Polk County opens $750,000 to residents still suffering financial impact of COVID

Sara-Megan Walsh, The Ledger
·3 min read

More than 40 people gathered inside the Dream Center of Lakeland Wednesday morning, waiting to see if they could qualify to receive a piece of $750,0000 in emergency rental and utility assistance.

Florida Rural Legal Services, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to low-income residents, is accepting applications to identify qualified individuals for Polk County's latest round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The county released $750,000 in funding to the organization about a week ago, according to FRLS spokeswoman Denise Sawyer.

"COVID is gone, but we have the financial burden of everything that has happened after COVID," said Marisol Hernandez, Florida Rural Legal Service's coordinator. "Rent is up, way up here in Polk County."

Hernandez said individuals began lining up at the Dream Center at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, more than an hour before the event started.

"There's still a need, a big need and we are here to assist," she said.

For road improvements Polk commissioners approve higher impact fees on development

Environmental lands Polk Commission appoints land-acquisition panel as some question makeup of group

How much will it cost? Polk commissioners plan to raise county workers' pay

Steven Hill, program coordinator at The Dream Center, said he's seeing an increasing number of people from the neighboring community reach out for assistance as many see their monthly household costs increasing. Hill said a man reported paying $300 a week to his landlord, was going to be one day late with payment and was threatened with eviction.

"That's a bit steep, " he said. "But $600 for a room in a house shared by eight to 10 other people is very common."

Renters who have fallen behind on their lease can apply to receive up to $12,000, or 12 months of payments for rent and utilities. In addition, Polk residents can receive up to three months of future rent paid.

Who qualifies to receive financial help?

  • Polk County residents who are experiencing a loss or reduction of income, loss of employment or health-related issues because of COVID.

  • Residents who are currently delinquent on rent or utility payments.

  • And residents with a gross household income below 80% of the area median income based on household size.

To qualify, individuals must have a monthly income less than $3,150, or $37,800 a year; or a family of four with an income of less than $4,500 a month, or $54,000 a year.

Individuals don't need to have been diagnosed with COVID in the past year to be eligible. People who lost their jobs during the pandemic because of layoffs or business closures and were rehired at a lower paying job may qualify, Hernandez said.

What's needed to apply?

  • Florida Driver's License for applicant and co-applicant.

  • Documented income hardship (qualifying for unemployment benefits, significant reduction of income or increase in expenses because of COVID).

  • Delinquent statement for rent or utilities (water, electricity, internet).

  • Current lease or rental statement in the applicant or co-applicant's name.

  • Recent pay stub, unemployment letter or 2021 tax returns.

  • W-9 form from landlord or property manager.

How to apply for assistance

Hernandez said she is looking to schedule future community events where individuals may be able to apply for assistance in person and speak with legal counsel

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Many in Polk still suffer financially from COVID. Help is available