Low-income Pines families with overdue rent or mortgage payments now have a lifeline through the Department of Children and Families.

That’s because the state department is now accepting applications from near- or already-homeless residents through its Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program, or EFAHP.

Eligible homeowners must be seeking security deposits for households that are homeless, are being evicted, or whose homes were damaged by natural disasters like fire and hurricanes.

The state can mail, if the application is approved, a $400 check to the property owner, landlord or mortgage company.

To enroll, previous or current homeowners should fill out an application and enclose Social Security numbers for all family members, a signed Vendor Agreement, a written statement explaining the housing emergency and the applicant’s signature. DCF also requires that at least one child under 18 must reside in the affected home full-time.

Residents and download an application by visiting www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness, or by calling 1-877-891-6445.

Fax applications to 1-850-921-2559 or mail to:

Department of Children and Families
Office on Homelessness
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399