COVID-19: Resident Resources

Below is a list of National, Florida, and Local resources available to apartment community residents who are experiencing financial distress as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.  This list is not intended to be comprehensive, nor are all services and assistance is available to all people facing financial challenges.  If you know of resources that should be included in this list, please send them to GAD@baaahq.org.  

Rental/Utility Assistance

The following resources have been established to provide rental/utility assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.  Each program is limited to residents in its jurisdiction and uses different eligibility rules.  Not all people will qualify and funding for the different programs is limited. 

National- Federal One-Time Direct Payments

The Federal government will be making one-time cash payments directly to our citizens. These payments should be issued during the month of April either by check or direct deposit. How much will you receive?

• Individuals earning less than $75,000 will receive $1,200.
• Married couples earning less than $150,000 will receive $2,400.
• If you have children, you will receive $500 per child.
• Individuals earning more than $75,000 and less than $99,000 – and couples earning more than $150,000 and less than $198,000 – are eligible for a lesser amount.

For more information, please visit the Internal Revenue Service website.

National - Enhanced Unemployment Benefits

The Federal government is enhancing state unemployment to provide more income and to cover more people.

• Adds $600 per week for four months on top of state unemployment.
• Adds up to 13 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to those already enrolled but who are nearing the end of benefits.
• Expands the program to include a number of workers not normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits. This includes:
  • Freelancers
  • Independent contractors/gig workers
  • Self-employed
  • Those with limited work history
  • Employees who are still employed, but whose hours have been reduced

It is important to apply as soon as possible.  To help expedite aid, the federal government is funding the first week of benefits to encourage states to waive traditional waiting periods, but it may still take a couple of weeks to be processed

For more information, please visit the Department of Labor website.

National – Resident Relief Foundation (RRF)
Provides responsible residents living in apartments assistance during unexpected financial emergencies.

National – Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
Provides a list of organizations providing emergency funds to restaurant workers.

National – United States Bartenders' Guild Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
Emergency grants for bartenders and their families who are experiencing sudden hardship.

National - US Small Business Administration
Provides loans to get businesses through the COVID-19 crisis, including $10,000 advance for Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Florida – Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
State site to apply for Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Assistance) and Small Business Bridge Loans

Florida – Florida Department of Children and Families
State site to apply for social services like food assistance, medical assistance, and temporary cash assistance for families with children.

Florida – Right Service at the Right Time
Comprehensive list of social service providers by county.

Tampa Bay Region - Feeding Tampa Bay Mobile Food Pantries
Calendar and addresses of mobile food pantries serving all Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, Hardee, Sumter, Hernando, and Hardee counties.  

Hillsborough County – Hillsborough County Rental & Housing Assistance Program
Offers limited rental payment assistance to eligible households.

Hillsborough County – Hillsborough County COVID-19 Reemployment and Financial Resources
Resources specifically reference/available in response to COVID-19. 

City of Tampa - One Tampa Fund
Starting April 17, funding for one month's rent and utility for qualifying City of Tampa residents and small businesses. 

Pinellas County – Pinellas County Government COVID-19 Page, Assistance Section
Resources specifically available in response to COVID-19. 

Pinellas County - Juvenile Welfare Board
Providing breakfast and lunch-to-go meals for children at various locations within Pinellas County.

City of St. Petersburg – Fighting Chance Fund
Grants to St. Petersburg businesses and individuals negatively impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.  

Pinellas/Hernando Counties – 211 Tampa Bay Cares
A broad list of social service providers offering assistance in Pinellas and Hernando Counties.

Pasco County - United Way of Pasco County
A broad list of social service providers offering assistance in Pasco County.

Manatee County - Turning Points
Provides rental and utility assistance to qualifying households.

Polk County - Homeless Coalition of Polk County
Starting April 13, eligible Polk County residents impacted by COVID-19 can call 863-687-8386 for rental assistance.

Polk/Hardee/Highlands Counties - Aunt Bertha
A broad list of social service providers offering assistance in Pinellas and Hernando Counties.

Hernando County – Hernando County Government COVID-19 Community Resources Page
Resources specifically available in response to COVID-19.  

Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto Counties - 211 of Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties
A broad list of social service providers offering assistance in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties.

DeSoto County - DeSoto County Social Services
The Social Services Department is providing financial assistance to residents who have lost their job and/or have not received pay due to the emergency.