When you’re already grappling with financial hardship or feeling the strain of making ends meet, the sudden surge of a rent hike by several hundred dollars can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Thankfully, various charitable organizations provide a lifeline through accessible housing options for low-income individuals, often paired with grants that alleviate the financial strain in exchange for a modest fee. These charitable entities are dedicated to supporting the well-being of their communities, offering essential rent payments without expecting anything in return. Their sole ambition is to uplift the individuals they serve, fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to flourish.
Here are 5 Best Charities that help with rent:
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United Way
The United Way is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting low-income individuals, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups with essential needs such as utilities, groceries, healthcare, and housing expenses. In addition, the organization extends its assistance to students and individuals with disabilities, aiming to uplift a broad spectrum of those facing financial challenges.
One of their key initiatives, the King County Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP), offers targeted support for rent relief.
What’s Available:
Eligible families may qualify for rental assistance covering 3 to 12 months, which includes up to 9 months for past-due rent and 3 months for future rent, based on the specific lease agreement with their landlord or property manager.-source
Program Eligibility as per their policies:
To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Facing financial hardship directly or indirectly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting the household’s ability to cover rental payments.
- At risk of homelessness or currently facing housing instability.
For more details, you can complete a form here.
Note: Be sure to check for United Way rental assistance programs available in your county.
Habitat for Humanity
The DEHAP program, offered by Habitat for Humanity, provides rental assistance to low- to moderate-income renters in Delaware who have been impacted, either directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rental assistance provides:
Housing
Emergency housing assistance is available for renters impacted by shutdowns, business closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, unpaid leave, and other financial hardships stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. This assistance provides:
- Up to $2,000 per month in rental support, for a maximum of 15 months.
- Coverage for rental arrears from April 2020 to the present.
- Up to three months of future rent.
- Support for security deposits and first month’s rent.
Utilities
- Provides up to $1,500 per month to assist with current utility bills and outstanding arrears.
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Eligibility Criteria for Rent Assistance:
- One or more household members qualified for unemployment, experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant expenses, or faced other financial hardships due to the pandemic, either directly or indirectly.
- At risk of homelessness or currently experiencing housing instability.
- Current household income at the time of application is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Source: Rental Assistance Program
Note: Habitat for Humanity has multiple branches across various states and counties. Be sure to check the specific location for assistance in your area.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities offers an Emergency Rent Assistance Program to support those in need.
As stated on their website, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides financial help for rent, past-due rent, utilities, and home energy costs that were incurred due to, directly or indirectly, the impacts of COVID-19.
To qualify for assistance, clients must provide proof of financial loss, such as pay stubs, bank statements, unemployment award letters, or other relevant documents.
How to apply for rent assistance:
- Search on Google using the format: “Catholic Charities [Your County Name] Rent Assistance.” For example, if you live in Santa Clara County, search for “Catholic Charities Santa Clara County Rent Assistance.”
- Replace “Santa Clara” with the name of your county.
- This will help you find the Catholic Charities office in your area.
- Click on the first link that appears and follow the application instructions.
- Be sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers rent assistance to low-income families, which can help cover monthly rent, utility bills, and other expenses. They provide various rent assistance programs, including emergency grants, short-term grants, and long-term housing support. These programs are available to all low-income individuals, including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and families with children.
There are several ways to apply for rent assistance through The Salvation Army. You can apply online via their website, call their 24-hour hotline, or reach out to partner social service agencies across the country. These agencies, such as local food banks, shelters, and community centers, collaborate with The Salvation Army to offer additional resources and services to low-income individuals in need.
The Salvation Army maintains a robust presence across numerous regions, including areas such as Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, and Northwest Indiana.
Eblen Charities
Eblen Charities is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals navigating through crises and challenging circumstances.
Their rental assistance initiative offers critical financial relief to families facing overdue rent and mortgage obligations.
Eligibility Criteria for the Rent Assistance Program:
The Emergency Assistance (EA) program covers overdue payments for utilities such as power, gas, water, and oil, as well as overdue rent and mortgage payments. It also extends to rent deposits for those without stable housing or electric deposits for individuals residing in homes lacking power.
To qualify, applicants must be the primary caregiver, parent, or guardian of a child under the age of 18 living in the home.
Click to: Apply
What is Rent Assistance?
Rent assistance is a government-supported program that helps low-income households pay their monthly rent. This non-cash aid is typically administered by local governments and is intended for individuals or families with limited income and resources. Rent assistance is often part of broader government housing initiatives, and it comes in various forms, including Section 8 housing, public housing, and other housing subsidies.
Types of Rent Assistance for Tenants
Rent assistance programs vary by location due to factors such as local rental costs, available resources, and tenant needs.
For example, different types of rent assistance may be offered to individuals living in public housing, Section 8 housing, or other subsidized housing.
- Section 8: This government program provides financial support to low-income households to help cover their rent. In some cases, eligible participants may also receive a voucher to apply for an apartment that meets their needs and fits within their budget.
Public Housing – This is government-operated housing designed for low-income households. You can apply for a grant to help cover the rent for a government-owned unit.
Other Housing Subsidies – These can cover additional housing expenses, such as utility bills, home repairs, and other charges a tenant may need to pay. Subsidies may also include direct rental assistance.
How to Apply for Rent Assistance as a Tenant
There are multiple ways to seek rent assistance. You can apply directly through programs that provide financial aid for housing costs. Another option is to reach out to your local government, which can guide you to available funding options.
Charitable organizations also offer rent assistance. To improve your chances of receiving aid, consider applying to all available rent assistance programs in your area, as each program has unique eligibility requirements.
When to Apply for Rent Assistance
Different programs offer varying types of support, yet all share the goal of helping low-income households manage rent expenses. By applying, you could receive essential assistance to cover part or all of your rental costs.
To qualify for rent assistance, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, which may vary based on your location and the resources available in your area. The type of assistance you receive can also differ depending on these factors, as some programs are restricted to specific types of housing.
The timing of your application can influence the outcome. Applying at times when landlords are more inclined to accept tenants needing financial support may increase your chances of success. However, since this factor is beyond your control, it’s best to plan and apply at a time that works well for you.
Tips for Finding the Best Rent Assistance Program
- Research Local Programs: Start by exploring the types of rent assistance programs available in your area. Knowing what options are offered locally will help you apply to as many relevant programs as possible.
- Contact Local Social Services: Reach out to local social service agencies to gather information about housing resources and assistance programs. They can provide guidance on eligibility and how to apply.
- Check Eligibility Requirements: Each rent assistance program has specific eligibility requirements. Review these carefully to ensure you qualify before applying.
- Apply During High-Need Periods: Some funding programs are more accessible during times of high need. Applying during these times may increase your chances, as landlords may be more willing to accept tenants needing financial support.
- Reach Out to Non-Profits: Many non-profit organizations offer rent assistance programs. Contact these organizations to understand what they offer and apply to all relevant programs.
- Use Online Resources: Many websites provide information on rent assistance programs and application processes. Online research can be a great first step in finding the right program.
- Consider Affordable Housing Options: Look into low-income housing options or other social services that can support you financially, such as non-profits focused on affordable housing.
Starting with these steps can help you find the best rent assistance programs and maximize your chances of securing support.
Some more resources and links we found for rent assistance
Note: Rental assistance resources can vary by county and state.
City of Irving Rental Assistance Programs
Frisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Rental Assistance Resource List
Bottom line
While financial struggles can feel overwhelming, there are many resources available to help. Don’t let your rent go unpaid—reach out to a local nonprofit for assistance today. Many of these organizations offer sliding fee scales to help cover rent, regardless of income level. Please consider sharing this information to support those in need.