Osceola News Brief - County Launches New Program Offering Housing Assistance to Elderly and Disabled

Osceola County, FL - Osceola County Human Services is now accepting applications for an important new program for seniors and disabled individuals who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program takes advantage of new rules for Federal assistance that allows seniors and disabled people to received housing and utility assistance directly.

For example, previously if a child was paying expenses – such as rent and utilities for an elderly parent – and they lost their income, the parent could not apply for help.

The new program addresses this issue.

Spearheaded by Commissioner Viviana Janer, this program helps seniors who have been impacted due to the pandemic as there are many seniors who have felt isolated and financially vulnerable during these times.

Up to six months of assistance will be available for rent/mortgage and utilities. Payments will be made directly to mortgage company/landlord and utility company, and only paper applications are being accepted.

Application packets are available at Human Services (1392 E. Vine Street in Kissimmee) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.–noon and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.

Anyone who has questions about the program can call Human Services at 407-742-8403.