Behind on your rent or utilities because of COVID-19? Manatee County may be able to help
The COVID-19 pandemic has financially challenged many residents who may be eligible for help from Manatee County government.
Emergency applications will be accepted this week for help paying overdue rent, mortgage and utilities through the Manatee CARES Assistance Program.
The county received $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and State Housing Initiative as the result of the pandemic and the ensuing economic impacts.
Residents who have not had those payments covered already through insurance or other assistance programs may be eligible.
Funding is available to residents who have lost their job or lost significant income due to the pandemic. Those qualifying could receive up to $1,500 a month for three months.
City of Bradenton residents are not eligible for the county program because the city receives its own federal funding.
The application window opens Wednesday at 9 a.m. Wednesday and closes at 5 p.m. Friday.
To apply or learn more, visit mymanatee.org/manateecares.
The funding should cover up to 250 households. For anyone needing assistance with their online application, call 941-745-6270 or email ManateeCARES@mymanatee.org.
“There’s a finite amount of dollars that we have received to assist a very large number of recently unemployed residents in Manatee County,” said Geri Lopez, director of the county’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department.
“We know there will be a high demand for this one-time assistance, but we’re going to assist as best we can,” Lopez said. “We’re just asking for patience through the process. We’re hopeful that additional funding will arrive from state or federal partners to allow us to offer another round of help in the future.”
Applicants will need to provide proof of job/income reduction that can be directly related to COVID-19 such as:
- Letter or email showing termination, furlough or reduction in hours from the employer stating termination or reduction is related to the pandemic.
- Screenshot of employer’s website stating the employer is currently closed due to COVID-19 along with past pay stub showing the applicant worked there.
- Copy of unemployment applications that shows COVID-19 contributed to your unemployment.