$17M Rental Assistance Funding For Residents Impacted By COVID-19

POLK COUNTY, FL — The Emergency Rental Assistance Program has recently been approved by the Board of Polk County Commissioners to create a program with $17 million in funding that will help residents who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications to the new program, Polk County Rental and Utilities Assistance, open June 1 to Polk County residents. County officials said this funding will pay up to $12,000 in assistance directly to landlords, property management and utility companies on behalf of qualifying locals.

“Applicants must be delinquent on rent or utilities at the time of their application,” Tamara West, Polk County’s housing and neighborhood development manager, said. “An on-line portal will begin accepting applications on June 1, and a call center will open at 8 a.m. on the same day.”

Funds will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis until the money is gone.

For more information about program eligibility, visit Polk County COVID-19 Rental Assistance.