I need help with rent in Lakeland, FL ASAP!

(Request from Todd in Lakeland, Florida) I’m a disabled veteran and lost my job in February of this year. I have a wife and 2 small children. I have gotten help from family to help pay rent but they can no longer help. I have looked everywhere and called everyone for help but these places say out of funds till next year. We don’t have until next year and I’m facing eviction any moment. I need help asap.

Dear Todd,

Thank you for your military service. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make.

I assume that you are receiving monthly disability payments from the VA based on your disability rating, and perhaps also some unemployment benefits. Unemployment is not always a given though, so I would encourage you to file for those benefits if you are eligible.

As I do not know which branch you served in, I will stick with the Army since it is the largest branch. It may be possible to get some guidance on a job search through the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP). You may call them at 800-325-4715 to find out about additional support for finding and obtaining a new job.

In the meantime, there are several organizations that can help with rent in Lakeland. I understand that time is of the essence since you are falling behind on rent and in imminent danger of eviction. As you mentioned, some of the organizations may be low on funding or may have already run out funds for this year. To confirm, you should contact each organization on the list to inquire about available funding.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Central Florida provides rental assistance when funding allows to lower income families that are experiencing a reduction in income or some other financial emergency. The organization provides an office in Lakeland on Memorial Blvd.

Call 863-686-7153 to find out about the Family Empowerment Program operated by the charity. Financial assistance can be provided to help with rent payments, particularly when late payments lead to an eviction notice. If you have receive a notice, make sure that you bring that as evidence of the importance of your situation.

Lakeland Housing Authority

Many families immediately discount public housing because of the negative stereotypes associated with these properties. However, many cities including Lakeland take public housing assistance to a different level.

In addition to dedicated housing projects, the Lakeland Housing Authority also distributes housing choice vouchers to eligible households. These vouchers allow you to rent any private rental property that meets requirements of the program. You can live in a neighborhood of your choice. The voucher is accepted by approved landlords and is good for a portion of the monthly rent payment. You are responsible for a portion that generally does not exceed 30% of your adjusted gross income for the month. That means that rent can be affordable even if you are only receiving a small amount each month in disability benefits.

Additionally, the housing authority provides supportive housing services and affordable rental units that it administers on behalf of the city. It may be possible to qualify for a new vacancy. Call the Lakeland Housing Authority at 863-687-2911 for more information.

ALPI

Consider whether your next rental assistance grant can come from nearby Lake Alfred. The Agricultural and Labor Program Inc. (ALPI) is the community action agency for Polk County as well as Highlands and Hendry counties.

Funding is limited, but the agency utilizes those funds to help families like yours attain self-sufficiency. ALPI administers Community Development Block Grants that are provided by the city. Whether funding is available or not, it can help to work with a case manager to see what referrals may be possible, as well as what other changes may be necessary to get through the next couple of months while you seek work. Call ALPI at 863-956-3491.

Faith in Action North Lakeland

Faith in Action North Lakeland is a religious based organization that may be able to provide help with rent in Lakeland. While this is not one of their regular programs, the organization has provided this benefit in the past on a very limited basis. Still, they are able to offer other areas of support and help by volunteers.

I recommend calling Faith in Action at 863-686-0009 to see what resources they can assist with, including referrals. They just might surprise you.

Other Options

The Wounded Warrior Project could be of help. With an office in Jacksonville, you may be surprised at the level of support the charity can provide to you, including direct job placements. Call 904-296-7350 to find out what might be possible for your situation.

Some tenants may turn to loans when times get tough. These can help when you have a temporary drop in income or an unexpected expense, but they do not help when unemployment is causing the problem.

Rental loans would not be a good option given your circumstances. I would steer clear of this option due to the drop in income that your family is experiencing. Grants are a better option.

One final option would be to call the United Way at 211. While they may refer you to some of these same organizations, the United Way can move mountains sometimes for certain situations. Just call 211 to speak with a representative.