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.