Oct. 10--DADE CITY -- Pasco County now has money available to help people stay in their homes or find a place to live.

The county received $1 million in federal stimulus funding for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. The program makes money available to residents at risk of becoming homeless to pay back-rent and utility bills.

Residents who have lost their homes could be eligible for assistance to pay security deposits, utility deposits and rent for up to six months. Recipients must have a job or some other source of income to qualify for assistance, project supervisor Eugene Williams said.

"If they lost their job but they're collecting unemployment, that would qualify," Williams said. "They have to be able to sustain the home after the assistance runs out."

About half of the funds went directly to Pasco County Human Services. The other half was divided between the Pasco County Housing Authority ($300,000) and a handful of nonprofit agencies.

The Salvation Army received $50,000 to provide immediate, short-term housing assistance. The Homeless Coalition received $25,000.

The first thing someone should do if they need help is to call Pasco County Human Services and set up an appointment or go to their closest Salvation Army office.

Housing Authority Director Karen Turner said her agency will be providing medium-term assistance to families after the initial three months are up.

"We'll take referrals for families who still need rental assistance for anywhere from four to 18 months," Turner said.

Recipients would be expected to pay a percentage of their income toward rent and utilities. Turner said the funding was desperately needed because the county has stopped accepting applications for Section 8 housing.

"With our economy the way it is and people losing jobs, this money will give assistance to people who really need it," she said.

GETTING HELP

If you need help with rent, utility bills or deposits, call Pasco County Human Services and request an appointment.

--8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668; (727) 834-3297

--13853 15th St. Dade City, FL 33525; (352) 521-5173

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 259-8109.

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