| |
|
|
|
Finding Help |
| |
|
It is important to know there is help available to you when you are experiencing a crisis. Whether you are experiencing homelessness or feel that you are on the brink of homelessness, there are helpful organizations -- private and public -- that provide caring services in your time of need. Additionally, there are steps you may take to get started on the road back to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Check this page for helpful resources. |
|
Affordable Housing Search
The FloridaHousingSearch.org website has a housing lcoator service which allows people to locate available housing in Pinellas County and beyond that best fits their individual and family needs. The service can be accessed online 24 hours a day, and is supported by a toll-free, bilingual call center on Mondays through Fridays, 9 - 6 EST. Individuals cn easily serach for housing using a wide variety of serach criteria with special mapping features and receive apartment listing that provide a multitude of important information about each unit. In addition the site connects people to other housing resources through website links and provides helpful toools for renters such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and renter rights and responsibilities information. Start your search by going to http://floridahousingsearch.org/. |
|
|
Emergency Financial Assistance
Pinellas County Community Development maintains a listing of agencies that provide rent and utility payment assistance. http://www.pinellascounty.org/community/EmergencyFinAssistContact.htm. |
Emergency Housing Assistance |
The State of Florida now has funds available for emergency housing assistance for one month’s overdue rent or mortgage payment. The eligibility guidelines for Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP) are on located at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness/ . The household must have at least one child or caretaker to receive up to $400.00 and they must have proof of the housing emergency i.e. copies of the eviction notice, default letter from the mortgage company etc. The other requirements are listed on the website.
The most unique thing about the program is that it can be used for security deposits for new tenants. (See the introduction to the Vendor Agreement and section (4).)
The toll free number is 1-877-891-6445.
Emergency Job Information
Do you have questions about unemployment benefits, eligibility, paycheck or wage-related issues, or safety in cleanup efforts? Call the U. S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C., toll-free at 1-866-4-USA-DOL.
Hurricane Evacuation Information
If you are homeless or know someone who is, there are specific arrangements for your evacuation and care in the event of a hurricane. Just click here to visit our hurricane information page. For further information, you may call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800.
|
|
|
|
|
