TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Cindy Emerson, Community Services Director
FROM: Megan Kendrick, Human Services Manager
DATE: October 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Human Services Rental Assistance Program
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has historically provided emergency rental assistance to residents of Indian River County experiencing financial hardship. This support is designed to help families remain stably housed during times of crisis. To qualify, residents must show proof of income and demonstrate their ability to maintain residency after the emergency.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, eligibility for rental assistance operated on an 18-month cycle. During the pandemic, this was adjusted to a 12-month cycle to better meet increased community need.
Currently, once a client meets all qualifications, the County pays 60% of their rent for one month, up to $1,000, once per year. The client is responsible for paying the remaining 40% and any fees prior to the County issuing payment of the 60% balance directly to the landlord.
As the chart below indicates, over the past four years, demand for rental support has increased significantly, from 91 clients ($79,235.52) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 to 185 clients ($151,135.31) during FY 2024-25 as of September 10, 2025.
|
Fiscal Year |
Total Clients Served |
Funds Utilized |
|
FY2021/2022 |
91 |
$79,235.52 |
|
FY2022/2023 |
143 |
$92,514.83 |
|
FY2023/2024 |
174 |
$119,509.98 |
|
*FY2024/2025 |
185 |
$151,135.31 |
|
*As of September 10, 2025 |
This sharp rise is likely due to both increased awareness of the County’s program and reductions in funding across other community agencies that previously offered similar support. In fact, after meeting with partner organizations, the Human Services team was informed that they will not have rental assistance funding available until January 2026.
Throughout this fiscal year until the end of the 3rd quarter, the Human Services Department anticipated being able to meet all rental requests through the fourth quarter. However, in August we experienced unprecedented demand. For context:
• Average monthly spending this year has been approximately $10,000.
• In August 2024, monthly spending was approximately $17,000.
• In August 2025, monthly spending surged to $29,359.70 (with approximately $11,000 pending).
ANALYSIS
Further review of the data shows that 72% of clients served this year were new to the program, while 28% were returning clients from the previous year. If even a portion of these new clients return in the coming year, combined with a similar volume of new applicants, we project that available funding may not be sufficient to meet demand. This concern remains despite the planned budget increase from $140,000 in FY 2024-25 to $150,000 in FY 2025-26.
As we prepare for the new fiscal year, the Human Services Department recognizes the need to adjust program guidelines to ensure that rental assistance remains available, that funds are distributed responsibly, and that we continue to meet the growing needs of the community while staying within budget.
To accomplish this, the Department proposes a two-part plan:
1. Cap Monthly Spending
o Establish a cap of $12,500 in rental assistance per month.
o Once that cap is reached, clients with scheduled appointments will be rescheduled with priority placement at the beginning of the following month.
o In months when rental assistance spending does not reach the $12,500 cap, the remaining balance will roll over and may be applied to offset higher-than-average demand in future months.
o This will help ensure that funds are distributed evenly throughout the year and prevent the program from exhausting its budget prematurely.
2. Reinstate 18-Month Eligibility Cycle
o Return to the previous policy of limiting eligibility to once every 18 months.
o This adjustment will distribute returning families more evenly across fiscal years, reduce bottlenecks, and help maintain a sustainable caseload.
o By staggering returning clients, the program will be better positioned to meet the needs of both new and existing households.
This two-part plan balances the County’s commitment to supporting residents through emergency rental assistance with the responsibility of maintaining fiscal sustainability. It ensures continued service to clients while protecting the program’s ability to operate consistently throughout the year. This plan would go into effect starting December 1, 2025.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
This item does not require any additional funding, as it is establishing a revised plan for the Rental Assistance Program starting December 1, 2025.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
As far back as Human Services Department records show (1984), the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has provided rental assistance to residents of Indian River County.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Review of Eligibility Cycles
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends implementing the two-part plan detailed above.