The Definitive Guide to Emergency Rental Assistance: Finding Help and Securing Your Home

Facing the possibility of losing one's home is one of the most stressful experiences a person or family can endure. The uncertainty and pressure can feel overwhelming. If you are struggling to pay rent and are worried about eviction, it is important to know that you are not alone, and that systems are in place to provide support.

This guide is designed to be the most comprehensive and practical resource available for understanding, finding, and successfully applying for emergency rental assistance in the United States. It serves as a clear roadmap through what can often feel like a complicated system, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to secure the help you need.

The landscape of rental assistance has changed significantly since its large-scale implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the original, massive federal program has evolved, financial help is still available through a dedicated network of state, local, and non-profit organizations. This article will walk you through every step of the process, from identifying your eligibility to submitting your application and understanding your rights.

In Crisis? Start Here

If you are facing an immediate housing crisis, such as an eviction notice or utility shutoff, time is critical. The following resources are the most direct and reliable starting points for finding help in your local area.

• Call or Visit 211.org: This is the most universally recommended first step. By calling 211 or visiting the website, you can connect with a local specialist who can provide information on a wide range of services, including emergency rental and utility assistance programs in your community. This service is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
• Use the CFPB Rental Assistance Finder: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency, hosts an official, interagency housing portal. This tool is specifically designed to help renters and landlords find and apply for rental assistance programs in their areas. It is a trusted, authoritative resource for identifying legitimate government programs.
• Search the NLIHC Database: The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is a leading housing advocacy organization that maintains a searchable database of federal Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs. This is an invaluable tool for checking the status of specific programs, as it provides up-to-date information on whether a program is still accepting applications

A Strategic Approach to Finding Help

The most effective search for assistance is not a single action but a strategic, multi-pronged approach. The reality of the current system is that it is fragmented; a program in one county may have exhausted its funds while a neighboring one still has aid available. Because of this, relying on just one resource may lead to a dead end and unnecessary discouragement.

A more resilient strategy involves triangulating the "Three Pillars of Access" outlined above. This approach is powerful because each resource serves a slightly different function. The 211 service provides human-guided navigation to a broad spectrum of local social services, not just rental assistance. The CFPB's portal is a direct, government-sanctioned tool for finding specific emergency rental assistance programs funded by the Treasury.

Finally, the NLIHC's database offers crucial, real-time intelligence on program funding and application status, which is vital in a landscape where many programs have closed. By pursuing all three avenues, you significantly increase your chances of connecting with an open and relevant program that can provide the lifeline you need.

Understanding Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): Your Questions Answered

To navigate the system effectively, it is essential to first understand what these programs are, where they came from, and how they operate. This foundational knowledge will demystify the process and equip you to advocate for yourself and your family.

What Are Emergency Rental Assistance Programs?

At their core, Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAPs) are government-funded initiatives designed to provide direct financial assistance to eligible households who are unable to pay rent or utilities. The primary goals of these programs are to prevent evictions, reduce housing instability, and mitigate the economic hardships that can lead to homelessness.

A critical feature of this aid is that it is typically provided as a grant, not a loan. This means that, in almost all cases, the money you receive does not need to be repaid. The assistance is paid directly to landlords, property managers, and utility companies on behalf of the eligible tenant, ensuring the funds are applied directly to the housing-related debts.

The Story of ERAP: From a COVID-19 Response to Ongoing Support

The large-scale Emergency Rental Assistance Program as we know it today was born directly out of the economic crisis sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses closed and millions of Americans lost income, it became clear that a massive intervention was needed to prevent a nationwide eviction catastrophe. In response, the U.S. Congress authorized an unprecedented level of funding, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, to keep families in their homes.

This federal initiative was rolled out in two major phases, often referred to as ERA1 and ERA2:

• ERA1: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, passed in December 2020, established the first wave of funding with $25 billion dedicated to emergency rental assistance.  
• ERA2: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, enacted in March 2021, provided a second, substantial infusion of $21.55 billion to continue and expand these efforts.

