Facing eviction, need Kissimmee emergency rent assistance

(Request from Norward in Kissimmee, Florida) My spouse and I have been served with a 24 hour notice to vacate the premises.  We paid the immediate back rent that was on the judgment at the courthouse, and then attempted to get a court date to pay this month’s rent (thus giving us a little time to get that done) and the judge denied this by saying that we had to pay this month as well.  We cannot afford to move at this moment in time as the reason that we fell behind is due to my spouse not being able to work for the past 6 weeks due to severe back pain and recent surgery as a result of said back pain.  We have no money, and definitely any money to move with, and thus it would be better for us to remain here until my wife is well again, can go back to work, and we get back on our feet financially.  So, far we are still in the apartment, but know that Tuesday, May 27, 2014, the sheriff could return back to force us out.  Please help us!!!  All we need is the rent for May, $750 to convince the judge to call off the eviction, but we are running out of time very fast.

Thank you in advance for your prompt response.

Grateful for anything you can do,

Norward

Dear Norward,

It sounds like you have been trying very hard to come up with the money necessary to remain in your home. Preventing an eviction is a difficult process when your wife is out of work for medical reasons, as it makes it much harder to come up with the cash you need to appease the landlord.

From what you have told me, I am assuming that you can normally afford your monthly rent when she is working, and so you are really looking for Kissimmee emergency rent assistance programs that could give you the cash you need right away. Keep in mind that given the tight timetable you may be looking at either being able to remain in your home or getting some help with transitional housing and moving into a new place. Here are a few options.

Catholic Charities of Central Florida

Catholic Charities of Central Florida does provide some emergency family assistance, with rent being one of the focuses of the program. Utilities and food are also frequently covered.

An appointment is necessary, so you would need to call 407-658-0999 to speak with a representative. It will help to politely inform them that you are facing an immediate eviction.

Christian Service Center

The nearby Christian Service Center also provides a community service. The Family & Emergency Services program offers emergency rent assistance to Orange and Osceola County tenants. Locations include Orlando, West Orange and Winter Park.

Emergency assistance in the form of cash for rent is a possibility. Food and clothing is also available. For more information, call the Christian Service Center at 407-425-2523.

Metro-Orlando Urban League

The Urban League chapter operating out of Orlando may be slightly outside of your service area. You may call them at 407-841-7654 to see if you qualify for their emergency rent assistance program.

Salvation Army

The Osceola County Salvation Army chapter can provide emergency rental assistance in times of crisis. They can give you some aid for emergency situations, plus you could be placed into a transitional living situation through a referral. Call 407-931-4343 for help.

Jewish Family Services

Call 407-644-7593 to see if you qualify for emergency rent aid through Jewish Family Services.

As you can see, there are several charities that provide Kissimmee emergency rent assistance. These should be your first option for help, since rental loans often come with expensive repayment terms that can make many products unaffordable. Even though you may be panicking, be calm as you contact each organization and let them match you up with the best programs. They will help you get through this time of crisis.