As of 8 a.m. today, March 1, 2021, applications are being accepted for the LeeCares 2021 Emergency Rental Assistance Program to help households unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application and full eligibility information is available at http://www.LeeFLcares.com.
Residents now renting in unincorporated Lee County, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Sanibel can apply at that site. Residents of the City of Fort Myers can apply at a portal established by Fort Myers. A link to the city’s portal is available at http://www.LeeFLcares.com. Anyone who is unsure if their residence is within the city boundary can log on to the county’s website for a tool to assist them. A tool also exists on the City of Fort Myers site.
Eligible applicants could receive up to six months of assistance for back rent and utilities, and up to three months of future rental payments. Lee County has received about $23.3 million from the U.S. Treasury for this program.
U.S. Treasury guidelines require that applicants fall at or below 80% of Area Median Income and demonstrate financial hardship related to COVID-19 to qualify. The income limit is $38,600 for an individual, $55,100 for a family of four or $72,750 for a family of eight.
Eligibility for The LeeCares 2021 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is limited only to those rental households impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. For other existing assistance programs, information is available from Lee County Human & Veterans Services at http://leegov.com/dhs or by calling 239-533-7930.