Together, these two pieces of legislation injected over $46.5 billion into the U.S. economy for the sole purpose of housing stability—a historic investment in the social safety net. Understanding this history is key to understanding the current landscape. The federal legislation set deadlines for when this money had to be spent: ERA1 funds had to be used by September 2022, while the deadline for ERA2 funds extends to September 2025. This is why many programs have since closed their doors, while others with remaining ERA2 funds may still be active.

Who Runs These Programs? The Federal, State, and Local Partnership

The structure of ERAP is a prime example of federalism in action. The U.S. Department of the Treasury did not administer a single, national program. Instead, it allocated the $46.5 billion in funds to states, U.S. territories, tribal governments, and local governments with populations of over 200,000. These entities, known as "grantees," were then tasked with designing and implementing their own local rental assistance programs.  

This decentralized model means that while the funding is federal, the rules are local. Each state, county, or city creates its own application process, sets its own specific eligibility requirements, and decides how to prioritize applicants. To manage the distribution of funds and community outreach, these government grantees often partner with a network of local non-profit organizations and community action agencies to serve as the public-facing administrators of the program.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Local Control

This approach of granting "policy discretion" to local administrators was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it was intended to allow for flexibility and speed. This enabled programs to be tailored to the unique needs of different communities and avoided the bottleneck of a single federal bureaucracy.

However, this same flexibility inadvertently created a complex and often inequitable "postcode lottery" for aid. The practical result is that a renter's ability to get help—and the ease with which they can secure it—can vary dramatically from one county to the next. Success often depends not just on their level of need but on the specific rules and efficiency of their local program.

For example, a renter in one jurisdiction might benefit from a streamlined application that allows for self-attestation of income, a best practice encouraged by the Treasury to reduce barriers. Meanwhile, a renter with an identical situation in a neighboring jurisdiction might be required to produce an onerous list of documents, creating a significant hurdle to receiving aid. This guide is designed to help you navigate this very maze, equipping you with the knowledge to identify the most accessible programs available to you.

Are You Eligible? A Clear Guide to Qualification

Eligibility for emergency rental assistance is not arbitrary. While specific details vary by program, the U.S. Treasury established a consistent framework built on three core pillars. Understanding these pillars is the first step in determining if you may qualify for help.

The Three Pillars of Eligibility

Most emergency rental assistance programs across the country base their eligibility criteria on the following three conditions, all of which must generally be met:

1. Financial Hardship: A household must demonstrate a significant financial hardship. While originally tied to the COVID-19 outbreak, the definition is broad and can be either "directly or indirectly" related to the pandemic era. Examples of qualifying hardships include:

• Qualifying for unemployment benefits.
• Experiencing a reduction in household income (e.g., lost job, reduced hours).
• Incurring significant costs (e.g., medical bills, childcare).  

2. Risk of Housing Instability: A household must be at risk of homelessness or housing instability. This is often the most straightforward requirement to prove. This risk is typically demonstrated with official documentation, such as:

• A past-due rent notice.
• A utility shutoff notice.
• A formal eviction notice from a landlord or court.

3. Income Threshold: A household's total income must fall at or below a specific level set by the local program. The most common threshold is 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). To ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable, many programs prioritize applicants with even lower incomes. This often includes those at or below 50% or 30% of the AMI.

Decoding Income Limits: What "Area Median Income" (AMI) Means for You

The term "Area Median Income" or AMI is central to eligibility, but it can be confusing. In simple terms, AMI is the household income for the median—or middle—household in a specific region. It is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and varies significantly based on two factors: geography and household size.

A family of four in a high-cost urban area will have a much higher AMI than a single individual in a rural county. When you apply for a program, you will typically find an income limit chart on their website. These charts show the maximum gross annual income (income before taxes) a household can have to qualify.

For example, a chart from San Antonio shows that for a household of four to be eligible at the 80% AMI level, their total annual income must be at or below $70,800. A similar chart for Oregon shows that for a household of two in Clackamas County, the 80% AMI income limit is $61,900. It is crucial to check the specific chart for your county and household size to see if you qualify. You can usually find this on the local program's website or by using HUD's official data tools.

