The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA) are launching a new Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program. The program will provide more than $5.1 million to Duval County residents and business owners who may lose their apartment, home or business location due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Applications will be accepted at JacksonvilleCares.com for residential properties starting Thursday, Dec. 3, followed by commercial properties the week of Dec. 7.
 
“Although necessary, the safety measures implemented during the pandemic negatively affected some of Jacksonville’s citizens,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “My administration and I are serious about honoring the local government’s responsibility to use every available resource in support of its citizens, especially throughout times of uncertainty. As we work toward returning to normal, I hope this assistance will provide relief to our neighbors and move them closer to recovery. I am grateful to the JBA for its leadership, contributions to the program, and commitment to being a valuable corporate citizen.”
 
“The Jacksonville Bar Association is proud to partner with the City of Jacksonville on the Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program through its management and administration,” said Christian George, JBA Board of Governors member and chairman of the bar association’s committee on the program. “As a civic-minded organization, we are excited to see the CARES Act funds get in the hands of the families and small businesses that need it most during the pandemic.”
 
Grants will be offered to residential tenants, homeowners and business owners on a first come, first served basis until the funds are depleted. Applicants may receive up to $5,000 for a residential property and up to $10,000 for a commercial property, with the payment going directly to the landlord or lender. Complete applications will be processed first for payment.
 
Among other eligibility requirements, applicants must be able to provide the following documents:

Residential

• Identification for all household members
• A copy of the lease or mortgage
• Proof of the ability to make payments of 60 days of rent or mortgage
• A notice from the landlord or mortgagee of pending eviction or foreclosure (if applicable)

**ADA text-only version of residential flyer**

Commercial

• A copy of the lease or mortgage
• The landlord or mortgagee W-9
• Proof of a reduction in income, staffing or employee hours of at least 20%
• A copy of the current Duval County Occupational License
• Proof of the ability to make payments of 60 days of rent or mortgage
• A notice from the landlord or mortgagee of pending eviction or foreclosure (if applicable).

**ADA text-only version of commercial flyer**

Those interested are encouraged to visit JacksonvilleCares.com now to review the additional criteria; however, the electronic application for residential properties will not be available on the website until Thursday, Dec. 3. Applications for commercial properties will be online the week of Dec. 7.

About the City of Jacksonville:

The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the continental United States, serving approximately 900,000 residents. Located in Duval County, City of Jacksonville leadership includes the mayor and a 19-member City Council. To learn more about the City of Jacksonville, visit COJ.net.

About the Jacksonville Bar Association

The Jacksonville Bar Association's mission is to encourage collegiality and serve our members in the practice of law, aid in the administration of justice, and foster respect for the law and the legal profession. The Jacksonville Bar Association serves as the forum for our profession – willing to take action and try innovative ways to better serve our membership and the public.