The state Division of Youngsters and Households introduced Tuesday it’s poised to cease taking purposes for a federally funded rental- and utility help program for low-income and unemployed residents.
The division launched the OUR Florida program, or Alternatives for Utilities and Rental Help, final yr to assist individuals who have been behind on lease or utility funds. Purposes can be accepted by Thursday.
“As we put together to shut the OUR Florida portal, I encourage households who could also be desirous about receiving reduction or who’ve a must submit their utility previous to Might 12. There’s nonetheless time to get the reduction you want,” Division of Youngsters and Households Secretary Shevaun Harris mentioned in an announcement.
Cash for this system got here from $1.4 billion allotted to Florida by the U.S. Division of the Treasury final yr, with about $529 million distributed on to recipients by native governments with populations of greater than 200,000.
The Division of Youngsters and Households mentioned greater than $1.3 billion has been distributed to greater than 228,000 households by this system.
Low-income renters and folks unemployed for at the very least 90 days earlier than making use of have obtained precedence for the cash. The company goals to have “all obtainable funds obligated” to households who’re authorised for this system by Might 27, based on a information launch.
Purposes will proceed to be processed till obtainable funds are obligated.
“Purposes that have been already authorised for potential funds will proceed to obtain the reduction beforehand authorised,” the information launch mentioned.