Pasco County FL Emergency Rental Assistance: PASCO H.E.A.R.T. Program

By Denise M

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Quick Answer

To apply for emergency rental assistance in Pasco County, FL through the PASCO H.E.A.R.T. Program, confirm eligibility (income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, Pasco residency, and documented financial hardship), gather required documents, and apply through one of the program’s partner agencies. Note that county funds are currently exhausted — apply through alternative agencies listed below while new funding is secured.

Pasco County FL ERAP and H.E.A.R.T. rental assistance program
Pasco County’s H.E.A.R.T. program is a key path to emergency rental assistance for eligible households

About the 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 individuals and families in need. The flagship initiative — the H.E.A.R.T. Program (Helping with Emergency Assistance Relief for Tenants) — is managed by Pasco County Community Development in partnership with local agencies, using funds from the U.S. Treasury to support renters.

PASCO H.E.A.R.T. Program: A local emergency rental assistance initiative that helps eligible Pasco County residents cover rent and select housing costs during periods of financial hardship.
Area Median Income (AMI): A regional income benchmark used to set rental assistance eligibility — most programs use 80% AMI as the cutoff and prioritize households at or below 50% AMI.

Main Cities Covered

Pasco County’s emergency rental assistance programs cover communities throughout the county, including:

  • 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
  • East Odessa
  • Pasadena Hills
  • Port Richey
  • Quail Ridge
  • River Ridge
  • San Antonio
  • Shady Hills
  • St. Leo Town
  • Trilby
  • Trinity
  • Wesley Chapel
  • Zephyrhills (North, South & West)

Eligibility and What the Program Covers

Pasco County FL rental assistance documents checklist
Documents checklist: ID/legal status, proof of income, lease, proof of Pasco residency, and hardship documentation

Eligible Bills Covered

  • Rental payments — past, current, and future rent.
  • Utility assistance — electricity and water.
  • Security deposit assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a U.S. citizen or have legal status.
  • Be a resident of Pasco County.
  • Have household income of 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
  • Demonstrate a documented economic setback.

Priority is given to households unemployed for at least 90 days and those with incomes below 50% of AMI. Eligible residents may need to provide income, residency, and economic hardship documentation, and may be placed on a waiting list depending on funding availability.

“The most common delay is missing documentation — especially income proof and a current lease. Submitting a complete file upfront can help your case move faster.”

— Housing Intake Guidance

Partner Agencies Providing Assistance

Need help preparing a Pasco County rental assistance application? Organizing your documents now can prevent delays later.

Check If You Qualify

Homelessness Prevention Resources

Pasco County FL rental assistance program application and housing support
Application support: complete forms carefully and ensure landlord and household details match your lease

Access to affordable housing and prevention services is vital for those at risk of homelessness in Pasco County. Two key organizations provide dedicated support:

  • 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 — offers rapid rehousing and prevention programs depending on funding availability, plus walk-in hours and referrals through Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) and By-Name List (BNL) to connect individuals with necessary resources.
Fast Action Checklist If You’re Facing Eviction Risk

  • Request a rent ledger from your landlord (past due plus current).
  • Gather ID/legal status documentation and proof of Pasco residency.
  • Prepare proof of income and hardship documentation.
  • Contact a partner agency early to confirm intake steps and availability.

Current Fund Availability and Alternative Agencies

Pasco County FL rental assistance program ready to apply
Ready to apply: organizing documents up front can reduce delays and improve review speed
Funding Status: Currently Exhausted
Rental assistance funds through the county program are currently unavailable, as resources have been exhausted. Efforts are ongoing to secure new funding and support programs. Apply through the alternative agencies below in the meantime, and check back periodically for updates on new funding rounds.

Suggested Agencies for Financial Assistance

For Florida residents outside Pasco County, the Florida rent assistance programs directory covers county-level and statewide options currently accepting applications. Renters in Clay County and the Tallahassee area can review the Clay County rental assistance program and Tallahassee/Leon County rental assistance for comparable regional resources. If you are currently facing eviction proceedings, review alternatives to eviction available in Florida while pursuing financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasco County Rental Assistance

Is the PASCO H.E.A.R.T. Program currently accepting applications?

County funds are currently exhausted, and new applications through the H.E.A.R.T. Program are not being processed while efforts continue to secure additional funding. In the meantime, apply through alternative agencies such as Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul CARES, or Pasco County Services through the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Who gets priority for Pasco County rental assistance?

Priority is given to households unemployed for at least 90 days and those with incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). All applicants must still meet the base eligibility requirements: U.S. citizenship or legal status, Pasco County residency, income at or below 80% AMI, and documented economic hardship.

Does the program help veterans specifically?

Yes. St. Vincent DePaul CARES offers services tailored specifically to veterans, including affordable rental listings, rapid rehousing programs, and case management to help secure stable housing. Veterans should reach out directly to this organization for specialized support beyond the general H.E.A.R.T. Program offerings.

What documents do I need to apply?

You’ll typically need ID or legal status documentation, proof of income, your current lease, proof of Pasco County residency, and hardship documentation. Requesting a rent ledger from your landlord showing past-due and current balances ahead of time can also speed up your application’s review.

What is the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and By-Name List (BNL)?

These are referral systems used by the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County to assess and connect individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness with appropriate housing resources. The By-Name List tracks individuals by name to ensure no one falls through the cracks across multiple service providers, while Coordinated Entry standardizes the intake and referral process countywide.

Need Help Navigating Pasco County Rental Assistance?

Getting your documents organized and contacting the right agency quickly can make the process easier. Connect with an advisor to find out what’s available to you today.

Start Your Application Now

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About the author

Denise M
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.

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Struggling to pay rent? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans face housing insecurity every year, but help is available. Whether you need emergency rental assistance, long-term housing support, or guidance on avoiding eviction, we connect you to government programs, nonprofit organizations, and local resources that can provide relief. Don’t wait until it’s too late—find the support you need today and keep your home secure.

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