Struggling to find affordable housing in Northeast Florida? These resources may help
Monthly expenses continue to balloon along with inflation for most Jacksonville families, and even with various fixes working their way down the line, such as the proposed property tax rate cut, some families are worried about how they will pay their bills now.
Despite initiatives that are aimed to aid future homebuyers or advocacy for rent increase freezes, no solutions seem to be coming quickly enough. Here are a few options for people are looking for ways to get help now:
Assistance for people without housing
Jacksonville Housing Authority works to provide safe and affordable housing and social services to low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties.
It has 2,881 public housing units and manages 7,868 Housing Choice Vouchers — previously Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — for area landlords.
The housing authority also offers a list of local resources for various financial situations and needs, including paying utility bills or food and finding suitable housing.
It also offers specific referral assistance for veterans.
Federal Housing and Urban Development grants in Duval County for rent and housing needs are allocated to the area on an annual basis to provide homelessness prevention services. Case workers can provide assistance in the form of motel vouchers or transitional housing for the homeless or families with children.
Assistance for renters
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council offers some financial assistance for rent, utilities and security deposits through United Way’s 2-1-1.
Operators will review eligibility and make referrals to DESC. Calls are accepted 24 hours a day, but appointments are limited.
Grocery assistance is also available here.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid also offers legal assistance to those who think they may be facing illegal activities from their landlords.
Included in its self-help section online are interactive questionnaires for understanding an individual’s rights during the eviction process.
Ability Housing operates low-cost rental homes, condos and apartments in the region, too, with a main focus on aiding the disabled, elderly or those who have been without housing before.
Shannon Nazworth, president and CEO of Ability Housing, said their communities are at full capacity; however, anyone in emergency need of shelter should contact United Way at 2-1-1.
Nazworth recommends people talk to their landlords to find solutions.
"Most landlords do not want to evict; it is a complex, unfortunate, and, frankly, expensive process for everyone involved," she said. "If you can work out a payment plan or negotiate an arrangement that works for you, they will be much more amenable than if you wait until you’re several months behind on rent to let them know about your situation."
Services vary based on need and availability. Call 904-359-9650 for more information.
Other options: Tiny Houses on Navaho: Jacksonville's first tiny-home community an answer to affordable housing
Assistance for homebuyers and homeowners
Mortgage relief assistance is still available through the City of Jacksonville at myjax.custhelp.com.
Individuals requesting assistance must be the owner and occupant of the property and have income that falls below 80% of the area median income. Income brackets by household are available online for reference.
The program can up to six months of delinquent mortgage payments or $7,500, whichever is less. Payments will be made directly to the mortgage company.
Previously: Jacksonville homebuyers feel pressures of competitive market, bidding wars with investors
HUD in Duval County may also be able to provide housing advice, cash loans and legal mediation. Call 904-232-2627 for more information from a local office.
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid also offers legal assistance to those who are unable to pay their mortgages.
The City of Jacksonville’s Social Services Division offers an Emergency Financial Assistance Program that provides aid to eligible households struggling with their rent, mortgage and utilities.
"The best way to reduce your risk of facing a housing challenge is to truly understand your income and expenses," Nazworth said. "Organizations like Family Foundations offer programs on money management, including courses to prepare for home ownership — so that you can take steps now to prepare for a long-term goal like purchasing a home."
Long-term solutions
Nazworth said with Florida's rapid growth, the state needs zoning policies, funding and focused support from leaders to make the development of new affordable housing a priority.
Although there are a few options to help Jacksonville residents facing housing emergencies today, the best way to fix the problem won’t be with a band-aid, said Christina Kittle, Duval County organizer for Florida Rising, an organization focused on advocacy in issues like the affordable housing crisis.
Florida Rising is advocating for three main items from local leaders to help Florida residents: the declaration of a housing state of emergency to enact rent stabilization; a tenant advocacy office within the city government and Bill of Rights to hold landlords accountable; and a 90-day eviction notice extensions for tenants who are pregnant or have children to give them more time to find a new place to live.
“Our leadership is afraid to make bold moves for our supposedly ‘Bold City,’ and they are running out of excuses to hide behind,” Kittle said. “We now need them to act.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: What resources are available amid Jacksonville affordable housing crisis?
