GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County has received $6.6 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide rental assistance to eligible households negatively impacted due to COVID-19 and the resulting economic impact. Clay County residents can apply to cover the financial obligation of three months of past due rent, internet services, and utility and home energy costs, including electricity, gas, water, and fuel oil, incurred from March 2020 to present. This county-wide program covers unincorporated areas and all municipalities.

Applicants for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program must meet all criteria to be considered. Eligibility requirements include:

• Reside in Clay County, Florida
• Responsible for rent at your residence in Clay County, Florida
• One or more adults in your household lost employment, experienced a reduction in hours at work, or lost self-employment income due to COVID-19
• You are at risk for becoming homeless or you might lose your housing
• Have an annual household income for 2020 under 80% AMI (Area Median Income)

Landlords, rental property managers, and tenants of residential rental properties in Clay County who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted online beginning Monday, March 22, 2021, at https://www.claycountygov.com/government/cares-act/emergency-rental-assistance.  Applications will be reviewed for eligibility through a three-step verification process. Approved applications will be processed for direct payment via check mailed to the eligible landlord, tenant, or utility company.  Applicants can check the status of their application any time online and questions about the program can be directed to (904) 529-4256.  

Chairman of the Clay County Board of County Commissioners Mike Cella said, “The CARES Act has made a big impact in Clay County for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations providing food assistance to residents. And now, we are pleased to be able to offer emergency rental assistance to those struggling to pay for rental housing and utilities during this year-long economic crisis.”  Chairman Cella added, “Commissioners are working to inform tenants and landlords through community meetings, local media, and social media to ensure those who truly need rental assistance can get it.”