City of Port St. Lucie implements COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Programs

In response to the substantial financial hardships of COVID-19, the City of Port St. Lucie will administer two Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Grant Programs through the Neighborhood Services Department. The first one begins on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 8 a.m., and an applicant can pre-qualify online at www.cityofpsl.com/communityservices.

Assistance is limited to a one-time payment equal to a maximum of 2 months’ rent or mortgage payments, not to exceed $3,000.00, and until grant funds are exhausted.

The Port St. Lucie City Council unanimously approved both programs at its May 11 meeting. To listen to the full discussions and in-depth details about both programs, a video of the meeting is available at https://psl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

All grant applicants must be pre-qualified to be considered for temporary rental and mortgage assistance. Proof of hardship is required. Funding will be available on a “first-ready” basis for April’s and beyond rental/mortgage payment. Priority will be given to households with a total loss of income and not receiving any other forms of funding or grants. An application will be reviewed based on household size and income. To assure you meet the requirements for the program, visit www.cityofpsl.com/housinggrant. Once pre-qualified, the applicant will be sent instructions for completing the next steps in the application process. When approved, grantees will be notified, and payments will be processed within 10 days after receiving payment documentation. This program is funded by a special revenue fund that is designated for affordable housing programs and projects, funded by developer contributions not property taxes.

The second Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Grant Program is in the planning phases for requirements and application. Funding from the federally- funded Community Development Block Grant Program will be used to implement this program. More information about the second program will be released at a later date when those details are finalized.

The City’s Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program was created to assist income-eligible City of Port St. Lucie households (primary residence within City limits) with a temporary rental or mortgage relief to avoid displacement due to a partial or total loss of income as a direct result of COVID- 19. For specific grant concerns or questions, call 772- 871-1775 (1PSL) or e-mail the City of Port St. Lucie at COVIDgrant@cityofpsl.com.

Utility assistance will not be provided with this program. For information on utility assistance, call 211 or visit the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).