Homeless Prevention
Assistance
Opening Doors’ Northwest Florida application process for Homeless Prevention Assistance for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties has changed.
Starting Monday, January 8, 2024, Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents seeking assistance with past due rent, mortgage, and/or utility payments may apply for assistance directly with Catholic Charities Northwest Florida by calling (850) 436-6425.
Catholic Charities will be accepting appointments on each Monday beginning at 9 am until all appointments for the week have been scheduled. The number of appointment slots are limited.
The amount of assistance will be based on the available budget and service need. Financial assistance will be paid directly to the lender, property owner, landlord and/or utility company. Please be aware that funding is limited, and provision of assistance is not guaranteed or promised.
Opening Doors NWFL Homeless Resource Center will continue to provide assessments for people experiencing a homeless crisis. Please call us to talk to one of our intake specialists for an appointment. Our number is (850) 439-3009.
Other Local Assistance
Rent and Utilities
| Provider | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities | 850-436-6425 | Escambia and Santa Rosa, Mondays 9am until appointments are filled |
| City of Pensacola Emergency Assistance Program | 850-403-6044 | Escambia, online applications only. Apply here. Also has a mortgage assistance program |
| Community Action Program | 844-356-8139 | Escambia, Call 24/7 appointment line |
| Interfaith Ministries | 850-934-8385 | Santa Rosa, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 9 to 11:30am (by appointment only) |
| Tender Hearts, Caring Hands | 850-473-4466 | Escambia and Santa Rosa, Mondays to Fridays 8am to 2pm |
| United Ministries | 850-433-2333 | Escambia and Santa Rosa, Call Mondays to Thursdays 9 to 11:30am, Primarily families w/ dependent children |
| We Care Ministries | 850-939-1005 | Navarre Residents Only, Mondays to Fridays 9:30 to 11:00am |
Utilities Only
| Provider | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Area Agency on Aging | 850-494-7100 | Escambia, Must be 60 or older, Mondays to Fridays 8am to 5pm |
| Salvation Army (Escambia) | 850-432-1501 x1 or x0 | Escambia , Mondays 8:30am |
| Salvation Army (Santa Rosa) | 850-623-4099 | Santa Rosa, Mondays 9 to 11am |
| Samaritan Hands Ministry | 850-438-8907 | Escambia, Tuesdays to Thursdays 9-11:30am |
| Tri-County Community Council | 850-981-0036 | Santa Rosa, Mondays to Thursdays 8am to 4:30pm |
Programs
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Prevents imminent risk of homelessness situations.
- For households with at least one adult and one child.
- Program is limited to US citizens.
- Must currently rent or own your home that you are applying for assistance with. (Does not fund relocation)
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program.
ESG
- Serves any type of household with at least one adult.
- Eligibility is based on your current living situation, income, and need.
- Program is limited to US citizens.
A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program.
Challenge
- Serves any type of household with at least one adult.
- Eligibility is based on your current living situation, income, and need.
- Program is limited to US citizens.
A Florida Department of Children and Families program.