Services

The services we provide are as follows: General Services, Health and Wellness, Waiver Assessments, Case Management and Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP).

Case Management Services
Case Management Services

​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.

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Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP)
Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP)

​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. ​ 

False
General Services
General Services
Indigent Burials or Cremations

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.

Transportation

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 Needs
The 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.

False
Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness

Limited Medical Supplies
ACDSS 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 Assistance
Primary 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 Eyeglasses
ACDSS will assist applicants with accessing vision exam and eyeglasses.  This service is available once every two years.

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Waiver Assessment Services
Waiver Assessment Services

Animal Services Fee Waiver
Collaboration 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 Program
The 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.

False
The following items are needed when applying for assistance:
The following items are needed when applying for assistance:
Applying for Services
Thank you for your interest in Alachua County Division of Social Services. We are committed to helping Alachua County citizens reach or return to self-sufficiency by providing temporary short-term assistance through a variety of programs.

To request an application for services, please contact Social Services at 352-264-6750 or email socialservices@alachuacounty.us.

The following items are needed when applying for assistance:
  • Photo ID (driver's license or Florida ID card) for all adult household members
  • Social Security card for all household members
  • Birth certificate for all household members (other options: passport, permenant legal US residency card, or other official documentation of place of birth for US citizenship). ***Please contact our office, if you are unable to obtain photo ID, social security card, or birth certification documentation***
  • Two (2) proofs of Alachua County residency (lease; original utility bill; shelter statement; voter registration card; current school record; business mail with current address, etc.) NOTE: If you are requesting rent, mortgage, or utility assistance, your proofs of residency MUST include the lease, mortgage statement, and/or utility bill respectivly
  • Proof of all household income for past 60 days - Gross wages (before taxes/other deductions), other countable income and assets (things you own) for the past 60 days for all household members including: Social Security retirement, SSI, SSDI, child support payments, alimony, pay check stubs, alimony, income tax return; etc.
  • Food stamp benefit letter (issued by DCF or via ACCESS) confirming monthly amount
  • Bank Statement(s) for all checks, savings, and credit union accounts - most recent statement
  • Unemployed Affidavit(s) (form attach) - for anyone in the household who is not employed and not receiving Social Security disability
Additionally, if you are applying for Rent, Mortgage, or Utility Assistance, please also submit the following documents:
  • Original delinquent notice/original 3-day eviction notice or landlord/mortgage statement of past due
  • Termination/Leave of Absence/Verification of Loss of Income/Medical Statement, if this is the reason for need
  • Proof of unexpected expense, if reason for assistance is related to having to pay for something not expected
  • Contribution Statement (form attached), you are receiving support from other individuals or agencies

Additionally, if you are applying for Alachua Cares, Primary Care, Diagnostics, Prescription, or Vision Assistance, please also submit the following documents:

  • Proof of Application Status from the Health Insurance Marketplace – apply at (www.healthcare.gov) 
  • Letter from employer indicating that you and/or other household dependents are not eligible for health coverage
  • Letter from Department of Children & Families indicating that you are not eligible for Medicaid

NOTE: Additional information may be requested by the Social Service Team after they review your application packet.


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Submitting Your Application and Documents
Submitting Your Application and Documents

​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:

  • Drop-Off these materials at our office (Mondays-Fridays, 8:30am to 4:00pm)
  • Fax them to our office at (352) 264-6756, ATTN: Social Services
  • Mail them to our office (be sure to include enough postage) at: Alachua County Social Services, c/o Community Support Services Department, 218 SE 24th St Gainesville, FL 32641
  • E-mail your completed, signed application and documentation to our office at the following: socialservices@alachuacounty.us
NOTE: All submitted copies of documents must be legible (make sure they are readable when copied); we will not be able to accept or process your application without the requested documents.

NEXT STEPS: Once we receive your application and other requested documents, we will review your informaiton and determine if we need any other documentation to establish your eligibility. We will then contact you to review the information and let you know if there are additional questions or documents needed. If you have any questions, please call our office at (352) 264-6750.

Submitting an application is NOT a guarantee that services will be provided.

 

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If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

Contact

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  • Main Office
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6750
  • Fax: 352-264-6756
  • TDD/TTY: TDD/TYY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
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  • Sarai Cabrera
  • Social Services Director
  • John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center
  • 218 SE 24th Street
  • Gainesville, FL 32641
  • Phone: 352-264-6750
  • Fax: 352-264-6756
  • TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)
  •  

Mission Statement

  • To serve as a safety net and to enhance the health and productivity of low income Alachua County residents by providing information and referrals, access to health services, and short term financial assistance.
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