‘We expect an explosion.’ Bradenton aid groups brace for requests for financial help

Local agencies that offer critical financial assistance to help families stay in their homes and keep the lights on have a difficult enough time keeping enough funding in place.

With many workers in Manatee County affected by the coronavirus pandemic, a storm of need could be on the horizon.

Agencies face potentially being overwhelmed, but are bracing for what is likely to come in the coming weeks.

Infectious disease experts predict the peak of COVID-19 infections are still about two weeks away. It’s about the same time period local agencies are predicting “an explosio,” of people trying to seek that financial aid, according to Adell Erozer, executive director of Turning Points.

Linda Harradine, CEO of Legal Aid of Manasota, said they are already seeing a spike in the number of calls from people seeking eviction protection.

And unfortunately, “We anticipate by the beginning of next week, we’ll see large numbers,” Harradine said. “All we are doing right now is encouraging people to call us because the way things are right now, there are mixed messages out there. Some think there are no evictions, but that’s not true. We are trying to get the message that if you are not sure, please give us a call to determine if there are remedies.”

Harradine is hopeful that the state will enact at least a 30-day moratorium on evictions, but until then, “I can’t emphasize enough that if you aren’t sure, to call us and have one of our attorneys touch base with you. We are staying on top of the legal changes that are happening day in and day out. We will call people back as quickly as possible.”

A sliver lining? Sort of

Erozer said if there’s a silver lining in the dark clouds to come, it’s that the potential crisis will hit at a point in time when some people are getting their income tax refunds and payments approved under the COVID-19 stimulus law.

Florida also has eased a lot of the typical difficulties associated with getting unemployment benefits, but many continue to struggle to access the website due to heavy traffic. That’s especially true for those who rely on places like Turning Points just to get access to a computer.

“That’s where we are seeing the biggest impact of this so far,” Erozer said. “It’s the same for food stamps. We are seeing some new people come in to try and apply, but that’s also an online application and it can be very difficult.”

Turning Points focuses on trying to keep people from becoming homeless, but for their agency, it takes an eviction notice before they can help.

“The big impact hasn’t happened yet,” she said. “Right now we are seeing the normal number of people for that type of assistance.”

Agencies scramble for funding

Salvation Army offers emergency rent and utility assistance, “But right now, we don’t have any funding for rent,” said Kelly French, director of community relations and development. “But we are applying for some funds specifically for people who have been affected by this. We are hoping to get it and should know later this month.”

French said the Salvation Army is still helping people with utilities at this time and is developing an online application, “So it won’t be necessary to have the person come to the office and fill out paperwork during the pandemic.”

French, too, is bracing for the inevitable.

“I am expecting calls to pick up next week since rent for most people is due (April 1),” she said. “I’m guessing that right now, people are trying to work with their landlords and if they are not successful, they’ll start calling us. We typically have a steady flow of calls for rent and utilities. The utility calls spiked right away, because of course, those due dates are staggered more.”

Erozer also is hopeful landlords in the community will work with their tenants through this difficult time.

“I hope that landlords will be flexible, but I also understand that they have bills to pay, too,” Erozer said. “It’s a dog eat dog world out there.”

Some resources in Manatee County include:

• Legal Aid of Manasota provides free or low-cost legal assistance to those facing evictions. Call 941-366-0038 to have an attorney get back in touch with you.
• Community Coalition on Homelessness is part of the One Stop Center and provides emergency rental help to stop evictions. Call 941-747-1509.
• The Salvation Army provides rental assistance when they can and utility assistance. Call 941-748-5110.
• Jewish Family & Children’s Service Manatee offers rental assistance, legal assistance and short-term financial assistance. Call 941-366-2224.
• Step Up Suncoast offers an energy assistance program, as well as rental assistance. Call 941-827-0188, ext. 7900.
• Gulfcoast Legal Services offers free or low-cost legal help with housing and mortgage foreclosure issues. Call 941-746-6151.
• Other services are available by calling 211 Suncoast Cares. Simply dial 211 to get connected or visit their website at 211.gs-humanservices.org. You can also chat live with a representative who can point you in the right direction from their website.

This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 2:24 PM.