There are several non-profits in the Okaloosa and Walton County area that provide funds for rent. All financial aid will be combined with other support services. Families who are being evicted may be able to get help from landlord and tenant mediation services. They may also be able to get referrals to government programs that can help pay back rent.
There will be limited assistance available, and it will be targeted towards families who have some sort of income so that they can pay future rent on their own. Many of the agencies are located in Okaloosa County, but they also offer support to nearby regions. The government may provide extra resources to families who need to move into a new home, like money for a security deposit or first month’s rent.
The main churches, charities, and other organizations to contact are below. This means that if there is a waiting list for rent assistance, you will only be able to get help if you have a plan in place to become self-sufficient.
The Benevolence Enrichment Project and Striving for Perfection Ministries may provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.
The Fort Walton Beach Section 8/Public Housing office processes applications for the HUD voucher program. The government has a main rent assistance program that will help low income families pay for their monthly housing costs. This program is for families with very low incomes. Other HUD programs may be for disabled and senior citizens in Okaloosa and other counties. The office is located at 27 Robinwood Drive SW in Fort Walton Beach.
Shalimar Baptist Church is only for local Shalimar residents.
Call (850) 432-2336 for free legal advice if you are a low income family or senior citizen. Lawyers help people with issues related to housing and civil rights. There is free legal support offered for things such as evictions, predatory lenders, and foreclosures.
The Matrix Community Outreach Center is a community center that helps people in need. It is located at 37 North 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and can be reached by dialing 850-892-1090.
The Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to homeless individuals and families in Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida. The Continuum of Care offers a variety of services, including temporary housing, case management, and job placement assistance. There are many organizations that work to prevent homelessness, such as by providing financial assistance or housing. If you are in need of financial assistance for rent, shelters, or security deposits, you can receive referrals to grant programs that can help. Other support may include storage for personal belongings, a resource directory, loans for housing costs, veteran shelter, and other rental assistance.
St. Mary’s Outreach only offers short term housing for a couple nights at most.
Elder Services Of Okaloosa County provides assistance with energy bill applications. The address is 207 Hospital Drive, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548. The telephone number is 850-833-9165. Staff may refer elderly or disabled people to assistance for help with back rent, home repairs, and other needs.
This organization can help low-income people with housing. Rent payments each month are calculated as a percentage of a person’s income.
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida may be able to help with rent if the tenant can contribute some money.
Sharing and Caring of Okaloosa County is a place where you can go to get help. They are located at 104 Bullock Boulevard in Niceville, Florida. Their phone number is 850-678-8459.
The Salvation Army in Okaloosa and Walton Counties provides rent assistance along with other services such as shelter. The main number for the organization is 850-243-4531. The organization provides financial assistance for electric bills, shelter for domestic violence survivors, and referrals to government aid programs for things like a security deposit for housing or health care.