Orlando City Council approves rental assistance program; here’s what you need to know

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando City Council approved a plan to provide rental assistance to Orlando residents impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday.

The program, which is a partnership between the city of Orlando and Heart of Florida United Way, will provide grants to residents of up to $10,000 in rental assistance per household.

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“As we continue to move through this crisis, we want to remember our residents who are most in need," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Tuesday.

The city estimates as many as 300 households will be assisted by the program on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This program will offer much-needed relief to some of Orlando’s families who are struggling to stay in their homes,” said Jeff Hayward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way.

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Funding for the program is being made possible by $1.5 million the city received through the state of Florida CARES Act specifically for rental assistance.

Residents wishing to participate in the program must:

• Be a city of Orlando resident.
• Be one month past due on rent payments between March 1 and Oct. 31.
• Have proof of financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• Have a household income not exceeding 120% of Orange County’s average median income for a family of four.

The agreement with United Way was approved by the Orlando City Council on Tuesday.

The Requests for Applications portal will go live on the United Way website at 8 a.m. Wednesday.