Jacksonville Emergency Financial Assistance Program

The Social Services Division provides an Emergency Assistance Program to serve eligible households and individuals who are facing financial difficulties due to an unexpected emergency. The crisis generally involves the loss of a job, loss or reduction of household income, unexpected medical expenses, car repairs, a family dissolution, death in the family or an expense due to foreclosure, condemnation, fire or disaster. The program provides temporary financial assistance to prevent eviction for non-payment of rent/mortgage or interruption of utilities. Specific guidelines and policies are used to determine eligibility, level of financial assistance and other needed resources. Rent, mortgage and utility payments are made directly to the supplier in an amount and for a period of time specified by policy. On a daily basis, trained staff are available to provide temporary financial intervention and basic case management services in order to stabilize the household's overall well-being. Additionally, participation in a two-hour budgeting and money management workshop is an integral part of the financial intervention and case plan.