Hurricane Maria Housing Assistance Program

Housing Assistance Program for Hurricane Maria Evacuees

Since Hurricane Maria struck in September, we have been hard at work helping those impacted by the storm. From sending desperately needed supplies to Puerto Rico, to helping evacuees settle into Central Florida, we have been there every step of the way.

With the Orlando International Airport Welcome Center closed and now the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) closing on March 30, we are announcing our Hurricane Maria Housing Assistance Program.

Applying for the Housing Assistance Program

This program is designed to help working families who have relocated to Central Florida due to Hurricane Maria overcome one of the barriers to securing stable housing. By providing one-time assistance for the barrier of first and last months’ rent and utility deposits, these families are able to then secure an affordable rental unit in Central Florida.

If you relocated to Central Florida (Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties) due to Hurricane Maria and need assistance with the first and last month and utility deposits, you will need to provide the following:

• Documentation of FEMA status in relation to Hurricane Maria
• Sustainable household income to cover rent and basic needs after receiving one-time assistance
• Identification of an affordable rental housing option in or around Orange, Seminole or Osceola counties
• Documentation of current residence in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties

To apply for the Housing Assistance Program, call 2-1-1 to get started. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or chat online. 2-1-1 is free and completely confidential, available 24/7.    

Como Aplicar para el Programa de Asistencia del Huracán María

Este programa fue diseñado para asistir a las familias trabajadoras que han relocalizado en la Florida Central debido al Huracán María a sobrepasar una de las barreras principales para asegurar un hogar estable. Al proveer ayuda para el pago del primer y último mes de renta y los depósitos para las utilidades, hacemos posible que estas familias aseguren una unidad de renta accessible en la Florida Central

Si usted evacuó a la Florida Central (condados de Orange, Osceola o Seminole) después del paso del Huracán María y necesita ayuda con el pago de los depósitos del primer y último mes de renta y los depósitos de las utilidades, podemos ayudarle si cualifica con los siguientes requisitos:

• Documentación de FEMA en relación al Hurricane Maria
• Ingreso sustentable para cubrir los gastos de renta y necesidades básicas luego de recibir la asistencia para los depósitos.
• Haber identificado una opción de residencia en los condados de Orange, Seminole o Osceola counties
• Documentación de residencia en los condados de Orange, Seminole o Osceola

Para aplicar al programa de asistencia del Huracán María llame al 2-1-1 para solicitar. También puede enviar un texto con su código postal al 889-211 o comunicarse por “chat”. Llamar al 2-1-1 es gratis y completamente confidencial y esta disponible las 24 horas, 7 días de la semana.

Affordable Housing Crisis

Since beginning operations, the Orlando International Airport and MARC assistance centers have seen over 34,000 evacuees. We have assisted over 1,034 evacuees by providing emergency housing assistance by booking more than 3,062 hotel nights for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program.

This housing assistance program specifically targets those displaced by Hurricane Maria who fall into the ALICE population – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. According to the 2017 ALICE report, Central Florida has a shortage of 74,457 affordable housing units. That was before the flood of evacuees arrived. Although available inventory of affordable housing will remain a challenge, we continue to fight and advocate for the thousands of evacuees trying to start a new life in Central Florida.

“Our community has seen an influx of thousands as a result of Hurricane Maria,” said Jeff Hayward, our President and CEO. “Among them are stories of heart-breaking adversity, unimaginable tragedy and devastating circumstances. But with our community’s support, we are rewriting those stories into remarkable journeys of resilience, determination, courage and hope for tomorrow.”