Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Communities in Florida, including Pasco County, recently received a Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds will be used to provide emergency assistance to state and local governments so they can purchase foreclosed properties that might be abandoned. These homes can be rehabilitated, resold, or redeveloped. For more information about this program in Florida communities-
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=fl

The Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation is a HUD-approved non-profit organization whose mission is to promote homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income households in the Tampa Bay, Florida area.
For more information visit:
http://www.tampabaycdc.org

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (or "Swiftmud") has extended the once-a-week watering restrictions through February 27, 2009. Even though we have seen better rainfall in the area over the past year, it has not been enough to offset the two-year drought.

For Pasco County residents, you can view the watering schedule here. If you have any questions, check with the Pasco County Utilities Services department. If you live outside of Pasco County or want more information about the watering restrictions, check out www.watermatters.org.

The economy is affecting not only banking and Wall Street executives, but also the average citizen. TBO.com reported yesterday that "the call volume [to the Department of Children and Families' ACCESS Florida line] has risen to 120,000 a day, 40,000 more than a year ago. The number of Floridians using the program is up more than 20 percent statewide and more than 60 percent in some areas."

Do you think you could benefit from food stamps or Medicaid? You can apply online using the ACCESS Florida application.