Citrus Co. Awarded $440,765 in Funding to Help with Rent and Mortgage Payments

Citrus County Housing Services Division has been awarded $440,765 in funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  This funding has been designated through the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program and will provide support to Citrus County residents who have suffered loss of employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program is designed to help with rent or mortgage payments and emergency home repairs (i.e. roof, a/c etc.). This program will not issue payments directly to applicants. Instead, payments will be sent directly to the vendors (ie: landlords, mortgage companies, contractors) that are willing to participate in this program and must be able to provide Citrus County with completed W-9s.

The primary requirement of CARES Act funding is that it must be spent on activities necessary due to the COVID-19 emergency for persons who have experienced a hardship that prevents them from making rental or mortgage payments or emergency repairs to their homes.

Any Citrus County resident who has suffered an economic hardship (i.e. a reduction of or loss of wages) caused directly by COVID-19, and who earns less than 120% of the area median income (as shown below) is eligible to apply.

Maximum Income Levels – 120% Area Medium Income
Household Size
1 - $47,040          2 - $53,760          3 - $60,480          4 - $67,080          5 - $72,480          6 - $77,880               7 - $83,280          8 - $88,560

What can the assistance pay for?
•             Rent payment (contingent on landlord acceptance and current lease)
•             Mortgage payment for homesteaded residence (contingent on lender acceptance)
•             Emergency Home Repairs
To be eligible for assistance, household members MUST be a resident of Citrus County. Mortgage assistance can only be provided to homesteaded properties. Rent assistance requires a current lease.
Eligible residents can start receiving assistance on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 through Friday, December 11, 2020 or until all funds are expended.  All CARES Act funds must be fully expended by December 30, 2020.

Applications are now available, for more information please contact Tammy Harris at Tammy.harris@citrusbocc.com or Michelle Alford at Michelle.alford@citrusbocc.com or call directly at 352-527-7520.  Applicants may also apply for assistance at the Citrus County Resource Center located at 2804 West Marc Knighton Court, Lecanto, FL 34461, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.