Tampa Bay Community Assistance Programs

Whether you’re facing a temporary setback or just need a little extra help making ends meet, Tampa Bay offers a variety of programs designed to ease the burden. From rent and utility assistance to food relief and financial aid, these local resources are here to help you stay on your feet. We’ve rounded up trusted organizations and programs across the area so you can quickly find the support you need, all in one place.

Rent Payment Assistance

• findhelp.org (search "help pay for housing Tampa")
• City of Tampa Rental and Move-In Assistance Program (RMAP): Provides up to 12 months of rent, move-in fees, or security deposits (average award ~$10,000). Currently paused as of September 2025 due to fiscal year-end funding limits but expected to reopen in October 2025. Applications open Tuesdays and Thursdays (80 slots/week when active). Apply online via the city's portal or call (813) 274-5545.
• Hillsborough County Rapid Response Recovery (R3) Emergency Rental Assistance: Targets COVID-impacted renters for past-due and current rent. Covers Hillsborough County residents, including Tampa. Call (813) 274-6600 to apply or report issues.
• Tampa Housing Authority (THA) Programs: Includes Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Project-Based Rental Assistance, and HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) for up to 21 weeks of rent/utility support. Long waitlists are common; apply online at tampaha.org or call (813) 253-6991.
• Metropolitan Ministries Rent Assistance: Emergency help for rent/mortgages for those at ≤80% AMI in Hillsborough County. Funding limited; apply in-person at 2002 N. Florida Ave. or call (813) 209-1000.
• Housing & Education Alliance (HEA): Homeless prevention rental aid, especially in Pasco/Hillsborough. HUD-certified counseling available. Call (813) 932-4600 or apply at heausa.org.
• 211 Tampa Bay Cares: Connects to additional local options like Catholic Charities or family services.
• Emergency Financial Assistance by Salvation Army - Tampa: Emergency financial assistance towards rent, mortgage payments, and utilities to individuals and families facing a financial crisis. Call 813-549-0641 ext.1

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Utility Assistance

• findhelp.org (search "help pay for utilities Tampa")
• Tampa Electric (TECO) Share Program: One-time bill payment assistance for income-qualified customers (e.g., seniors, disabled). Administered by nonprofits like Metropolitan Ministries and Salvation Army. Call 211 to apply; provide account number and income proof.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): State/federal aid for heating/cooling (up to $1,350) and crisis needs (up to $2,000). Year-round in Florida; prioritizes elderly, disabled, or families with young children. Apply via Florida Commerce consent form through TECO or call (813) 627-5390.
• City of Tampa Customer Assistance Program (CAP): Waives monthly water/wastewater base charges for qualifying low-income residents. Also offers payment plans/extensions. Call (813) 274-8811 or apply at tampa.gov/utilities.
• TECO Neighborhood Weatherization: Free energy-saving kits and home improvements for low-income seniors (60+). Partnered with Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP); call (813) 627-5390.
• Hillsborough County Financial Assistance: Covers utilities once/year for vulnerable households. Prioritizes those with children/disabilities. Call (813) 272-5220.
• Metropolitan Ministries Utility Aid: Emergency payments for those ≤80% AMI. Call (813) 209-1000.
• Emergency Financial Assistance by Salvation Army - Tampa: Emergency financial assistance towards rent, mortgage payments, and utilities to individuals and families facing a financial crisis. Call 813-549-0641 ext.1

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Food Assistance

• findhelp.org (Search for "food pantry Tampa") or go to myflfamilies.com
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps): Monthly EBT card for groceries (average $300+/family). Apply at myflfamilies.com/accessflorida or call (850) 300-4323. Fresh Access Bucks doubles SNAP value for produce at markets. Assistance available via Feeding Tampa Bay or Healing Tampa Bay (walk-ins at 4400 66th St N, St. Pete; (727) 353-3357).
• Feeding Tampa Bay: Free pantries, mobile markets, and hot meals across 10 counties (including Hillsborough). Find locations/schedules at feedingtampabay.org/findfood or text "FTBFYI" to 833-530-3663. Includes SNAP enrollment help and child meal packs.
• Metropolitan Ministries Food Pantry: Groceries and meals for Hillsborough/Pasco/Pinellas residents. Multiple sites; call (813) 209-1000 or visit metromin.org.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): USDA-funded pantry distributions via local partners. No cost; find sites at fdacs.gov or through 211.
• Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger: Hot meals, home-delivered options for seniors, and summer child packs. Directory at networktoendhunger.org/find-food; includes Meals on Wheels (813-870-6900).
• Other Pantries: Grace’s Food Pantry, Faith Cafe, or Suncoast Harvest (Yelp-rated).
• Seeds of Hope https://sohopefl.org/
• ECHO https://echofl.org/

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Veteran Resources

• Army Emergency Relief Assistance Programs - Army Emergency Relief https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/assistance/
• Operation Homefront Critical Financial Assistance Program® Operation Homefront is an organization that helps veterans financially through its Critical Financial Assistance program.

Have assistance to offer? The Eaton Realty office is a year round drop off location for Seeds of Hope. Bring your non-perishables, unused cleaning supplies, pet supplies, school supplies and more and Seeds of Hope will distribute to community members in need.