GRETNA, Fla. (WTXL) – The goal of the Florida Homeowners Assistance Fund is to provide financial assistance to people who are at risk of losing their homes.
City Manager Antonio Jefferson says it’s needed here in Gretna.
“Because a lot of people in the community that you know, especially in our community, were devastated by Hurricane Michael and then they were followed by covid,” Jefferson said.
That’s one of the reasons the city is asking the organization to help families in Gretna.
Even before the pandemic hit in 2020, Jefferson says some families were already struggling to pay bills and face foreclosures.
“That’s why this homeownership fund is so important at this time,” Jefferson said.
Michael Scott is the state information director. He says people in smaller counties and cities need to know that programs like this exist, and he’s working to spread the word that help is available.
“The Department of Economic Opportunity, which is the lead agency, wanted to make sure we were going to the communities that were hardest hit,” Scott said.
To qualify for assistance, you must be a Florida homeowner in need of assistance for your primary residence, and must be income-qualified and experiencing financial hardship between January 21 and now.
In total, the Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund has helped more than 6,000 people; assistance of more than $2 million.
The Florida Homeowners Assistance Foundation has scheduled a community meeting for this Thursday.
Registration is required to participate.
