Housing Assistance in Florida

Finding affordable housing is perhaps the biggest hurdle that single mothers have to overcome, mostly because relevant information on housing assistance is scattered and difficult to come by. For this reason, we’ve rounded up a number of programs in the state of Florida that have been established to provide assistance to struggling residents.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

In an effort to uplift the community, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation was founded by the state government of Florida. It’s a public body comprising non-profit organizations, community members and other partners who raise funds in order to provide affordable housing to meet the demand of struggling residents. Additionally, the program helps first-time homebuyers with down payment and legal matters. More information can be found at https://floridahousing.org/

Emergency Financial Assistance For Housing Program

The Emergency Financial Assistance for housing is especially suitable for single mothers who are on the verge of being homeless. The program provides a grant of $400 to mothers who are currently pregnant and have received an eviction notice from their landlords.  In addition to that, families who have experienced disasters may also benefit from this scheme. Among other requirements, at least one of the members of the family has to be a legal citizen of the US. Visit their website at https://www.ncsha.org/resource/state-hfa-emergency-housing-assistance-programs/article/florida-housings-coronavirus-relief-fund-for-impacted-homeowners-and-renters/

Florida Housing Coalition

Thousands of low-income citizens including single mothers are struggling to keep up with rent and afford decent housing that is well-equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions. In an effort to alleviate the pressures brought about by a shortage of affordable housing, authorities in Florida founded the Florida Housing Coalition to assist residents in not only finding proper houses that they can afford, but also with training in personal finance and other useful life skills. You can get more information at https://www.flhousing.org/

Florida Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Countless citizens were affected by the global pandemic, and as a strategy to keep those citizens afloat, the state of Florida, like many other states across the country, has launched the rental assistance program to help individuals pay a portion of their rent. It’s worth noting that, because of high demands, the application process may be delayed.  You can get additional details on their website at https://www.northmiamifl.gov/827/Emergency-Tenant-Based-Rental-Assistance

Florida Housing’s Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC)

The MCC especially targets first-time homebuyers; it aims to take some weight off their shoulders with regards to purchasing their first homes. If you’re eligible for the scheme and your application is approved, you can claim, on a yearly basis, 50% of the interest you paid on your mortgage. It’s worth noting that the maximum amount claimable is $2000. More on the MCC can be found at https://floridahousing.org/

Eviction Prevention Program in Miami

Oddly enough, a large percentage of Miami’s population are constantly at risk of eviction, the city’s eviction prevention program works tirelessly to ensure a large number of these people don’t end up on the streets. To be eligible, you need to be staying within the city of Miami, and your monthly income needs to be less than the average income in surrounding areas.  This program offers $7000 once off to eligible candidates, to help them pay part of their rent.  Visit their website at https://www.miamigov.com/Housing-Assistance-Recovery/Housing-Loss-Prevention/Apply-for-Eviction-Prevention-Program

Housing Choice Voucher Program

As a single mom, making ends meet may be extremely daunting and having to pay rent or mortgage makes everything ten times harder. The Housing Choice Program( Section 8) was founded to specifically help low income, underemployed or disabled citizens pay rent and even mortgage. On the downside, the waiting list on this scheme tends to be rather lengthy. Here’s more on the Florida section 8 project: https://www.hud.gov/states/florida/renting

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants in Florida

Houses need to be renovated for various reasons like to equip them with necessary equipment to withstand different weather conditions or simply to remove hazardous areas. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is certain; home repair tends to be pricey. The Single Family Repair Loans and Grants steps in to relieve low income families of the financial pressures of home improvement. This relief comes as either a grant for the elderly, or a low-interest loan for families earning a salary below the average yearly salary in the state.  Get in touch at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4461

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is a body of programs working together to ensure that the homeless and those on the verge of landing on the streets are taken care of. This includes providing decent shelter, rapid rehousing, and bridge rehousing and affordable housing for candidates who are starting to get back on their feet.  Visit their website at https://www.centralfloridahomeless.org/

Tampa Housing Authority

The Tampa Housing Authority’s mission is to ensure that individuals that are at a disadvantage like the elderly, disabled citizens and single moms have access to decent yet affordable housing. The project achieves its mission through a number of services that include subsidized apartments and mortgage payment assistance.  Find more on their site at https://www.thafl.com/