Rent money stolen, I need help with rent in July in Hollywood, FL

(Request from Sixto in Hollywood, Florida)  I had my $600 dollars for my rent and it was stolen from my place, now I’m going to lose my apartment and my furniture, because I won’t have the money for a storage unit.  I only receive from SSD $718.00 a month. I need help with my rent of July. I am a 58 year old male living with a number of sicknesses.  

Dear Sixto,

Someone really put you in a bad situation. This is a really good example of what can happen when rent money is kept in cash instead of at a bank. I realize that bank fees can sometimes get out of control, but there are community banks and credit unions that offer free checking accounts.

Before I go through some of the rental assistance programs in Hollywood, I must ask why you have the storage unit. I recognize that storage units serve a temporary purpose, especially if you are in a transitional circumstance and need to retain your larger belongings. However, paying for a storage unit when your only income is social security disability income is unaffordable and unsustainable. I am telling you this now, because any case worker will require a suitable solution to this major expense before they will release cash assistance to you or your landlord.

A better option is to sell the belongings that are in storage and to close out the rental. This will raise some quick cash and reduce your monthly cash outflows. If you do this and prevent future opportunities for theft by banking your rent money, you can avoid similar hardships.

I am not fussing at you. I am just showing a bit of tough love. You will need to answer these questions when you speak with a case manager, so it is important to consider them ahead of time and try to find a permanent solution as you are requesting help with rent. Remember that it is OK to admit to your case worker that mistakes were made. It helps them to see how you got into your current situation. It is also beneficial to you to show what steps you took to correct those mistakes. They like to see that you are making proactive changes as a sign of greater responsibility.

A Loving Place

One possible alternative to your current apartment would be a reduced cost living facility in nearby Pompano Beach. A Loving Place provides rental units starting as low as $600 per month including all utilities. Based on your current income, this location may be unaffordable.

Emergency Solutions Grant

It may be possible to get help with your current month’s rent by receiving funds from an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). ESG funds are provided by the Broward County Housing Finance and Community Development Division.

The Broward County Homeless Continuum of Care is a partnership between the county and human services organizations located throughout Broward County. You may be matched with a relevant program that can help determine if you are eligible to receive cash assistance towards your rent as a part of the ESG program. For more information, call the county hotline at 311 to request information about finding an appropriate housing assistance agency.

BAND

The Broward Alliance for Neighborhood Development funnels money into the development of rent-controlled housing. It may be possible for you to find a cheaper apartment that is administered by one of the BAND partners.

To be considered, you may qualify through the Urban League of Broward County or BC Community Land Trust. Call BAND directly at 954-581-9899 for more information about vacancies and rental rates.

Center for Independent Living of Broward

One organization that caters to disabled adults like yourself is the Center for Independent Living of Broward. This organization specializes in providing rental assistance as well as rent-controlled housing to individuals living with disability.

Available reduced rent apartments or homes feature enhanced accessibility by those who need wheelchair ramps or other modifications. Call the organization at 954-722-6400 to inquire about possible alternatives to your current situation.

Rent Loans

Federal guidelines prohibit banks and other lenders from discriminating against you based on the source of your income. Still, the low monthly income will probably prevent you from rent loans. I recommend against apply for any loan product since you will not be able to repay the loan based on your current level. You are better off seeking assistance through one of the above agencies, which could offer any combination of rental assistance and reduced rent alternatives.