The Problem of all Problems: State and local governments have struggled to dispense this money among tenants and landlords, why?
Citizens need help …….. NOW!
Documents show that Polk County has received a total of $38 million. But to date, they have only awarded $9.3 million, why?
The State program “Our Florida” is having the same issues.
Commissioner George Lindsey recently asked on Sept. 17. “Do we have the bugs out of rental assistance?”
According to County Manager Bill Beasley, “It’s a work in progress.”
But they don’t have the bugs worked out it took one client 31 phones and 10 emails to find the right person to approve their request for help. And other clients are still waiting for help, why?
But the county has reached a realization: The County needs some help also????
The County plans to work with the Agency Florida Rural Legal, Heart for Winter Haven, and The Agricultural and Labor Program.
Tamara West, the county’s housing and neighborhood development manager states by email, “The biggest challenge is not enough completed applications have been submitted.”
The major issue in ERA program at the county and state level is not completed applications it’s the case managers or supervisors not able to make decisions.
The maximum amount the county can give away per applicant is $12,000.
The county received $21.8 million through ERA1 and has awarded $9.34 million, or 44%, to date.
The county received another $17 million in the second wave of rental assistance, called ERA 2. The county won’t spend that until the ERA1 money is gone, officials say.
The county isn’t under a time crunch. ERA1 funds (21.8 million) have to be spent by Aug. 30, 2022. The county has until Aug. 30, 2025, to spend ERA2 money (17 million). The county won’t spend ERA2 that until the ERA1 money is gone.