Adult Emergency Financial Assistance Program

Description

It is the intent of the County to solicit proposals from qualified providers to assist with basic financial emergencies by providing rapid, one-time assistance to eligible adults without minor children facing need for emergency financial assistance. The Adult Emergency Financial Assistance Program (AEFAP) provides financial aid to Pinellas County residents when they have experienced an emergency event creating a financial hardship. Such need may include: • Past due rent to avoid eviction • Emergency mortgage assistance to reduce the risk of foreclosure • Utility assistance to prevent unhealthy living conditions or eviction • Emergency transportation assistance for work or medical appointments • Expenses to include one-time rent and or deposits referred from partner agencies • Travelers Aid These crises generally stem from a loss/reduction in income or loss of housing through foreclosure, condemnation, eviction, or other disaster and are those types of events where one-time assistance can re-stabilize a household. The program is not intended to alleviate long-term poverty. The Proposer must be equipped to manage significant call volume and provide compassionate service to all callers, regardless of eligibility. Maintaining a well-prepared and empathetic call center is essential to fulfilling AEFAP’s mission and is critical to ensuring community members receive guidance and support during times of financial instability.