A city of Kissimmee Foreclosure Prevention and Rental Assistance/Eviction Prevention Program to assist very low-income and low-income residents impacted by COVID-19 goes into effect today (Tuesday).

The program offers $1,200, or one month of rent, whichever is less, for housing assistance. The funding is available through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Apply online at KissimmeeResponds.com

Applicants must be a city of Kissimmee resident, their household income must be less than 80 percent of the average median income (the website has chart) and must be able to document loss of income related to COVID-19 impacts due to health, employment, or school/child care closures.

Households withe special needs will receive preference. Those include an adult person requiring independent living services to maintain housing or develop independent living skills and who has a disabling condition, a young adult formerly in foster care who is eligible for assistance, domestic violence survivor, or or a person receiving Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits, or veteran’s disability benefits. Households will need to submit documentation to verify eligibility, including identification, income verification, and documentation of the COVID-19 related loss.

Acted quickly — participants will be served on a first-come, first qualified to proceed basis. Once funds for this program have been used, those who meet the eligibility criteria may add their name to the Interest List.

More information is available at the city’s website, or by calling the Osceola Council on Aging, the lead agency processing all the requests, at 407-933-9530.