(Opa-locka, FL)  —  The City of Opa-locka recently announced that its Housing Assistance Program and COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card Program are now available for qualified City of Opa-locka residents. Both programs will assist City of Opa-locka residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The COVID-19 state of emergency brought about economic hardships to residents and businesses. In response, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law, March 2020. Funding is granted through the Florida Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was created as a provision of the CARES Act. On July 21, 2020, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A.  Gimenez and the Board of County Commissioners approved $10 million to be used in aiding landlords who have not received payments since the COVID-19 outbreak began. The following includes two City of Opa-locka programs funded by the CARES Act.

Proposed City of Opa-locka Housing Assistance Program

The City has been awarded $2.1 million to assist residents of Opa-locka with arrears payments for mortgage and/or rent. The proposed Housing Assistance Program (HAP) will assist homeowners and tenants with up to six (6) months or $6,000 maximum and will be paid directly to the mortgage company or owner of the rental property.  

Eligibility Requirements

• Reside within City of Opa-locka boundaries

• Show proof of identification with primary address of residence 

• Proof of household income at or below 140% of Area Median Income (AMI) for Miami-Dade County

• Submit proof of loss/reduction of income due to COVID-19

• Submit proof of mortgage/rental payment up to February 2020

• Must not have received mortgage/rental assistance from any other source for same period covered by HAP award

Documentation Requirements

1. State Picture Identification matching lease address (utility bill with applicant’s name and address if ID does not match) 

2. Social Security Card of applicant

3. Current Income 

• Layoff or Furlough Notice

• Evidence of loss of wages (bank statements, paycheck records}

4. Mortgage

• Paid mortgage statement as of February 2020

• Current statement showing arrears

• Payment instructions for mortgage holder

5. Rental

• Signed current lease

• Receipt showing rent was current as of February 2020

• Contact information for landlord

Proposed COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card Program

Residents of the City of Opa-locka who have been adversely affected by the state of emergency imposed as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible to apply for assistance through the Grocery Gift Card Program. Residents may apply for a grocery gift card in the amount of $250.00, while supplies last and limited to one gift card per household. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Reside within City of Opa-locka boundaries (photo ID required)

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must have faced financial hardship, due to COVID-10 

• Submit notarized affidavit attesting to residency and financial hardship. Affidavit will be provided on line

• Application will be available online 

• Gift cards will be distributed at two locations – Segal Park and Sherbondy Park

Logistics

1. How to Apply

• The Housing Assistance application will be available on the City of Opa-locka’s website as well as www.miamidadecovidrelief.org. The customer will need to upload all required documents. 

• In-Person at the following Park & Facilities locations:

Segal Park, 2331 NW 143 Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.3092

Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.2875

• Customers appearing at the above sites will be assisted with applying online and uploading required documents using computers onsite. 

Mon, Tues, Wed – 9am – 3pm; Thursday – 2pm – 7pm; Saturday TBD 

The COVID Relief Grocery Gift Card application will be available on the City of Opa-locka’s website. Residents will need to print the and complete the application and bring, along with required documents, to Segal Park, 2331 NW 143 Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.3092 or Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Street, Opa-locka FL, 305.953.2875. Applications will, also, be available at the sites. Notarized affidavit must be submitted at time of application.