Rental / Utility Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. We provide federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with:

• Payment of heating or cooling bills (only the energy costs portion of the bill will be paid)
• Utilities that will be disconnected due to non-payment
• Deposits for beginning utility service

The NHDC service area includes Alachua, Clay, and Marion Counties. We have assistance for Marion County Residents through our NHDC Cares Program for assistance for Rent, utilities, and wifi. Our agency also offers a Financial Fitness Program.

Raising & Improving Self-Sufficiency Expectations (RISE) Program provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to services for entire families by empowering individuals to actively pursue economic independence and obtain employment that pays a living wage. The program is designed for goal-oriented individuals who are motivated and persistent in their pursuit of self-sufficiency.

Participants work with a Case manager to assess their needs, set goals, and create a specified case plan, designed to address barriers to self-sufficiency such as employment and education.

Other support services may be available to eligible participants, based upon need and availability of resources. Must be able to attend college or trade school and work between 20 – 40 hours per week.

If interested in participating in the R.I.S.E. Program, please contact the Family Development Specialist in your county.

1. Supportive Services for Veteran Families provides temporary and supportive services for Veterans and Veteran families with low or no income. The goal of the program is to promote housing stability through assistance and support services to homeless persons or those at risk of homelessness. Services provided include: Housing Navigation: Housing search and identification to quickly move Veteran households into permanent housing. Temporary Financial Assistance, Case Management, Resource Connections, and Crisis Resolution.

2. Ocala Ritz Veterans Village provides clinical treatment, transitional housing, and individualized case management for Veterans experiencing homelessness in Marion County, Florida. The program is designed to help Veterans stabilize, rebuild their lives, and prepare for independent living through safe housing, structured support, and access to therapeutic services.

3. Volunteers of America of Florida Affordable Housing Apartments provide affordable housing to low-income families. Tenants are able to stay in the program indefinitely if eligible and needed.