Vincentian CARES is pleased to announce expanded financial support for veterans negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible veterans living in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Citrus, Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Desoto, Highlands, Hardee, Lee and Collier counties may be eligible for rent and/or utility assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must lack the resources to maintain stable housing
- Military discharge or service must be under “other than dishonorable” conditions
- An income less than 50% of the area median income (AMI). AMI varies by county. For a full list, please visit, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
At this time, the SSVF program has the ability to pay rent expenses, but not mortgage expenses. However, homeowners may be eligible for utility assistance.
To get started, veterans may call 1-844-455-SSVF (7783). An initial screening will be completed by phone, and eligible veterans will be contacted by their local Vincentian CARES office. Funding is available through July 31, 2020.