With the federal eviction moratorium ending Saturday, local officials are urging renters who are behind on payments and were affected by COVID-19 to apply for assistance through a Polk County emergency fund; they can also seek help through United Way’s 2-1-1 phone line. Polk courts face a backlog of 765 eviction cases dating to January […]
Category: Housing
Posted inHousing
Rapid Filling of Midtown Lofts Underscores the Demand for Affordable Housing, Developers Say
The desire for affordable housing in Lakeland was evident as soon as leasing began for the 80-unit Midtown Lofts complex on Parker Street, its developers said at a dedication ceremony today. Leasing agents were getting 25 calls a day, and all of the units were claimed within two months, according to Oscar Sol and Mitch […]
Posted inActivism
City Leaders Agree to Step Up Homelessness Efforts at Annual PEACE Rally
Four city commissioners — a majority — committed to stepping up Lakeland’s efforts to reduce homelessness during Tuesday night’s Nehemiah Action, an annual rally held by a coalition of local churches that unite around social action issues.
Posted inHousing
Talbot House Taking Applications for Vermont Place Apartments
Talbot House Ministries is accepting applications from prospective tenants for its affordable housing project, the Vermont Place Apartments at 912 and 920 N. Vermont Ave.
Posted inHousing
Affordable Housing Workshop Considers Trust Fund Idea
Lakeland city commissioners considered the establishment of a trust fund in a workshop held Monday to consider how to better serve the city’s affordable housing needs.
Posted inSocial Services
Grant Propels Gospel Inc. Toward Its Vision of a Tiny-House Village for the Homeless
Gospel Inc.’s purchase of a mobile home park near downtown Lakeland, funded by the federal CARES Act, is the first step in its long-term plans for Gospel Town, a housing and work complex for former transients, according to founder and Director Brian Seeley.
Posted inActivism
Gospel Inc. Providing Homes for Transients Recovering from COVID-19
Nearly 40 mobile homes and cottages at Lake Parker Avenue and Lemon Street are being repaired by volunteers and turned into housing for formerly homeless people recovering from COVID-19, Fox 13 News reports. Gospel Inc. purchased the property with the help of a federal CARES Act grant. The few people already living there will be […]
Posted inHousing
Polk Reopens Rent and Mortgage Assistance
With a new infusion of federal CARES Act money, the Polk County Commission has allocated $1 million to rent and mortgage assistance for people who lost income during the pandemic and have not received relief, News Channel 8 reports. Applications will be available starting Dec. 29 on the county website. | ALSO: Ledger coverage Source: […]
Posted inActivism
Mutz Agrees to Push for Special Housing Trust Fund
Pressed by a local activist group to continue to expand the city’s affordable housing, Mayor Bill Mutz agreed Tuesday night to work for the creation of a special trust fund.
Posted inCity Hall / Local Gov't
City Hopes to Send First Rent Assistance Checks Next Friday
Three days in, 329 families looking for help with rent and utilities after suffering coronavirus-related financial losses have submitted applications with the city of Lakeland’s CARE program. Administrators hope to send out the first checks a week from Friday. Funding will cover about 200 families. More numbers: 700+ phone inquiries; 62 applications rejected, mostly for […]