COASTAL VOLUSIA

Help with rent, mortgages still available for coronavirus-affected as Volusia doubles funding

The Daytona Beach News-Journal

More Volusia County homeowners and renters having trouble paying bills because of the coronavirus’ affects on the economy should be able get financial assistance, but officials say hundreds haven’t completed the application process.

The Volusia County Council on Tuesday aimed to double the amount of available financial aid from $5 million to $10 million.

But while hundreds of families have been helped by the funding, hundreds of others have not been eligible because applicants haven’t followed up with the county’s Community Assistance Department.

“Some people are really gracious and say, ’You know what? I lost my job back then, but now I’m good to go,” said Carmen Hall, Community Assistance Director. “And then there are those that do not respond.”

Hall said her staff continues to call to follow up with applicants.

“They're calling, calling, calling,” said Hall. “At this point, there are over 500 that are either non-responsive, or are not eligible doing anything beyond the phone call and the email.”

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Back in early May, council members approved the funding from federal CARES Act funding.

Later that month, leaders hiked the amount allocated to $5 million and expanded the program to help more families in need.

Now, even more homeowners and renters can apply for up to $1,500 per month for up to three months. The applications for mortgage assistance can be found HERE and the rental assistance applications can be found HERE.

Also on Tuesday, leaders approved the creation of a reimbursement fund for cities in Volusia to recoup expenses due to the virus.

Volusia County Council members allowed the county manager to create the Volusia County Coronavirus Relief Fund Municipal Subrecipient Program to reimburse Volusia County municipalities for eligible expenditures from the county's allocation of the federally provided CARES Act grant funds. The county allocated $15 million to help the 16 cities in its realm.

Each municipality’s portion is based on population and is divvied up as follows:

In addition, county leaders also had legal staff draw up a resolution supporting mask use and unanimously supported it.

The resolution, which encourages the use of face coverings in indoor spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained, exempts those under 2 years of age and those with health conditions, among other exceptions. The resolution does not impose any penalties and goes so far to spell out that detail.

“Nothing herein shall be deemed a mandate or requirement,” stated County Attorney Mike Dyer.