Financial Help for Rent in Orange County and Orlando Florid
Orlando and Orange County have some of the highest housing costs relative to income in Florida, which makes rental assistance resources in the area especially in demand. The county's system is built around a few anchor organizations (all of which are listed below) including Catholic Charities of Central Florida, the Christian Service Center, and the county's own Crisis Assistance Program, which supplemented by faith-based charities, veterans programs, and free legal aid.
Emergency rental assistance, deposit programs and eviction prevention critical for low-income families, hospitality workers, and seniors on fixed incomes. Struggling residents can still access one-time grants, legal defense, and subsidized housing vouchers through a network of government agencies and non-profit partners.
Orange County Government, Regional and Public Programs
The county provides several "safety net" programs designed to prevent homelessness, that may help pay a portion of rent and stabilize households facing a temporary financial crisis.
- Orange County Crisis Assistance Program (CAP): This is the primary county-run program for one-time emergency financial help, including for rent. It helps residents who have an unforeseen loss of income or a sudden increase in expenses. Help is available for rent, mortgage, or utilities to prevent a crisis from escalating. Address: 100 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Contact: 407-836-6500. Website: https://ocfl.net/FamiliesHealthSocialSvcs/CrisisAssistanceProgram.aspx.
- Eviction Prevention in the Community (EPIC): Specifically designed for tenants who have already received a court-filed eviction notice. EPIC provides financial assistance to stop the legal eviction process and offers case management to ensure future stability. Address: 2100 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Phone 407-836-6514 (Screening Message Line). Website: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CommunityFamilyServices/CitizenResourceOutreach/EPIC.aspx.
- Orange County Community Action: Offers information and applications for various government grants. They provide a range of services including landlord-tenant mediation and referral services for those at risk of homelessness. Address: 2100 E. Michigan St., Orlando, FL 32806. Contact: 407-836-9333. Learn more about the Orlando area community action agency and rental assistance programs that may be provided.
- The Heart of Florida United Way is the centralized hub for all social service referrals in Orange County. Most non-profits and many government agencies require a 2-1-1 screening before they will accept a direct application for rent or security deposit help. Dial: 2-1-1 or 407-839-4357. URL: https://www.hfuw.org/get-help/
Orlando City-Specific Rent Payment Assistance Programs
The City of Orlando manages its own federal funding (CDBG and ESG) to assist city residents with rent, moving costs and overall housing stability.
- Orlando Housing Authority (OHA): Administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and public housing within city limits. They provide rent subsidies where the tenant typically pays 30% of their income toward rent. Address: 390 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803. Contact: 407-895-3300. Note the waiting lists are periodically opened; check current status via website at https://www.orlandohousing.org/.
- City of Orlando Housing and Community Development: Focuses on Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) for rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention. They partner with local non-profits to distribute rental assistance funds to people who qualify. Address: 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Contact: 407-246-2462. Note a 2-1-1 Referral is usually required as the "front door" to services.
Faith-Based and Charity Rent Help
Non-profit organizations provide flexible, though often limited, funding for those who may not qualify for government programs.
- Catholic Charities of Central Florida: Offers the "Family Assistance" program which can provide financial help for rent, utilities, and even furniture for those moving into new housing. They focus heavily on families with children and seniors. Address: 1771 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807. Contact: 407-658-1818.
- Christian Service Center of Central Florida: Provides the "Family & Community Support" program. This includes emergency financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments to prevent homelessness. Address: 808 West Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32805. Contact: 407-425-2523. Get more details about Christian Services rent help in Orange County.
- Salvation Army - Orlando Area Command: Provides emergency financial assistance for rental arrears to those with an eviction notice. They also operate transitional housing and shelters. Address: 416 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804. Contact: 407-423-8581.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Orlando: This is a network of local Catholic church conferences. They often provide small, emergency "gap" grants for rent or security deposits and may conduct home visits. Contact: 407-889-4706 (Council Office). Continue to learn more about rent assistance in Orange County St. Vincent de Paul.
- Redeemer Lutheran Church (Winter Park): Part of the Christian Service Center network, they specifically serve the Winter Park area with emergency funds and no-interest loans for housing. Address: 3377 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792. Contact: 407-628-1692.
- Christian Service Center — West Orange: Serves residents in the western part of Orange County from the Ocoee campus. Address: 300 W. Franklin St., Ocoee, FL 34761. Phone (407) 656-6678
- Christian Service Center — Winter Park: Same emergency financial assistance programs as the main downtown location, including rent and utility help for Winter Park and northern Orange County residents. Address: 1600 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792. Phone (407) 628-1692
Veteran and Specialized Housing Services
Specific populations in Orange County FL have access to dedicated federal and local funding streams.
- SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) - Step Up on Second: Provides rapid re-housing and eviction prevention grants specifically for veterans and their families. Address: 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando, FL 32801. Contact: 407-893-0133.
- Miracle of Love: Administers the HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) program, providing rental and mortgage assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS. Address: 1301 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804. Contact: 407-843-1760.
- Homeless Services Network of Central Florida (HSN): The lead agency for the Continuum of Care. They coordinate rapid re-housing and security deposit help for the currently homeless. A 2-1-1 Referral is MANDATORY for entry into the Coordinated Entry System. Address: 142 E Jackson St, Orlando, FL 32801. Contact: 407-893-0133. Website: https://hsncfl.org/. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida coordinates programs that help people with an eviction in Orange County.
Legal Aid and Eviction Defense
- Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association: Provides free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction, habitability issues, or security deposit disputes. Address: 100 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Contact: 407-841-8310.
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: Offers legal counseling and advocacy for housing-related civil matters. Contact: 1-800-403-1411.
Community Forum for Local Tips
Questions or experience to share about getting rent help in Orlando or Orange County? Read real life experiences of people in Orange County. Join the moderated discussion in the Orange County / Orlando Rent Help Forum.
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