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Hialeah, Miami Offering Rent Relief

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The City of Hialeah is now offering rent relief to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday morning, dozens of people lined up for hours outside the John F. Kennedy Library on W 49th Street where officials were handing out applications.

"We have to keep our roofs over our heads for our children," said Cindy Pla.

She and her almost year old son patiently waited in line for their turn to get application outside of the library.

"I just lost my job, my mom has stayed without work, and the rent still needs to be paid. We need all the help we can get right now," she said.

"It breaks my heart, every week gets a little bit more emotional because you see the need and the intensity of the need," said Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez as he looked over the line.

Residents can also apply online as well.

Hialeah's landlord-tenant relief fund awards households up to $1,000.00 which is disbursed over 3 months or until the maximum award has been reached.

Those who apply must live within Hialeah's city limits and must have lost work because of the pandemic.

Last Thursday, Miami commissioners approved a rental assistance program that will pay rents and utilities for city residents who have fallen on hard times.

The application process also got underway Monday, May 4. Residents were able to apply at miamigov.com

The city capped it to 10,000 applications. Mayor Suarez said within an hour the city reached its limit and will immediately process the applications. He added that everyone who qualifies will enter into a lottery.

Up to $1500 will be paid directly to the applicant's landlord or utility company.

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