you may wish to consider.

Florida City/Homestead Neighborhood Service Center

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) at the Florida City/Homestead Neighborhood Service Center provides lower income tenants with much needed help when they are unable to afford rent and related utilities. Benefits may be capped at $900 per applicant depending on funding and demand. Call 305-247-2068 to find out more about eligibility requirements and benefits.

Miami Dade County Community Action Agency-Naranja Neighborhood Service Center

The Naranja Neighborhood Service Center provides emergency rental assistance for local residents who are in danger of eviction and homelessness. You may find that you are eligible for entry into their transitional housing program, which can help you get back on track through interim rental supports available in certain participating housing options. Call 305-258-5471 to speak with a case manager.

M.U.J.E.R.

A more restrictive option is available through M.U.J.E.R., which serves domestic violence victims who have immediate housing needs due to a destructive domestic situation. If you have experienced recent domestic violence, then you may have additional rental assistance opportunities and housing supports available, as well as counseling services to help you move on. Call 305- 247-1388 to find out more about the options available at M.U.J.E.R.

Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations

The Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations (COFFO) can assist if someone in your household is a farmworker, migrant or otherwise. Call 305-246-0357 to see if there are any services that can help you with your rental needs.

Emergency rental assistance is available through these Homestead, Florida agencies. Each agency has a specific mission as well as guidelines that must be followed to determine who is eligible for emergency rent aid. I recommend calling the ones that best fit your situation.

You will need to be able to answer questions about your household income. Also, be honest about what caused you to get into a bind. It is often acceptable to have made certain mistakes, which may have been compounded by other events outside of your control. The case manager that is assigned to you will work to identify the causes and try to help provide the necessary funds and other resources that can help you.