I need help with paying my rent this month in Port St Lucie

(Request from Keith in Port St Lucie, Florida) I need help with paying my rent this month. I work 40 hrs a week full time as a contractor/handyman.

Dear Keith,

I know it can be frustrating when you are working full-time and yet still have trouble keeping up with all of your monthly bills. Even if you can normally afford everything, you have probably experienced a recent financial emergency or unexpected expense that you were not prepared for, and now it is creating a hardship for you. There are some options for getting everything under control. We found a few community resources that may provide you with some feasible options for dealing with the rent shortfall.

Mustard Seed Ministries

One organization that used to provide emergency rental assistance payments was Mustard Seed Ministries. This charity prefers to focus more on paying for prescriptions as well as donations of clothing, food, and furniture.

It is recommended to call the organization even if funding has run out for rental aid. Referrals to other programs that do have funding can ensure that you get the help you need on your rent payment. Call 772-465-6021 to speak with a volunteer who can discuss your needs and possible assistance.

St. Lucie County Community Services

Cash assistance for rent is a possibility through St. Lucie County’s Community Services division. Emergency payments can be made towards rent as well as utilities.

As is often the case with rental assistance programs, actual funding that you can receive will depend on grant awards that the agency has received, plus any local taxpayer funded initiatives. You can find out about the rental assistance program by calling the county’s Community Services division at 772-462-1777.

Fort Pierce Housing Authority

If you have frequently struggled to afford rent payments, then it may be a sign that you are spending more than 40% of your monthly pay on housing. Reduced rent apartment units can be a reasonable option since they generally cost you a lower percentage of your paycheck.

The Fort Pierce Housing Authority skips the emergency rent handouts and focuses more on providing permanently lower rental rates. If you think that you are going to continually have problems affording your rent (especially with the annual rent increases), then it may be time to see if you qualify for reduced rent. Households must qualify as lower income to be considered, although the presence of elderly or disabled adults as well as small children can increase your chances of approval. Call 772-461-7281 to request information on cheaper public housing, or you may see if you qualify for subsidized rent by calling 772-461-0772.

St. Vincent DePaul Society

The local chapter of this national aid association does provide some emergency rental assistance to needy households who are at risk of eviction or homelessness. The purpose is to provide help when there is no other resource available. You should generally apply for assistance through the above entities first before trying to obtain help through St. Vincent DePaul. This approach ensures that those most at risk are the ones most likely to receive the limited funds that are available.

To speak with a counselor at St. Vincent DePaul Society, call 772-873-2738. Be prepared to answer a few questions about your situation, including income and family size. Tell them about your financial hardships and what you have been trying to do to recover from your situation.

Gold Coast Federal Credit Union

It can be difficult to make ends meet when unexpected events cause you to become overwhelmed with household bills. You are not alone. Even if you do not meet eligibility requirements for funds through an aid organization, they can still help you with some resources and provide referrals to those programs that can be a better match for your needs and qualifications. Hopefully you can get the help you need with paying your rent this month in Port St. Lucie without necessarily having to turn to rental loans.

If you do have to borrow money, start with your local bank or a credit union like Gold Coast Federal Credit Union. An open membership policy can grant you access as a local resident. Unsecured personal loans are available at low rates, or you may even take advantage of the Fresh Start Loan, which provides low interest rates even if you have prior credit challenges. Call 772-398-8731 for the Port St. Lucie branch located on S. US Highway 1.