Politicians are continuing to debate (delay?) a new stimulus package, while you and I try to decide which flavor gum to chew for dinner. It's a shame - but we've got to be resourceful in the meantime! Here's list of organizations that can help with rent and utilities payments...and don't forget the eviction moratorium has been extended by the Governor - so don't let a landlord push you around!!

Charlotte and DeSoto County rental assistance.

A combination of government grants as well as non-profits provide assistance with rent across Charlotte County as well as nearby DeSoto. Priority is given to those residents with an eviction notice, with funding also for families with children. Rent help can also be arranged for the disabled as well as senior citizens in the service area.

Even if funding is not available, then tenants can inquire into other resources. Case managers from many of these organizations may have suggestions on other options for paying rent, or they may be able to enroll the family into some form of mediation service that is available in Charlotte County Florida.

Working poor families as well as those under with special circumstances, such as a veteran or single parent, may also be able to apply for a grant. Whether it is money for a security deposit, one time rent help, or referrals to section 8, some of the places to try for assistance are below.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition

Address is 1476 Kenesaw St

Port Charlotte, Florida

Call 627-4313 Monday to Friday

Assistance is available county wide. The non-profit or partners, such as charities, offer shelter as well as transitional housing. Other programs help with back money, issue loans for security deposits, and help rehouse families.

Salvation Army Family Centers

2120 Loveland Blvd

Port Charlotte, Florida

Phone – 629-5950

Appoints are needed. They can help tenants apply for grants for rent or utility bills. Case managements will help tenants that are in a dispute with a landlord, and the faith based charity also offer medications, motel vouchers, and other housing support.

Catholic Charities of DeSoto County

Main address of the church - 1210 East Oak Street

Arcadia, FL, 34266

863-494-1068

St Charles Church

21841 Felton Ave

Port Charlotte, Florida

Dial 625-9784

Small dollar amounts may be available for rent. Other support is shelter for the homeless or a blanket to keep them warm.

Punta Gorda Housing Authority Financial Assistance

Location 340 Gulf Breeze Avenue

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Phone - (941) 639-4344

Process applications for section 8 vouchers. Also, Charlotte County residents can learn about public housing or homeowners can receive foreclosure counseling.

Arcadia Housing Authority

Address - 7 Booker T Washington Road

Arcadia, Florida, 34265

Call 863-494-4343 for intake.

When the program is open, applications are allowed for section 8 HUD vouchers. This is a rent subsidy program for private housing.

Legal Aid of Manasota – Desoto and Charlotte County office

(941) 366-0038

Free free legal support to stop an eviction or address housing matters is available from attorneys. Call this federally funded pro-bono firm.

Sacred Heart Church, which is part of Society of St Vincent De Paul

25200 Airport Rd

Punta Gorda, Florida

(941) 639-3957

Good Samaritans of Charlotte Countymay have limited financial aid for rent or other bills. The staff can also refer the client to medical programs, government grants, and non-interest loans for housing or rental needs. Punta Gorda Florida based, or dial (941) 639-3335.

North Port Social Services Financial Assistance

Call (941) 429-3700

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Location is 2036 Loveland Blvd

Main phone – 629-0398

Rental assistance in a crisis may help stabilize a situation. All funding is limited.

Volunteers of America of Florida

1250 Taylor Rd, Unit 322

Punta Gorda, Florida

Telephone – 505-0421

They support Homeless Veterans in Charlotte County. Transitional housing is arranged as well as applications to SSVF or VA benefits.

San Antonio Catholic Church Financial Assistance

24445 Rampart Boulevard

Port Charlotte, Florida 33980

Telephone - (941) 235-1254

Emergency Solution Grant Program – Rapid Rehousing

Dial 205-2161

Referrals are given to everything from low income apartments, senior housing, to rent and security deposit assistance programs. A call center is in place.

Todd Matthews

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