Manatee County has $1.3 million available to disperse to residents in need through the Manatee CARES Housing Assistance Program.
The funds are from the federal Housing and Urban Development and State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program for people experiencing financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From June 10-12, Manatee residents can apply for relief funds to be used to pay for overdue rent, mortgage or utility bills. Eligible applicants may receive up to $1,500 per month for up to three months.
Because the City of Bradenton receives its own federal funds and SHIP funds, Manatee officials said City of Bradenton residents are ineligible for Manatee County CARES funding.
County officials are expecting thousands of people to apply, so they will select applications to review using a lottery-style drawing that will take place on June 16.
