May 2026 - Springing into Summer
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Welcome Note
With Summer around the corner, we are highlighting valuable resources discovered through our community outreach efforts that support families during the seasonal transition into summer, a time that can often place added strain on household finances and housing stability. Our focus is on helping families and tenants build a secure, stable summer through fair housing education, eviction prevention resources, budgeting support, and strong community connections.
Springing into Summer
Did You Know…
Nearly half of renter households in the United States are considered “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and housing costs. Rising summer utility bills, especially air conditioning costs, can place additional financial strain on families already struggling to afford housing.
Low-income families with children face some of the highest housing burdens in the country. Research from the Federal Reserve found that families with children in the lowest income group spend about 60% of their monthly income on rent, leaving less money available for food, transportation, childcare, and summer expenses when school is out.
Families with children are disproportionately impacted by eviction. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of households facing eviction had children, with most eviction cases tied directly to unpaid rent and financial hardship. Fair housing protections help ensure families with children are not discriminated against in housing opportunities or rental policies.
So What Does It All Mean?
Now more than ever, it is important to share the resources available within our communities. As part of our continued outreach efforts, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight valuable programs, services, and support systems we have discovered while connecting with community partners and residents throughout the region.
While rental assistance availability often varies by county, many churches, community organizations, and established local agencies may offer financial support for rent and utility payments. These resources can provide critical assistance to families and individuals experiencing temporary financial hardship and housing instability.
For food and clothing assistance, there are numerous churches, food pantries, and community organizations located throughout the counties we serve. Many communities also host weekend food drives and distribution events to support families in need. Below, we will share additional details and information about available resources and how to access them.
What Can We Do?
We are pleased to share some of the resources we are aware of that may assist individuals and families seeking financial support for rent and utility assistance. Below are several helpful websites and resource links that community members may find beneficial.
Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul are organizations with locations and services available throughout many counties in Florida. If you or someone you know is in need of rental or utility assistance, we encourage you to reach out to these organizations to learn more about available programs and support services.
Some community organizations offering food assistance and related support services include the Hawthorne Area Resource Center, Willie Mae Stokes Community Center, Gainesville Community Ministry, One Community Family Resource Center, and the Food Pantry of Gilchrist County, Inc.. These organizations help provide food resources and support to individuals and families throughout their communities.
Be aware that if you were served with an eviction notice, you can call our Eviction Prevention helpline for FREE legal assistance. Call us today at 888-780-0443!
We utilize language line services for tenants with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is facing discrimination on the basis of a protected class, or needs legal assistance navigating housing related issues, do not hesitate to give us a call at 407-801-4224 or email us at fairhousing@floridalegal.org
Community Outreach
Upcoming Outreach Events
What We’ve Been Up To
Palm Coast Housing Fair
We kicked off Fair Housing Month with presentations at the Palm Coast Housing Fair. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and for the warm welcome from the Palm Coast community. It was an amazing day spent sharing valuable housing resources, fair housing information, and eviction prevention support with attendees throughout the area. Special thanks to the Mid Florida Housing Partnership for inviting us to speak and be part of such a meaningful event.
Spring Community Resource Expo
We had a wonderful time participating in the Osceola Council on Aging Spring Resource Fair! It was a great opportunity to serve and connect with our senior community while sharing valuable housing and community resources. We also enjoyed networking with dozens of local organizations and strengthening relationships with both new and existing community partners. We truly appreciate every opportunity to collaborate, build connections, and work together to better serve our communities.
St.Vincent de Paul Presentation
Members of our Fair Housing team, alongside the Veterans Justice Project, met in Melbourne to share information about Florida Legal Services resources with the St. Vincent de Paul organization. It was a wonderful opportunity to present the services and support offered through both the Fair Housing and Veterans Justice teams while engaging with attendees and answering thoughtful questions from the audience. We also highlighted additional Florida Legal Services projects that may serve as valuable day-to-day resources for the communities supported by St. Vincent de Paul.
Re-Entry Kick-Off Event
In honor of the Re-Entry Conference’s tenth year, we attended this year’s kickoff event, which featured a powerful film highlighting the challenges justice-impacted individuals often face when rebuilding their lives and accessing stable opportunities within their communities. We are grateful to the Library Partnership for their continued support and commitment to reaching vulnerable populations. Events like these provide meaningful opportunities to connect with community members, share resources, and strengthen partnerships that support long-term housing stability and successful re-entry efforts.
Re-Entry- The Launching Pad
On the second day of the Re-Entry Conference, we were grateful to participate in the community resource fair, where attendees received valuable information about services and support available to them. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from peers who were justice-impacted themselves and shared inspiring personal experiences and insights. The room was filled with individuals eager to learn, connect, and tell their stories. We are proud to be part of such meaningful community-building efforts in action.
Reaching our rural communities
We always appreciate opportunities to engage with rural communities and empower residents through legal education and awareness of their rights. This month, we were able to connect with community members in Micanopy and Palatka, where we shared valuable eviction prevention and fair housing information while also learning more about the local resources available to residents. We are grateful for the opportunity to build these connections and help link clients to additional services and support that may benefit them and their families.
Food Systems Coalition Meeting
Our Housing Justice team attended this month’s Food Systems Coalition meeting, where we connected with community partners to discuss and explore practical ways to address food insecurity and better meet the needs of community members. These gatherings provide an important opportunity to introduce our work and ongoing projects to other organizations, while also identifying areas for future collaboration. We value these conversations as they help strengthen partnerships and improve our collective ability to serve our community more effectively.
Re-Entry Youth ‘Know Your Rights’
On the final day of the Re-Entry Conference, we had the opportunity to share resources with youth from the community. The students were engaged and inquisitive, asking thoughtful questions and participating in meaningful discussions about law enforcement, the justice system, and strategies for avoiding conflict. It was inspiring to see young people so openly seeking knowledge and guidance. We are grateful to have been part of such a powerful and impactful event.
Daytona Housing Fair
Toward the end of the month, the Housing Justice team attended the Daytona Housing Fair, providing a fitting conclusion to Fair Housing Month. Our Eviction Prevention and Fair Housing teams shared important information and resources about Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant laws with attendees, alongside a wide range of community housing partners and service providers. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate, collaborate, and connect with others committed to expanding access to housing resources. It was a meaningful way to close out a month dedicated to education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Eviction Prevention in Alachua, Brevard, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Indian River, Lake, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia County:
Eviction Prevention Helpline - CALL: 888-780-0443
This helpline supports tenants, in the counties above, facing eviction or other housing-related challenges. Our operators are available to take calls about landlord-tenant disputes, housing authority voucher issues, and other housing concerns impacting low-income renters. Callers will be connected with an attorney who can provide legal advice over the phone and, in some cases, direct legal representation. Call us today to get the help you need!
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects you from discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. This applies to renting, buying, mortgages, appraisals, insurance, and looking for a place to live.
IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN THE VICTIM OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:
407-801- 4224 (English)
850-680-1729 (Spanish)
fairhousing@floridalegal.org
www.floridalegal.org/fairhousing
IF YOU ARE AN ALACHUA COUNTY RESIDENT FACING BARRIERS TO HOUSING OR AN EVICTION, PLEASE CALL AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS TO REACH A LIVE ALACHUA COUNTY OPERATOR:
888-780-0443 (English and Spanish)
www.floridalegal.org/evictionprevention
The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.