Duval County

Thousands of applications submitted for renters’ assistance program, find out how to apply

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program will assist Duval County residents who have been unable to pay their rent or utilities due to a loss of income related to COVID-19.

We’re following up on The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP), which began accepting applications on Monday.

The program will distribute nearly $29 million of federal funds to assist Duval County residents who have

been unable to pay their rent or utilities due to a loss of income related to COVID-19.

You can sign up to apply here: https://www.coj.net/erap

Here are the eligibility requirements for tenants:

  1. Must be a Duval County resident, with proof of residency, and residing in the property that is in arrears as primary residence and;
  2. One or more adults in the household must have qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship that can be documented, due directly to the coronavirus outbreak, and;
  3. One or more adults in the household must be able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability such as a past due rent or utility notice, pay-rent-or-quit notice, court-issued eviction notice, fleeing domestic violence, or documented inability to pay prospective rent and;
  4. Must be able to provide a fully executed rental lease or agreement where the lease is in the applicant’s name and the applicant is responsible for monthly rent payments and;
  5. Household income must fall at or below these brackets:
    1. Household size: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
    2. Income 80% $42,000.00 $48,000.00 $54,000.00 $60,000.00 $64,800.00 $69,600.00 $74,400.00 $79,200.00

Action News Jax spoke to a gentleman who didn’t want to show his face out of embarrassment.

COVID-19 has cut his work days from five to four.

“Companies are saying they’re not making enough money,” he said. “And so we’re working less hours.”

He’s been living in his apartment for three years, but worries about the next month.

“Have you ever felt this worried about making your rent?” Action News Jax’s Jessica Barreto asked. “No. Only now.”

ERAP opened Monday. It could cover up to a year’s worth of rent and utilities for those who qualify.

As of Tuesday, March 30, at 4:30 p.m., 2,268 applications had been submitted, and 4,165 applications were in progress.

Even though this man is in a tough spot, he thinks about those in worse conditions.

“I’m in an apartment, but I’m sure there are a lot more guys out there who need more help,” he said.

The deadline to apply for this program is April 9 at 6 p.m., from when the city will begin to assess and approve applications.

Here are the places where you can apply in person:

Drop off only sites:

  • Catholic Charities – Jacksonville
    • 40 East Adams Street, Suite 310 – 32202
  • Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry
    • 850 6th Avenue South, Suite 400 – 32250
  • City of Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Division
    • 214 North Hogan Street, 7th Floor – 32202

Pick up, drop off, and in-person application assistance sites:

  • Jewish Family & Community Services
    • 6261 DuPont Station Court – 32217
  • Wealth Watchers
    • 5310 Lenox Avenue, Unit 4 – 32205
  • Downtown Ecumenical Services Council
    • 215 North Ocean Street – 32202