COLLIER COUNTY — Ongoing since March this year, the Collier Community Assistance Program (CCAP) assists residents with paying past due rent, mortgage and utility bills as well as future rent payments. Program funds remain available to help with past due payments. These payments must have accumulated as result of COVID-19 and must be documented. Aid is available for past due bills going back (arrearage) to March 13, 2020, but may not exceed 12 months of arrearage for rent. Rental assistance, including arrearage, may not exceed 15 months.

A landlord may apply on behalf of a tenant. Landlords can apply for reimbursement of each eligible renter’s unpaid rent between March 13, 2020, and March 31, 2021, or the most recent unpaid month.

CCAP is also screening applicants’ eligibility through the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) to assist households with a delinquent electric bill and an adult 60 years or older who resides in the home. Up to $5,000 in assistance for air conditioning repairs or replacement may be provided to households with an elderly member or to a qualified elderly homeowner.

Those interested in applying for assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, or air conditioning system repairs or replacement are encouraged to visit the website for more information and to apply: CollierFLAssistance.com. Residents may also dial 311 within the county or email CCAPinfo@colliercountyfl.gov to receive general program information or assistance with applying.

Applicants may also visit any Collier County library where they can use the computer, scanner and printer/copier equipment that is assigned for public use at no charge to submit an online application. For personal assistance after submitting an application, applicants may schedule an appointment by calling (239) 450- 2114 or emailing CCAPinfo@colliercountyfl.gov.