Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Two years after launching one of its most popular programs that has helped more than 1,800 families secure stable housing, the City of Tampa announced that its Rental and Move-in Assistance Program (RMAP) will once again accept applications beginning Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Due to significant rent increases in the Tampa housing market over the past few years, the program, which began in 2022, assists income-qualifying working residents by covering costs such as security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and monthly rental assistance for up to one year. Since its inception, the program has assisted more than 1,800 households and awarded over $9.5 million in rental assistance, with an average award of $4,800.
In some cases before applying for RMAP, recipients were either homeless or at risk of homelessness and learned about the program through the City’s Homeless Outreach Team. Before the program was closed in April to process a high volume of applications, RMAP Phase V (from February 2024 through April 2024) provided permanent housing to 51 homeless individuals, 35 disabled persons, 29 senior citizens, and 211 families with minor children.
“We are proud to say that after months of being put on pause, we are re-opening this program to provide assistance to more residents facing high rent costs,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “During its most recent phase since February, RMAP has enabled 118 families to avoid eviction and another 285 families remain stably housed.”
The program helps families who earn up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and must be current renters approved for a unit in Tampa. For example, a four-person household making $70,000 would be considered at 50-80% AMI and could qualify for maximum assistance of $7,500 total or $625 per month.
Starting Thursday, August 8th twenty-five eligible applications will be accepted every Thursday and Friday until funding is exhausted. Applications will be posted on tampa.gov/rmap.
Angela:
A life-long caregiver diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer found herself homeless while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Working part-time turned into disability status; she could pay rent but not afford security deposits required by landlords. With help from RMAP and the Homeless Outreach Team she secured housing within a month.
Carlos:
A veteran who served in the United States military struggled with homelessness while trying to build a foundation for his two children. After unsuccessfully seeking stable housing he reached out to Tampa's RMAP which helped him move into a townhouse near Raymond James Stadium.
William:
A single father battling alcoholism and depression aimed to turn his life around for his daughter. Although he received treatment his rehab program couldn't assist with housing leaving him homeless along with his four-year-old daughter. Referred by the City’s Homeless Outreach Program he received assistance moving into his first apartment providing a home for himself and his daughter.
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