Rent Assistance Grants

Looking for Rent Assistance Grants? There are sometimes when you’re above, while at other times you’re under. When you are in a slump, you would need help in getting through the rough time. As you know, one of the biggest expenses spent by many Americans is housing or rental expenses.

If your family recently falls into a bad financial situation, you need to learn how to reduce the expenses. Don’t worry, we’re here for you and in this post, you should be able to learn about the possible sources that can assist you to pay your rent:

There are two basic categories for this kind of assistance. First is the short-term assistance, while the second is long-term assistance.

Types of Rent Assistance Grants Program

Short-Term Assistance

Short-term assistance programs are available to provide help during emergencies or unexpected life events such as divorce, deceased spouse, high medical bills, etc. Such programs are provided in most of the states in the US, but typically they do not award the money directly to the grant awardees. What’s more, each state government may have a different idea on this matter, so the program also varies by name and conditions. However, these programs are intended for people with confirmed financial needs. To see the available options in your local area, you may want to contact your state’s Social Service office and meet up with one of their social workers. They will provide the information you need.

If you need cash, you can search for charitable grants awarded by various organizations. For example, there’s the Self Sufficiency Grant from Modest Needs, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other religious charities, etc. Usually, they only accept a personal application, meaning that you need to show up in person and explain your financial hardship.

Long-Term Assistance

Short-term assistance can help you with your immediate need, but if you’re looking for a permanent place to live you may have to search for long-term assistance related to housing. Note that the long-term assistance from the Federal government doesn’t provide cash directly to you.
The rent assistance program called the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is a strict program provided only for those who have a really low income (usually 40% to 80% of the median average income of the area). This program can help pay most of the rent money and also pay the monthly bills for utilities. It’s important to note that this is NOT a permanent program, but it is a temporary program.

There’s also Subsidized Housing, which may be applied in some apartment complexes in your local area. The system will give the complex owner a tax break and then you get a low-cost rent. Just like other government programs, it is a need-based program that has attracted the interest of many people. Therefore, expect some competition.

Last but not least, we would like to remind you to contact your Department of Health and Human Services to let them know about the current change in your financial status. Alternatively, you can also contact United Way 211 which can help you connect with nonprofit organizations and foundations that may be able to help you find rental assistance grants.

References:

• PHA Contact Information
• What Is Section 8? – Low Income Housing Assistance
• Image: princegeorgescountymd.gov