Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

JFS Orlando CARES, the emergency rental assistance program of Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando, provided relief for those impacted financially by COVID-19 since October 2020. With the completion of the program on June 30, 2021, JFS Orlando distributed more than $884,043.39 in rental assistance to help 339 families remain housed, impacting a total of 860 individuals.

Dedicated to providing relief to those severely impacted during the pandemic, JFS Orlando CARES was open to Orange County residents and provided up to three months of rental assistance to qualified individuals. One of those individuals was Melissa. “The process was easy, professional, and someone always responded,” she explained. “You have no idea how nice it is to be talked to kindly. Thank you for giving me one bright day in what’s been many dark ones.”

The program was made possible through a Housing and Community Development grant as part of the CARES Act and in partnership with the TOP Jewish Foundation and the Jewish Capital Alliance. “We are grateful to our partners who helped in the success of this program, which provided much needed financial relief for those in our community struggling to pay their rent during the pandemic,” said Phil Flynn, JFS executive director.

For more information on JFS Orlando and its other programs, visit http://www.JFSorlando.org or follow them on social media @JFSorlando.