Here’s help for low-income renters in St. Johns County

St. Johns County has launched a new program to help low-income renters cover rent and utility bills.

The county received more than $2 million in federal funding to assist qualified households for up to 18 months.

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Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to St. Johns residents still experiencing housing instability because of the pandemic’s effects, such as losing a job. Applicants must earn 80% or less of the area median income, which means a maximum of $70,800 for a four-person household.

Higher priority will be given to households with children or seniors, households with someone who has been unemployed for at least 90 days, those going through eviction proceedings and those making less than 50% of the area median income, or $44,250 for a four-person household.

Tenants and landlords can apply for the assistance here.

Payments will be made directly to landlords or utility companies. Once an application is complete, the program can issue payments within 48 hours, the county said.