City offers COVID-19 relief to eligible residents

City of Ocala residents who are experiencing financial disruption and loss due to the pandemic may be able to get some relief.

In a partnership between the city and the Ocala Housing Authority, eligible residents may be assisted with temporary rent/mortgage and utility payments for up to 10 months. Eligible tenants or homeowners must live in the city limits of Ocala.

Residents may receive these forms of assistance:

• Rent payments not to exceed 10 months, from March 1, 2020 to Dec. 30, 2020. Assistance can include late payments, late fees and charges, and rent payments to prevent eviction.
• Housing re-entry assistance, such as security deposits, utility deposits, and temporary storage of household furnishings.
• Mortgage payments not to exceed 10 months, from March 1, 2020 to Dec. 1, 2020. Payment can include late payments, late fees, HOA, condominium fees and other related fees to prevent foreclosure.
• Utility payments that include water, electricity, gas, internet and cable, including late payments and late fees and charges to prevent a discontinuation of essential services.

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, Nov. 30, and will end at midnight Tuesday, Dec. 15, or when all funds are expended, whichever comes first. They will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to special needs households.

Applications may be obtained from the Ocala Housing Authority at 1629 NW Fourth St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or via ocalahousing.org.

For additional information, contact the Ocala Housing Authority at (352) 369-2636 or email contactus@ocalahousing.org.