CF hosts business and technology events

The Ewers Century Center is shown on an empty College of Central Florida campus in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. The college postponed their reopening date to August 3 due to COVID-19. They were tentatively trying to start classes up on July 6. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

United Way of Marion County recently received $10.8 million in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from Marion County to support individuals and families who have been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Specifically designated to help residents of Marion County, the COVID Assistance Program (CAP) provides rent and utility assistance to help support those in the community who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. One or more individuals within the household must have experienced a reduction of income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID-19 to be eligible for assistance. Assistance is available to those whose financial obligations incurred after March 2020 and must be at or below 80% of the average median income.

The full requirements for eligibility are as follows: Residents must reside in Marion County, experience financial hardship due to COVID-19, be at or below 80% of the average median income, provide a valid form of ID and apply for the benefits.

Beginning April 1st, those seeking benefits can apply online at UWMC.org/CAP or contact United Way of Marion County’s 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line by dialing 2-1-1 or chat online at UWMC.org/211. Those needing access to a computer can visit CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion or call 211 to schedule a meeting with a CAP representative to assist in completing the application.

Funds are available on a first come, first served basis and are required to be distributed by Dec. 30, 2021.