ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Orange County announced they will end the county’s rental assistance program after an “overwhelming response” from more than 20,000 applications.
The county launched the rental assistance program March 20 to help about 1,500 families. It was designed as a one-time benefit for one month’s rent assistance for Orange County residents only with specific qualifications, officials said.
The program and the hotline set up to answer questions will both end at 5 p.m. on April 1.
REMEMBER: Orange County’s Rental Assistance Program ends today at 5pm!
— Megan Cruz (@MeganWFTV) April 1, 2020
🚨If you’re a resident and need help, fill out the form here: https://t.co/7e8Zhz5BPy
🚨If you have questions, the hotline is open until noon: 407-836-6500@WFTV #WFTV #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/FX5QCoepXA
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So far the staff has scheduled meetings with about 500 applicants.
There may be some hope for relief for residents in the future as the county commission will discuss the program’s 1.8 million dollar budget and what can be done to increase it at the meeting next Tuesday.
“We ask for residents’ patience as we process their applications and appointments,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “We have increased our staff and our facilities to accommodate the demand. We will bring the program’s additional funding needs to our Orange County Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming board meeting.”
READ: Orlando police to begin issuing flyers to those who violate social distancing guidelines
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