ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s the first of the month, and rent is due for many families. But with the government shutdown still dragging on, some federal workers across Central Florida are struggling to pay up. Nonprofits in the area say calls for help are already climbing.

What You Need To Know

The ongoing government shutdown is leaving some federal workers in Central Florida unable to pay rent

Family Promise of Brevard reports a surge in calls for housing assistance and eviction prevention

The nonprofit partners with churches for pop-up shelters and provides housing, job training, and childcare support

Seminole County leaders say their rental and utility assistance program is ready to handle increased demand

For some families in Central Florida, paying rent this month is harder than usual.

“One out of every two households are paycheck to paycheck. So when we have these crises, the pandemic, the government shutdown, we are just cycling constantly. The root issue is that people are not earning enough to afford the housing that we have,” Executive Director of Family Promise Brevard Tara Pagliarini said.

Pagliarini said they’re seeing the ripple effect of the shutdown. The organization partners with churches to create pop-up shelters and runs a one-stop hub for housing, job training, and childcare.

“We’re looking at how to staff up so we can make sure and continue to meet the volume of calls that we’re receiving. When people are in crisis, people don’t want to wait — they really would like to talk to someone as soon as they can. Even if it’s helping them navigate their options, so that’s one way,” she said.

The group also offers eviction prevention, helping families catch up on rent or utilities before they lose their homes.

In Seminole County, leaders expect a rise in need too.

“The county allocates about $450,000 annually for rental and mortgage assistance as well as utilities,” Community Assistance Division Manager for Seminole County Carrie Longsworth said.

Longsworth says they’ve offered this program for about 20 years and anticipate more requests in the coming days.

“It assists residents that have had an unexpected financial hardship that has occurred in the last 90 days or so,” she said.

Residents can apply online or make an appointment through the county’s website.

As the shutdown continues, both Family Promise and Seminole County expect demand to grow — and say they’re ready to help.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, resources for Family Promise of Brevard, Seminole County’s programs, and other local services are below.