Additional rental assistance available to Port St. Lucie residents 

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – City residents have a new opportunity to apply for an allocation from about $1.5 million in rental assistance provided through a federal program.

The Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) Program is now accepting applications. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The City of Port St. Lucie’s ERA2 Program will help renters who have been negatively impacted, financially, by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be reviewed according to rules and regulations established by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and funding amounts will be based on individual household circumstances and qualifications. Households cannot receive more than 18 months of combined COVID-19 assistance from all programs since March 2020.

ERA2 financial assistance can be used for past due, current month or up to three months of future rent, not exceeding a total of 18 months of total assistance. Total assistance refers to all assistance programs from all sources and organizations since March 2020. To qualify, applicants must be located within City limits. Additional requirements include, but are not limited to, legally residing within the City limits; having experienced a COVID-19 related hardship and/or reduction of income; and not earning more than 80% of the area median income (see chart).

To apply for Emergency Rental Assistance, create an account on the ZoomGrants portaland complete the Port St. Lucie’s ERA2 application. Applications will be accepted if funding is available. Applications will be prioritized on a weekly basis and reviewed based upon the prioritization criteria. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is subject to change based upon guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Those who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be notified by City staff of the status of eligibility. An applicant can also sign into the ZoomGrants portal and check the status of their application. Residents who apply are encouraged to check their email frequently for grant updates. For questions about the City’s ERA2 Program, write to COVIDgrant@cityofpsl.com or call the City’s 24/7 City Hall at 772- 871-1775 (1PSL).

All information regarding eligibility, the program and the application process can be found directly in the online application or in the City of Port St. Lucie ERA2 Program and Application Guide and on the City’s website at https://www.cityofpsl.com/housinggrant.

St. Lucie County is offering the Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2.0 to residents of unincorporated St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce and St. Lucie Village. For residents who live outside City limits, rental assistance information can be found at https://recoverstlucie.org/emergency-rental-and-mortgage-assistance-program/ or www.stlucieco.gov/ERAP.

For residents without access to computers, all St. Lucie County branch libraries offer free access to computers, as well as assistance in setting up email accounts and creating an application. Call the St. Lucie County library staff at 772-462-1615.