Pasco County, FL Emergency Rental Assistance Program (PASCO H.E.A.R.T. Program)
Pasco County, Florida, offers a range of emergency rental assistance programs designed to help residents facing financial challenges. These programs are crucial for preventing homelessness and maintaining housing stability for needy individuals and families. If you live in Pasco County and struggle to rent, resources are available to help you through difficult times.
Main Cities Covered in Pasco County
The emergency rental assistance programs cover various locations within Pasco County. Some of the primary cities and communities include:
- Dade City
- Bayonet Point
- Beacon Square
- Connerton
- Crystal Springs
- North Elfers
- Heritage Pines
- Holiday
- Hudson
- Jasmine Estates
- Key Vista
- Lacoochee
- Land o’ Lakes
- Meadow Oaks
- Moon Lake
- New Port Richey City
- New Port Richey
- East Odessa
- Pasadena Hills
- Port Richey
- Quail Ridge
- River Ridge
- San Antonio
- Shady Hills
- St. Leo Town
- Trilby
- Trinity
- Wesley Chapel
- Zephyrhills (North, South, and West)
Homelessness Prevention Programs in Pasco County
Access to affordable housing and prevention services is vital for those at risk of homelessness in Pasco County. Organizations such as St. Vincent DePaul CARES and the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County provide support and resources.
- St. Vincent DePaul CARES: Focuses on affordable rental listings and services tailored to veterans, offering rapid rehousing programs and case management to help secure stable housing.
- Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County: This organization offers rapid rehousing and prevention programs depending on funding availability. It also provides walk-in hours and referrals through Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) and By-Name List (BNL) to connect individuals with necessary resources.
These organizations work collaboratively with community partners to provide safe and affordable housing, aiming to build a more stable future for everyone.
H.E.A.R.T. Program: Helping with Emergency Assistance Relief for Tenants
The H.E.A.R.T. Program offers emergency rental assistance to Pasco County residents experiencing financial hardship. This initiative, managed by Pasco County Community Development and local agencies, uses funds from the U.S. Treasury to support renters.
Eligible Bills Covered:
- Rental payments (past, current, and future)
- Utility assistance (electricity and water)
- Security deposit assistance
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for assistance, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal status.
- Be a resident of Pasco County.
- Have an income of 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Shows that you have suffered economic setbacks.
Priority is given to those unemployed for at least 90 days and households with incomes below 50% of the AMI. Eligible residents may need to provide income, residency, and economic hardship documentation and could be placed on a waiting list.
Partner Agencies Providing Assistance:
- Catholic Charities
- End Recidivism Project
- Metropolitan Ministries
- Restored Hope
- United Way of Pasco
- Volunteer Way
- West Pasco Business Association
Financial Assistance Availability
Currently, rental assistance funds are unavailable in Pasco County, as resources have been exhausted. However, efforts are ongoing to secure new funding and support programs to help individuals maintain stable housing.
Suggested Agencies for Financial Assistance:
- Financial Assistance – Pasco County
- PCHS – Rental Deposits – Pasco
- St. Vincent de Paul CARES
- Pasco County Services | Sixth Judicial Circuit
Conclusion
The Pasco County Emergency Rental Assistance Program and its partner agencies are committed to helping residents maintain stable housing during financial hardships. The H.E.A.R.T. Program supports individuals and families in need by offering rental and utility assistance. If you are struggling with rent payments or facing the risk of eviction, contact one of these resources for guidance and support.
Need Help with Rent? Pasco H.E.A.R.T. Program Can Assist!
Struggling to pay rent in Pasco County? The Pasco H.E.A.R.T. Program offers emergency rental assistance to those in need. Don’t let financial stress overwhelm you—see if you qualify today!
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.