Emergency Assistance

For many, the way out of poverty begins with a decision to live a new way. For others, an emergency has resulted in a no-way-out situation. But, for all who want to strive for economic self-sufficiency, the Economic Opportunities Council is here to help.

We work to cure the root causes of poverty, not just treat the symptoms.

We help our clients to:

Help our clients achieve long-term self-sufficiency
Provide Emergency Assistance
Help our clients better manage income and expenses
Educate clients on understanding poverty and building resources for a better life
Help our clients secure and maintain housing
Provide client support and case management
Prepare at-risk children for success in school and in life
Educate parents on early childhood development
Identify children’s disabilities at an early age
Connect families with community resources
Improve health and nutrition
Create linkages among anti-poverty programs

We help people help themselves. We work to break the cycle of poverty not with giveaways but with programs and services designed to provide real and meaningful movement towards self-sufficiency.

To be eligible for Emergency Food Assistance you must be applying for SNAP (Food Stamps) for the first time in a 3 year period; recertification clients are not eligible. You must:

Meet household poverty income guidelines of 125%
Bring proof that a SNAP (Food Stamp) Application has been made
Complete paperwork & provide documentation of income

In order to obtain Agency services, a valid Florida ID is required. The Agency may be able to assist in obtaining a valid Florida Identification card.

Funds are provided by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to address services and needs of those living in poverty in our community. Emergency Assistance is available in Indian River County only.

We help people help themselves. We work to break the cycle of poverty not with giveaways but with programs and services designed to provide real and meaningful movement towards self-sufficiency.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (RENT, MORTGAGE, FOOD, IDENTIFICATION)
To be eligible for Emergency Rent or Mortgage Assistance you must:

Meet household poverty income guidelines of 125%
Have a documented “crisis” of why assistance is needed (i.e. medical expenses, lost job, car repairs, etc.)
Be able to sustain rent or mortgage once crisis has been alleviated by the agency
Have lived in your home at least 6 months
Complete paperwork & provide documentation of income
Not be receiving Subsidized Housing
Have not received assistance with any other local agency in the past 2 years

To be eligible for Emergency Food Assistance you must be applying for SNAP (Food Stamps) for the first time in a 3 year period; recertification clients are not eligible. You must:

Meet household poverty income guidelines of 125%
Bring proof that a SNAP (Food Stamp) Application has been made
Complete paperwork & provide documentation of income

In order to obtain Agency services, a valid Florida ID is required. The Agency may be able to assist in obtaining a valid Florida Identification card.

2024 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 for each additional person.