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Money. (Credit: CBS News) The deadline for people in Charlotte County to take advantage of the Charlotte CARES individual financial assistance is Oct. 31. Charlotte CARES is offered to residents who have suffered a financial crisis due to COVID-19. The Community Organizations Active in Disaster has been offering online access to assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities and other needs since March 17, with Charlotte County Human Services processing applications submitted through the COAD website and the Gulf Coast Partnership assisting with unmet needs. Eligible Charlotte CARES applicants can receive a maximum of $3,000 toward rent or mortgage; up to $1,000 toward utilities; and up to $1,000 in dependent care assistance. Residents who previously received assistance through the COAD financial assistance program may be contacted about receiving additional assistance up to those maximum amounts or can be proactive and reach out to Human Services to inquire. Reapplication is not required. Receiving Charlotte CARES assistance does not preclude a recipient from eligibility for other Human Services programs. Access to assistance will continue to be available online through the COAD website, but several local nonprofit and community organizations are coming together to help get those funds to individuals and families in need. Residents can now apply either online at www.coadfl.org or in person at the following locations: Boys and Girls Club (Port Charlotte and Englewood locations – walk-ins welcome) Comprehensive Housing Resources (Port Charlotte – by appointment) New Operation Cooper Street (Punta Gorda – clients and others by appointment) Franz Ross YMCA (Port Charlotte – walk-ins/appointments) Goodwill Industries (Port Charlotte – services by appointment) Habitat for Humanity (Punta Gorda – clients/walk-ins) Homeless Coalition (Port Charlotte – clients/shelter residents/others by appointment) Punta Gorda Housing Authority (Punta Gorda – residents/others by appointment) Clients of the following agencies can schedule an appointment to apply with their provider: Baker Center Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) Charlotte Behavioral Health Care (CBHC) Charlotte County Public Schools, Social Work department Department of Health Drug Free Charlotte Gulf Coast Partnership For more information about Charlotte CARES individual financial assistance: How to apply; required documents; hours of operation and contact information for locations offering in-person service; and access to non-COVID related assistance call 2-1-1 (941-205-2161 for Englewood and out-of-area cell phone users) or visit www.charlotte211.net.