Mammoth AwardsDon’t let a felony make you feel like you’re out of luck, especially when it comes to rental emergency assistance.
Who can you turn to if friends or family can’t help you pay the rent? The answer is several sources, such as the federal or state government, churches, charities, and more.
We’ll break down how each option can help you stay in your home to keep on track and keep building towards a positive future.
Federal and State Rental Assistance
The government can help you pay the rent in two main ways. On the federal level, there’s the Section 8 program. Unfortunately, it’s not a quick fix since you need to apply, get approved, and sit on a waiting list. In all, this process could take years to complete.
Why even mention it? Because Section 8 vouchers can offer some much-needed stability for the long haul. If you get approved for a voucher, you’ll pay a fraction of your income towards rent, with the government covering the rest.
For this reason, contacting your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) to learn more about Section 8 is a solid move for your future. When you speak to someone, explain your situation, including your felony conviction. Tell them that you need help paying your rent now. They may be able to refer you to someone who can cover those immediate needs, while you also apply for your voucher.
On the state level, you may find an emergency rent assistance program that offers help with the following:
- Rent for one or two months
- Utility bills
- Security deposit
- Moving costs
- Other housing expenses
Compared to Section 8, help from your state is much more immediate assistance. It’s also not considered long term, as there may be limits on how often you can apply.
Each state has its own emergency rent assistance program. To find yours, search for “emergency rental assistance” with your state’s name via Google.
Churches and Charities
A local church can help you stay on your feet in many ways, and you can solicit assistance from them without feeling judged. Some offer emergency help with the rent, so it’s worth contacting every church in your area to see what they have to offer. You can look for local churches in the phone book, online, or through personal contacts.
Many charities also offer emergency rental assistance. The Salvation Army is one, as they can loan you one month’s rent, plus help you pay for clothing, food, transportation, utilities, and more.
Catholic Charities is another option. If they cannot help you pay your landlord, they may offer rapid rehousing should you get evicted.
Grants
A grant could keep you off the streets as well. ModestNeeds.org has self-sufficiency grants to cover emergencies like a temporary inability to pay rent. You can also search for emergency rent assistance grants in your state via Google.
211
Dial 211 on your phone to get help with emergency rental assistance, food, healthcare, etc. It’s a great number to call when you want to be discreet about your past and see what’s available. Their operators are there to help you and do not care if you have a felony or other past issues.
