BOCA RATON, Fla. — The clock is ticking to apply for COVID-19 related assistance.
Across Palm Beach County, deadlines are approaching to use CARES Act funds set aside to help those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Whether it's food, rent, mortgage or utility assistance, both the county and cities have relief available, and the need is greater than ever.
"When we first occupied this building, we were processing somewhere around 300,000 pounds of food every year. We will do more than that just this month," said Gregory Hazle, the executive director of Boca Helping Hands.
Hazle is the executive director of Boca Helping Hands.
"Since the pandemic started, we've added almost 4,000 new families," Hazle noted.
Hazle said the need goes beyond food.
"Now, people are coming in with six months rent that's overdue," Hazle told Contact 5.
Boca Raton is one city that has relief funds available for those behind on their rent or mortgage.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BOCA RATON'S RENTAL AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE.
"The city got a second allocation because more funds were made available," said Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer in an interview with Contact 5.
Boca Raton residents have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply for up to $15,000 in funding for rental assistance or mortgage relief.
Singer said the availability of those funds is tied to income.
"I encourage everyone who is considering applying to the program to do so," Singer said. "There's no shame in needing help at a time like this."
The city told Contact 5 it is already spent $240,000 to help 27 families. The city has nearly $550,000 in funds available.
Palm Beach County also has CARES Act funds that haven't been used. The county said it has $66 million in funds remaining and recently extended the deadline for qualified residents who need to resubmit their food assistance applications through Saturday.
The county is no longer accepting new applicants, only those who need to resubmit their applications.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PALM BEACH COUNTY'S RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.