The Village of Wellington is rolling out a lifeline for residents behind on their rent and utility payments.

WELLINGTON, Fla. —

On Tuesday, the village of Wellington opened its online portal for housing assistance at 8 a.m. Village manager Jim Barnes said there were people logged on, waiting to apply.

“Several months into COVID we started getting calls. It ranges from I need assistance with groceries to I need assistance with utilities,”

Barnes met with us just hours after they began accepting online applications for residents who need help paying their rent and utilities.

“At this point we have about $71,000 in CDBG funds, that’s Community Development Block Grant Fund. We’re still waiting for some CARES Act funding in about $100,000,”Barnes said.

Those interested in applying should log on to the village’s community assistance webpage here.

Eligible applicants could receive up to $5,000 per household for rent and $500 for utility assistance.

Residents must earn a maximum of 80% of the area median income.

That means a household of one person must make no more than $49,200 a year and a family of five must earn below $75,900 a year.

When you apply, you will need to show proof of loss of income, reduction in hours or unemployment as a result of the pandemic.

“A year later I think it’s permanently impacted how we do businesses day to day. Will probably leave a lasting impact on how we do business going forward,” Barnes said.

The village said it could take up to a day or two to get a response. If you are approved, the village will pay the landlord and or the utility company directly.