Over the last few days there has been a bit of news coverage about Pasco County receiving funds from the economic stimulus related  "Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing" program.  Pasco libraries receive calls regularly from citizens needing help paying utility bills.  Most often, library staff suggest our customers call 211.  Pasco County's United Way staff answers these 211 calls and will refer callers to local agencies which provide assistance.


Citizens needing help with paying utility bills and rent are also referred to Pasco County Human Services at (727) 834-3297 or (352) 521-5173 or Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. at (352) 567-0533 or  (727) 845-7350.


Other Pasco County agencies that have received federal "Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing" funds are:  the Salvation Army, Pasco Housing Authority, Youth and Family Alternatives and BayCare Health. You can find a your local Salvation Army Center by typing your zip code in the designated box on their website; the Housing Authority can be reached at  (352) 567-0848; Youth and Family Alternatives can be reached at (727) 835-4166; and BayCare Health can be contacted at 1-877-692-2922.


Remember you can receive help filing online applications for food stamps, unemployment, searching for a job and more at any Pasco County Library System branch library.

Do you need help paying your utility and other bills?

To Learn about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program click here
or in Pasco County call: (352)567-0533 or (727)845-7350.

Also, check out the Pasco County Human Services website or call them at (727)834-3297 or (352)521-5173.

They provide assistance with:

*Limited payments toward past due rent

*Limited payments for past due utility bills (electricity, water, propane)

*Burial services for residents who have no insurance benefits or other means by which to pay for services

*Information and Referrals on available community resources
Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program – This program assists residents 60 years of age and older, twice a year, with past due utility bills. Funding is through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.

*Assistance with prescription drugs, up to the established amounts, when ordered by a physician (Human Services does not provide psychotropic and/or habit forming medications.)

*Dental Services are restricted to simple extractions

*Out-Patient Services

*Physicians office visits

*Laboratory and x-rays, when ordered by physician

Remember to call 211 if you need referrals to other social service agencies.