Florida offers a range of grant opportunities for financially struggling families.
The state of Florida provides financial and material assistance to poor families through a variety of state grant programs. Needy families can find help for food, housing, education and transportation, and other relief. Most grant programs require recipients to meet strict income, family and work requirements before receiving funds, ensuring that the money goes to families in serious need.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Florida implements the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through the Florida Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The purpose of TANF grants is to assist poor families with children in meeting their day-to-day needs on a temporary basis. Families who meet specific requirements based on size and income are eligible to receive cash assistance or other services funded by TANF, including state-sponsored childcare, transportation services and various types of counseling services. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) handles TANF grant applications (see Resources).
According to the DCF, Florida's share of federal TANF funds is around $550 million per year. States generally cap the amount of TANF funds that families can receive per month at between $100 and $200 per person in the family group. Contact the DCF to determine how much TANF funding your household is eligible for.
Home Repair Grants
The State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) makes grants of up to $10,000 to poor families in need of expensive home repairs. The program is designed to cover emergency repairs, such as storm-related damage and additions to the home for accessibility for disabled individuals. Interested families in need can contact the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services to ask about a SHIP grant.
The Code Enforcement Rehabilitation Grant Program provides up to $2500 for financially struggling families who have received notice of a code violation and need to make repairs or additions to their property. Examples of costly code violations include trees that must be cut down and roofs that pose a danger to people in the home. Homeowners can contact the Department of Economic and Community Development to ask about a code enforcement grant.
Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
The Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is a part of the Florida Department of Transportation. The Commission works to provide affordable transportation options to needy individuals and families throughout the state. The commission can arrange for pickup of handicapped, elderly or financially disadvantaged individuals for things like doctor visits, grocery shopping or transportation to school.
Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP)
The Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program provides immediate cash for families with children who are facing eviction or who have run out of housing options. Administered by the Department of Children and Families, this grant program is designed to reduce child homelessness in the state by helping parents to get back on their feet in times of trouble. EFAHP can provide enough money to cover rent or mortgage expenses for the purpose of helping you to avoid eviction; the amount available grant funding varies depending on your situation.
Tags: Assistance Housing, Assistance Housing Program, Assistance Needy, Assistance Needy Families, Children Families, Commission Transportation
