ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will temporarily be available to City of Orlando residents starting Wednesday.
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County officials say they’re stepping in because the city has depleted its $8.6 million in federal funds that were dedicated to its rental assistance and housing programs.
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The county’s assistance is meant to see Orlando through to early 2022 when they’re expecting to launch additional assistance programs.
“Orange County Government is happy to team up with the City of Orlando to ensure that critical resources remain in place and are available for all residents,“ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. “This partnership will help ensure no rent-stressed family is left behind while Orlando waits for more rental assistance funding.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says they expect to have additional funds available in January.
Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program remains open for individuals behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the pandemic. Effective Dec. 8, the program will temporarily accept applications from @CityBeautiful residents.
— Orange County FL (@OrangeCoFL) December 7, 2021
Learn more: https://t.co/NRk2x89QnC pic.twitter.com/8tvJ5u1zz9
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“We are proud the city was able to quickly and efficiently provide emergency rental assistance to help more than 1,650 families get caught up on unpaid rent and stay safely in their homes,” Dyer said. “We appreciate the collaborative relationship with Orange County to temporarily accept applications from City of Orlando residents to ensure that no resident has unmet needs during this time.”
Residents living within Orlando’s city limits who are in need of rental assistance can apply by filling out an application here.
Orange County’s rental assistance program began taking applications back in March. As of December 3, the county has approved more than $14 million for more than 2,500 individuals and families to stay in their homes.
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Officials say they’ll announce well in advance when Orlando is prepared to launch another round of rental assistance, and when Orange County’s assistance will be closed to Orlando residents.
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