Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP)
The Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) is designed to meet the emergency needs of residents of Leon County by providing financial assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities, and home fuel to avoid disruption in a household living circumstance. Situations arise where, due to a family crisis, loss of employment, or some other emergency, an individual or family find they are temporarily unable to meet their basic needs. The DEAP program provides temporary emergency assistance and is not ongoing public assistance.
Maximum Payment Amounts
Shelter (Rent/Mortgage)
The maximum level of assistance for housing (rent or mortgage) shall be limited to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent for Leon County based on the number of bedrooms within the home. An applicant will be required to demonstrate the ability to make any payments above the HUD Fair Market Rent required to mitigate eviction or foreclosure.
Fair Market Rent FY 2025
| # of Bedrooms |
Fair Market Rent |
| 1 |
$ 1,181.00 |
| 2 |
$ 1,321.00 |
| 3 |
$ 1,664.00 |
| 4 |
$ 1,832.00 |
| 5 |
$ 2,107.00 |
| 6 |
$ 2,382.00 |
| 7 |
$ 2,656.00 |
| 8 |
$ 2,931.00 |
Utilities / Home Fuel
The maximum level of assistance for utility or home fuel shall be limited to the amount required to avoid disruption of services for the subsequent 30 days.
How to Apply
- Visit the application portal.
- Register for a new account by inputting your email address, name, and password of your choice. If you already have a Neighborly account, sign in with your existing email address and password.
- If you do not have access to the internet, please call the Office of Human Services and Community Partnerships at 850-606-1940 to speak to a staff member.
- Find the Emergency Assistance Program and click "Click here to start a new application."
- Follow the instructions on the application and submit all required documents where instructed.
- Once submitted, your application will be processed, and you will receive an email with the next steps once the application has been reviewed.
For information on other available forms of emergency assistance, including rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, mental health resources, individual/family support services, and more, please contact 2-1-1 Big Bend.