Sunrise leaders back pilot to fund one-time rental help for residents facing first-time eviction

The Sunrise City Commission on Feb. 4 heard a presentation on a proposed pilot program that would pair private philanthropy and Legal Aid of Broward County to provide one-time rental assistance aimed at preventing first-time evictions for families with children in Sunrise.

Mayor Michael J. Ryan introduced the proposal, saying founder Bob Manny and Legal Aid had already helped hundreds of people and that the pilot would begin with a $25,000 city contribution to pay rental assistance directly to families, with Legal Aid vetting applicants and preparing settlement agreements. Deborah Kaprowse Gamney, executive director of Legal Aid, told the commission the program would serve only Sunrise residents, be limited to first-time eviction cases, and target households with school-age or younger children.

The program as described would not pay for staff or administrative expenses; Manny said his foundation funds staff and that the $1,050–$1,100 average cost per person for rental help is far less than the estimated $47,000 annual public cost of a person entering homelessness. Commissioners asked about scope limits: Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman confirmed the pilot would cover rental, not mortgage, payments and that assistance would be non-recurring.

City Manager Mark Lubelski told commissioners the $25,000 could be covered with non-departmental funds already in the budget and that staff (legal, social services and finance) had reviewed the term sheet. The mayor asked staff, the city attorney and program partners to draft necessary agreements and return with documents and timelines for commission approval and implementation.

Commissioners praised the collaboration but stressed narrow eligibility and wraparound services. Legal Aid emphasized screening to distinguish situational need from chronic problems and said caseworkers work with families to adjust budgets and negotiate with landlords so the assistance is sustainable. Manny emphasized his foundation’s commitment and cited more than 600 people — including more than 320 children — helped to date nationwide by his program.

Next steps: staff will draft implementing agreements with Legal Aid and the Manny Foundation and return to the commission for formal approval, including reporting on program operations and impacts.