Help with Rent, Utilities, and Mortgage Payments

When a temporary hardship makes it difficult to pay essential bills, BEAM may be able to help. Limited financial assistance is available to eligible individuals and families who live or work in the Beaches Community.

Who Can Apply

You may qualify if you:

  • Live or work in zip codes 32082, 32224, 32227, 32228, 32233, 32250, or 32266
  • Are experiencing a verifiable hardship
  • Are at least one month behind on rent, utilities, or mortgage payments

What is a Verifiable Hardship?

A hardship is an unexpected event or situation that has affected your ability to pay bills.

Examples:

  • Job loss
  • Reduced work hours
  • Medical emergency
  • Death in the family
  • Natural disaster
  • Major car repair
  • Unexpected childcare costs

What You’ll Need

General documentation for all applications

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of hardship

Additional documents for Rent Assistance

  • Current signed lease

Additional documents for Utility Assistance

  • Most recent past due utility bill

Additional documents for Mortgage Assistance

  • Most recent past due mortgage statement
View document examples

How to Apply

1. Submit Your Application

  • Apply online or visit our Jacksonville Beach office: 850 6th Avenue S., Ste 400, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
  • Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
  • If you are a new client and have never received services from BEAM before, you will need to visit our office with a photo ID to verify your identity. You can also complete your application during your visit. To help speed up the process, please bring all required documents listed above with you.

2. Application Review

  • Once we receive your application, a team member will review your information and documents to make sure your application is complete.
  • If anything is missing, we’ll get in touch and help you gather the needed documents.

3. Phone Interview

  • You will be contacted for a brief phone interview to help us better understand your situation, review your hardship, and discuss the assistance you’re requesting.

4. Decision

  • After your interview, we will review your request and let you know if you are approved within 1–2 business days.

If approved:

  • Payment will be made directly to the landlord, utility provider, or other approved vendor.
  • Payments are not issued directly to clients.

You will receive an approval email that includes the payment amount, check number, and vendor name. This email can be shared with your landlord, mortgage company, or utility provider as proof that payment has been approved.

Need Help Getting Started?

For questions about eligibility or documents, we’re here to help.

Please call our Financial Assistance team at 904-481-1510.

The core of BEAM services is to prevent homelessness by providing financial assistance for rent and utility bills for people who are unable to meet their obligations due to a temporary setback. Payments are made directly to the landlord or the utility company.

 

Financial assistance volunteers meet with clients to determine eligibility and make recommendations for levels of assistance. Volunteers may also be trained to assist clients in applying for SNAP benefits (aka food stamps) and Medicaid. Clients will be asked for proof of the amount due, a copy of a lease, proof of income or unemployment, or other documents necessary to verify the need and determine the amount of funds BEAM can provide.

 

Clients who have been provided financial assistance are encouraged to meet with a Financial Coach. Services include budgeting, debt reduction, savings planning, and assistance in increasing credit scores. 

 

Clients may request an appointment with a financial services volunteer via the link above, calling 904-241-2326.

Request Assistance

  • Assistance with rent and utility payments is available for residents who live or work within our service area (32233, 32266, 32250, 32082, 32224, 32227, and 32228).

  • Assistance with Beaches Energy Service (BES) and City of Atlantic Beach (Public Works and Utilities) can be provided at BEAM through their “CARE” programs.

  • Assistance with Beaches Energy bills is based on eligibility.

  • Assistance with overdue water and sewer bills for the City of Atlantic Beach Public Works is based on eligibility.

  • Clients must provide a current signed lease with their name as an occupant, photo ID, and proof of income or unemployment. If applying for utility assistance, a copy of the most recent past due bill must also be provided.

 

Do you live or work in any of the following areas: 32233, 32266, 32250, 32082, 32224, 32227, or 32228?

YES
NO

Some of the partners and donors who help us make a difference.