
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.
Vermont Place includes 16 units that will be offered to low- and very-low-income working adults, veterans, and the disabled. Units are 350 square feet, with two featuring ADA compliance.
Single-person households earning $24,696 or a household of two earning $28,224 or less are eligible to apply. Rent will average $300-$730 a month, depending on circumstances, with individuals experiencing homelessness given priority, according to a news release.
Renovations will be completed in April, with the earliest move-in date set for April 15.
April 2019 March 2021 Rendering of completed project
Prospective residents can find the application online or fill out a printed application at the Talbot House front desk at 814 N. Kentucky Ave. Applicants can call Talbot House at 863-687-8475 for assistance.
“We’re hoping to have all 16 units filled as soon as possible and are excited to welcome our first tenants,” said Erin Martinez, Talbot House director of development.
The preliminary application asks for contact information, employment, and income information. It also has special needs categories for individuals identifying as homeless, disabled, minor, elderly, and so on. It asks for two references.
After the preliminary applications are processed, eligible applicants are subject to phone screening and asked to submit documentation for a background and credit check. Future tenants will be charged for the background check, which costs $40.
Talbot House Ministries provides social services, such as emergency shelter and affordable housing, for the homeless and indigent in Polk County.
Tenants will be encouraged to use Talbot House’s case management, free clinic, employment and financial education programming, and other services, according to the press release.
“It’s an honor to be chosen by the city of Lakeland to carry out such an important project,” Martinez said. “The completion of these apartments represents a significant milestone in Talbot House’s history and we are proud to be able to help meet our community’s need for affordable housing.”