Miami Beach Commission Expands Housing Assistance for Residents Who Lost Jobs Because of COVID-19

(Miami Beach, FL) Oct 29, 2020 -

The City of Miami Beach Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to expand assistance for residents who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and are at risk of losing their housing.

“COVID-19 has made it difficult for many in our community to pay their bills, even as it poses serious health challenges,” explained Mayor Dan Gelber. “Our City is doing everything it can to support our residents and ensure our City comes out of this virus more resilient than ever.”

The city has already helped 229 Miami Beach households through four rental assistance programs totaling $610,172.68 since the start of the pandemic.

“We voted to open an ongoing assistance registration process for this program through the end of the year,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora, who sponsored the measure. “Hopefully, our action will prevent Miami Beach families from becoming homeless as a result of the pandemic.”

Much of the funding for the program comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Qualifying Miami Beach residents earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income who are in danger of becoming homeless for failing to pay their monthly rent, mortgage or utilities are eligible to apply. Under program guidelines, assistance will be payable directly to the landlord, mortgage holder or utility upon verification of eligibility and financial circumstances.

The assistance program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Miami Beach who live in households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or $51,200 per year for a household of one. Applicants must be able to demonstrate need as a result of income loss related to COVID-19 and housing payments must have been current as of March 2020. Applicants can register online via the city’s COVID-19 help portal here.