St. Johns County offering rental assistance to those impacted by COVID-19

Help is on the way for St. Johns County residents who are still struggling through the pandemic.

Last week the county launched an emergency rental assistance program.

“We understand that there are still people who are suffering from COVID-19-related expenses and being out of work. So we are using this federal funding to help people with utilities and rent-related expenses,” St. Johns County Assistant Director of Public Affairs Michael Ryan said.

LINK: Clay County offering more Emergency Rental Assistance for residents

The county received $7.9 million in federal funding for the program.

It will assist people with rent-related expenses and utilities for up to 12 months or a maximum of $5,000.

St. Johns Food Pantry Vice President Eric Van Allen sees the worth in a program like this.

“I think it’s going to help out a lot because right now rents are going up, sky-high anyway, and some people just can’t make it,” Van Allen said.

To qualify, you must earn a low-to-moderate income, have experienced financial hardship from the pandemic, and demonstrate a risk of housing instability.

“Even though we’re the richest county in Florida there’s quite a few families here that are really in need,” Van Allen said.

Van Allen also said the pantry feeds about 1,800 families a month.

LINK: OUR Florida offers rental assistance to Floridians and businesses

The county is handing out the funds until the end of 2021.

To apply for the emergency rental assistance program, click here.

For more information, call 904-344-3188 or 800-557-7441.

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