Apply Online or Call (239) 533-CARE


Lee County Government is investing in Human & Business Services to provide immediate assistance for individuals, families and businesses.
Funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal stimulus package. Para asistencia en español, por favor llame 239-533-2273

Frequently Asked Questions

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Business Rehire Program

Food Pantry Program

Individual Assistance Program

 Rent, Mortgage, Utilities Assistance

 Maximum assistance of $2,000 per household

  Frequently Asked Questions

 Applications reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 13
  • Payments will be made directly to landlord, mortgage company and/or utility company.

  • Annual household income, at the time of application, must be below the income limit. Income limits vary by household size.
    • Income Limits for Household Size
      1-4 5 6 7 8
      $55,100 $59,550 $63,950 $68,350 $72,750

  • Applicant must have had a loss of employment or reduced work hours due to COVID-19.

Business Rehire Program

 Eligible Business and 501(c)3/501(c)19 who are rehiring employees laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

 $5,000 grant for each full time employee (or equivalent) rehired

  Frequently Asked Questions

 Apply Online
  • Intended to help businesses rehire employees who lost their job because of COVID-19

  • Funds can only be used for operating expenses not covered by other resources.

  • Employees must have been rehired on or after July 6, 2020 to be elligible.

  • Businesses currently receiving the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding are not eligible. Those whose PPP covered loan period has expired are eligible.

  • Business must have 250 or fewer employees, and the business owner must be a Lee County resident. 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 are also eligible for this program.

Food Pantry Program

 Emergency support to assist local food security organizations with additional expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 $5,000 individual grants to eligible Lee County food pantries

  Frequently Asked Questions

 Apply Online
  • A $5,000 one-time grant to defray extraordinary operating expenses such as increased food purchases, cold storage or warehouse rental, and temporary labor.

  • If a food pantry does not receive product from a Lee County food bank and otherwise meets our eligibility requirements call (239) 533-CARE (2273).

  • Required Proof of Partnership with Harry Chapin or Midwest Food Bank OR 501(c)(3), Food Handling Certificate and completed Food storage form. Grants available on a first-come, first-served basis

  • Funding includes: $1.55 million to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, $425,000 to the Midwest Food Bank, $225,000 to Community Cooperative, $500,000 to Lee County food pantries through $5,000 individual grants, $300,000 to reserves

Childcare Assistance Program

 Funding for United Way childcare scholarships, and PPE supply for partnering childcare providers

 Childcare scholarships to qualifying families

  Frequently Asked Questions

 Find a participating childcare provider
  • Lee County will work with United Way and a network of Gold Seal providers who offer quality childcare programming. The Gold Seal Quality Care program designation is available to providers who gain accreditation for a higher level of care and supervision provided to children.

  • Families can apply directly through a participating childcare provider. United Way staff will review the additional CARES questionnaire and, if the family qualifies, award scholarship funding directly to the childcare facility.

  • The childcare assistance via CARES funding will be given for an appropriate timeframe while the family regains employment stability.

PPE for Small Businesses Program

 Program closed 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4

 1,365 Total Applications Received

 1,062 PPE Kits Distributed
  • This program provided medical and dental practices, childcare services and youth camps, museums and historical sites, amusement and recreation centers, independant restaurants, barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons and personal care services. Each kit contained a predetermined quantity of surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and other PPE.