The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. Title XII of Division A of this Act provides grant funds for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, through which Hillsborough County will receive $2,458,811.

These funds will provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless as well as those experiencing homelessness in an effort to quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless if it were not for this assistance. The funds will provide for short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including activities such as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Guidance issued March 19, 2009, the County prepared a Substantial Amendment to the 2008-2009 Annual Action Plan to incorporate the provisions of this program. The document was approved by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners on May 6, 2009 and forwarded to HUD prior to the May 18, 2009 deadline.

Hillsborough County is awaiting HUD’s approval of the Substantial Amendment and the subsequent Award Letter.

PLEASE NOTE: this program will begin in late September once a Grant Award has been received.

For additional information, please contact Maureen Calderaro at (813) 274-6657.