Subject:
Title
Request Approval, Re: CARES Act Individual Assistance Program Procedure
End
Fiscal Impact:
Allocation of up to $4.4 million of CARES Act Funding for Individual Assistance for Mortgage, Rental Utility, Security Deposits and Food Stability.
Dept/Office:
Housing and Human Services
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners review and approve the attached Housing and Human Services Coronavirus Assistance Program.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
Brevard County received $105 million on April 23, 2020 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Following a staff report and discussion on May 5, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners approved up to $4.4 million for a Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program, Utility and Security Deposit Program, and a Food Stability Program.
During the meeting staff described the basic framework of the Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program and it was indicated that a more detailed description and updated Policy would be provided to the Commission for review. The complete Policy is attached and highlights of the Eligibility Criteria and Assistance Limits are below:
Eligibility
• Must be a resident of Brevard County
• Income not to exceed 140% of area median income ($96,880 for a family of four)
• Must demonstrate an impact from coronavirus
• Must have a loss of at least 25% of their income
• Must disclose all other assistance received (for example, tax refund, unemployment, etc.)
Assistance Limits
• Maximum assistance up to three months or $7,200 (a household of four at 140% of area median income with 30% of their income for housing may have up to $7,266 in housing costs over three months)
• Based upon actual need for the household (for example, if the need is two months of mortgage assistance ($4,800) and the household has received a $1,200 stimulus check and $600 in unemployment compensation then their maximum assistance would be $3,000)
• Until further clarification is received, mortgage payments that include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) will have the portion designated for taxes reduced from any assistance
Additional Program Restrictions
• At no time will an applicant receive assistance above the true cost of the requested service
• At no time will funds be provided directly to an applicant / household
• Funds will be provided in the form of a grant to income eligible clients on a first come (application complete with all required information) first served basis, contingent on the availability of funds
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None