The services we provide are as follows: General Services, Health and Wellness, Waiver Assessments, Case Management and Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP).
The goals of the Case Management Services are to prevent/reduce homelessness, health concerns, and welfare concerns through the provision of short-term financial assistance.
Interested citizens should contact 2-1-1 or United Way of North Central Florida to complete an intake and assessment for homeless services. If and when services are available, you will be contacted by the assigned service provider, which may or may not be ACDSS. Referrals to homeless services' providers are managed by United Way of North Central Florida's Continuim of Care.
The Division of Social Services provides one-time assistance with rent, mortgage, and/or utility arrears or current amount due with a maximum combined assistance limit of $1,750. The account must be active, as we do not provide assistance with old rental or utility accounts. Applicants must provide documentation related to either a loss of income or unexpected essential expense(s). An application for this program may be submitted two years after last assistance; eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.
Additionally, through the EFAP, we are able to provide move-in assistance, which includes rental security deposit, utility deposit, first month’s rent, and/or last month’s rent with a maximum combined assistance limit of $3,000.
NOTE: rental, mortgage, and/or utility assistance cannot be combined with move-in assistance services.
If approved for assistance, payment will be made directly to landlord or utility company.
The goal of the Indigent Burial and Cremation program is to provide a dignified burial or cremation of decedents who die in Alachua County.
Alachua County has adopted a "Cremation Preferred Policy" which means that such service shall be through the use of cremation, except where prohibited by law or regulations; unknown or unclaimed persons; or where a relative has expressed a preference for burial.*
*County will provide the equivalent value of the cost of a cremation towards the cost of the burial.
NOTE: All cremations and burials must be completed through the County's contracted vendor.
Eligible residents may be eligible to receive a RTS day bus pass to access public transportation for medical and/or work related reasons.
Urgent Special NeedsThe Urgent Special Needs program offers assistance for items and services that are not offered through any other sources. Limitations may apply on all services.
NOTE: Federal, State, and other local resources must be accessed prior to use of this service. Program is payor of last resort.
Limited Medical SuppliesACDSS will assist eligible client obtain medical supplies. Client must not be eligible for any other insurance. Exclusions apply.
NOTE: Federal, State, and local resources must be accessed prior to the use of these funds.
Alachua Cares - Access to Primary Core Services and Prescription AssistancePrimary physician care may be available for eligible persons including diagnostic testing and lab work. ACDSS will assist eligible clients with limited prescription assistance by helping to pay for their medications. Client must not be eligible for any other insurance. Exclusions apply.
NOTE: Applicants may apply for primary care access and prescription assistance separately; if only one or the other is needed.
Vision Exams and EyeglassesACDSS will assist applicants with accessing vision exam and eyeglasses. This service is available once every two years.
Animal Services Fee WaiverCollaboration between ACDSS and Alachua County Animal Services to grant a fee waiver allowing indigent persons to reclaim their pets. Exclusions may apply; once in a lifetime.
Assessment Hardship Exemption ProgramThe Assessment Hardship Assistance Program will provide a waiver of assessment fees for qualified low-income homeowners in Alachua County for Solid Waste, Stormwater, and Fire. There is one streamlined application for all assessments.
For an Assessment Hardship Exemption Application Packet to complete, please contact Social Services at 352-264-6750 or email socialservices@alachuacounty.us.
Additionally, if you are applying for Alachua Cares, Primary Care, Diagnostics, Prescription, or Vision Assistance, please also submit the following documents:
NOTE: Additional information may be requested by the Social Service Team after they review your application packet.
Once you have completed, signed the application materials, and provided copies of the requested documentation (please furnish your own copies, not the original documents) you may submit it through any of the methods indicated below:
If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.