Escambia County helps renters

[Shane Willis]

Those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for financial assistance from Escambia County.

The City of Pensacola and Escambia County are participating in the Coronavirus Relief Funds made available by Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

The county says approximately $813,451 will me made available Tuesday Sept. 1 to help eligible applicants with rent, mortgage and/or utility assistance.

The expenses must occur between March 1 through December 30. Maximum assistance will be $3,000 per household and be paid directly to the landlord, mortgage or utility company.

General eligibility requirements include being an Escambia County resident (including City of Pensacola and Town of Century), income adversely impacted by COVID-19, total household income cannot exceed 120% of area median income and only past due rent, mortgage, and utilities qualify.

Escambia County says applications will be accepted starting Tuesday Sept. 1 through Monday Sept. 14 or until funds have been committed.

Applications will be made online at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the myescambia website forward sash cares

Paper applications will be made available at the following locations starting Tuesday for those who do not have internet access:

• Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 200 (Monday through Friday, 8 .m. to 5 p.m.)
• Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. DeSoto St. (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• West Florida Public Libraries

Completed paper applications with attachments should be emailed to (Escambia Cares tenant and mortgage) @myescambia or dropped off at the Brownsville Community Center or Neighborhood Enterprises