Community Action Agency, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

3/4/2024: NO FUNDING AVAILABLE AS OF APRIL 7, 2023 *Program for low income persons or families as home owners and renters who seek to reduce utility bills by improving the energy efficiency of the home by adding weather stripping, caulking, window and door repairs if they cause air to enter the home, wrapping water heaters, installing attic insulation, energy-efficient light bulb and smoke detector installation, repair of heating and cooling units which are not working well, install solar screens; and install ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality (as needed) *Preference given to elderly (60 years or older), disabled persons, families with children under 12 years old and households with repeated high utility bills with priority given based on the amount of need (not a first come, first served program) *Before being accepted, a signed application must be accompanied by proof of current income for all household members, a photo ID of the applicant, documentation of property ownership, signed owner agreement to repair, rental agreement (if applicable), and copy of recent utility bill and other form; after eligibility is determined, an on-site evaluation and diagnostic test is completed including a blower door test for air infiltration, carbon monoxide test, inspection of structural conditions and health & safety inspection; once the diagnostic test evaluation is complete, a work-plan is approved and weatherization services are provided by cost-effective professional *Application for Weatherization assistance can be found on the website, but persons without internet access may call and request an application

Services: Weatherization Programs

Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc

*Non-profit assisting individuals and families having financial problems with financial counseling, responsible use of consumer credit and money, education about predatory lending practices, low-cost or no-cost debt management programs for qualifying individuals/families, and HUD-approved housing counseling

Services: Credit Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention Loan Modification/Refinancing Programs, Personal Financial Counseling

Dwellings, The

*Community of "Tiny Homes" for single men and women (18+) and families with children searching for secure housing and supportive services to disadvantaged persons who may not meet traditional requirements; low to-middle income *3 size homes; small (for 1 person), medium (for 2 individuals) and large (up to 3 individuals), priced at $750, $900 and $1050, which includes utilities, internet service and 3 meals a day M-F (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) weekends and holidays excluded *Must meet minimum income; no sliding scale, subsidized funding or acceptance of vouchers *Must be willing to comply with rules of program agreement, must attend community meetings *May include provision for referrals for life-improving skills and other social services *Each house equipped with smart technology, Alexa, and other modalities *Community includes community gardens, hydroponic greenhouse, walking trails, laundry facilities, a community center and on-site support staff *Zero tolerance for drugs, weapons, antisocial behavior and illegal activities *Smoking not permitted in homes and buildings, only on front porches

Services: Homelessness Prevention Programs, Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing

Eastpoint Apartments

*Apartment complex which offers subsidized rentals through the US Dept of Agriculture Rural Development Program *Must meet eligibility requirements of low to very low income applicants *30 units

Services: Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing

ECHO, Rent Assistance

*UPDATE 12/6/2023: No funds available for rent or utility assistance *Homeless Prevention Program provides assistance to Gadsden, Leon, and Wakulla County households experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19 *Eligible households may receive up to $1,200 toward the payment of one month's rent and up to $300 for one utility billing cycle, along with counseling and case management to encourage stability moving forward *Must be able to verify loss of income or decreased earnings between March 2020 and June 2022; or unplanned health-, employment-, or relocation-related expense due to COVID-19 *An applicant may receive financial assistance for either past due or upcoming rent and utility payments, so long as the total payments do not exceed the $1,500 maximum limit *The funds will be made payable by check and provided directly to the landlord or utility company *APPROXIMATE examples of household income that is at or below 50% of the area median income, based on household size as shown: (THESE FIGURES ARE ROUNDED OFF AND NOT EXACT): *Single person: 30K; 2 people: 34K; 3 people: 38K; 4 people: 43K; 5 people: 46K, 6 people: 49K *Required Documents: Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID preferred), One month of paystubs, bank statements, federal benefits letter, or “Self-certification of Income" form (provided by Housing Coordinator if needed), Current statement or notification of past due rent amount, copy of active signed lease, 3-day notice of eviction (if applicable), landlord-provided ledger of balance owed, current statement of past due utilities amount *How to apply: People may apply using the form on the website: https://echotlh.

Services: Rent Payment Assistance

Escambia County Housing Finance Authority

*Offers low interest loans to those who meet income eligibility levels and have not owned a home in the past 3 years (veterans and persons purchasing in a targeted area may qualify regardless of previous home ownership); serves 21 counties across Florida by offering homeownership programs to first-time homebuyers and former homeowners *Fosters home ownership, promotes the construction of affordable homes, and reduces the cost of loans for the purchase of homes by persons with moderate to low incomes

Services: Home Purchase/Construction Financing/Refinancing

Family Promise, Home Front Veterans Community

*Permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless veterans; 50 one bedroom units, some wheelchair accessible *Eligibility: veteran must be 1) currently homeless (defined as living in a shelter, transitional housing, or place not meant for human habitation such as a vehicle or the woods), and 2) already be accepted by HUD VASH program *Apply through VA Outreach

Services: Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing, Veteran Homes

Family Promise, Homeless Prevention Program

1/8/2024: Funding has been restored with the new month.

Services: Homelessness Prevention Programs, Mortgage Payment Assistance, Rent Payment Assistance, Utility Service Payment Assistance

Family Promise, Home Place at Balkin

*Permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities which are specifically set up so persons with various disabilities can be accommodated including wheelchair accessible affordable efficiency apartments and on-site supportive services staff *Sliding scale fee rent, though all residents must have some income *Access is gained through a coordinated entry process; social workers/case managers from agencies who work with homeless persons (such as the Kearney Center or Ability 1st) meet bi-monthly and rate each person according to need; The person(s) with highest rated need are given assistance in completing paperwork and documentation to become eligible when there is an opening

Services: Homeless Permanent Supportive Housing, Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing

Family Promise, Home Plate

3/9/2023: Callers will need to navigate an automated phone tree; they may encounter an outgoing auto-message about rental services available only for veterans; This message is old and FP is working on changing it; Rental services are available for veterans and non-veterans.

Services: Homeless Permanent Supportive Housing, Low Income/Subsidized Rental Housing, Older Adult/Disability Related Supportive Housing