Proving Your Need: The Difference Between Hard Documentation and Self-Attestation

Once you have determined you likely meet the income requirements, you will need to verify your eligibility. Programs generally use one of two methods for this:

• Hard Documentation: This traditional approach requires applicants to upload specific documents to prove eligibility. While thorough, this method can be a barrier for individuals who lack easy access to paperwork during a crisis. Commonly required documents include pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, letters from employers, or unemployment benefit statements.
• Self-Attestation: To reduce barriers, the Treasury encouraged programs to allow self-attestation. This lets an applicant provide a written, signed statement certifying their eligibility information. This method is especially helpful for those with non-traditional income (like gig workers) or who cannot easily get formal documents.
• Actionable Tip: Look for programs that explicitly allow self-attestation, as this often indicates a more accessible and user-friendly process.

Comparing Housing Assistance Programs

The landscape of housing assistance is not monolithic. A person seeking help might encounter several different types of programs, each with its own funding source and, consequently, its own set of rules for income eligibility. This can be a major point of confusion, as a person might be ineligible for one program but perfectly qualified for another. The following table provides a clear comparison of the most common programs and their typical income standards to help you better navigate your options.

How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Knowing you are eligible is the first step; successfully navigating the application process is the next. Being organized and prepared can make a significant difference in how quickly your application is processed and approved. This section provides a practical, step-by-step guide to turning your need for assistance into a completed application.

Step 1: Finding the Right Program in Your Area

As established, aid is distributed locally, so your first task is to identify the specific organization handling applications for your city, county, or state. The most effective method is to use the "Three Pillars of Access" mentioned in the introduction:

• Call 211 or visit 211.org.  
• Use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Rental Assistance Finder.
• Search the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) database.

In addition to these primary resources, you can expand your search by:

• Performing a targeted web search: Use terms like "[Your City] emergency rental assistance," "[Your County] rent help," or " housing assistance program".
• Contacting a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency: These organizations provide free or low-cost advice and can help you identify local resources. You can find a local agency through the HUD website or by calling their hotline.
• Reaching out to local non-profits: Organizations like the United Way, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or St. Vincent de Paul often have their own assistance programs or can direct you to the correct government entity.

Step 2: Preparing Your Application - The Document Checklist

Once you have identified an open program, the single most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth process is to gather all your necessary documents before you begin the online application. An incomplete application can cause significant delays or even lead to a denial. The following checklist consolidates the most commonly required documents mentioned by programs across the country. While the exact requirements may vary slightly, having these items ready will prepare you for almost any application.

Step 3: Navigating the Application Portal and Working with Your Landlord

With your documents gathered, you are ready to tackle the application itself. Most programs use an online portal for applications. The process typically involves these stages:

1. Registration: Creating an account with your email and a password.
2. Filling out the Application: Entering information about your household, income, landlord, and the assistance you need.
3. Uploading Documents: Attaching the digital copies (scans or clear photos) of the documents you prepared in Step 2.
4. Electronic Signature: Certifying that the information you have provided is true and submitting the application.

A crucial part of this process involves your landlord. Because assistance payments are usually made directly to the property owner, most programs require the landlord to participate. After you submit your portion of the application, the program will typically contact your landlord to verify the amount of rent you owe and to collect their information, such as a W-9 tax form and bank details for direct deposit.

This raises a common and stressful question: What if my landlord refuses to cooperate? This is a valid concern, but programs have anticipated this issue. The Treasury has provided guidance that allows for flexibility. If a landlord is unresponsive or refuses to participate after the program has made reasonable efforts to contact them, some programs have provisions to either hold the funds for the tenant for a set period (e.g., 180 days) or, in some cases, provide the assistance payment directly to the tenant. If you are worried about your landlord's cooperation, it is important to ask the program administrator about their specific policies for "direct-to-tenant" assistance.

Step 4: After You Submit: The Review Process and What to Expect

After you click "submit," your application enters the review phase. An agency case worker will assess your application for completeness and eligibility. Be prepared for them to contact you if they need clarification or additional documentation.

It is important to set realistic expectations regarding the timeline. The time from submission to approval and payment can vary dramatically from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program's backlog and efficiency. Once a decision is made, you will be notified. If your application is denied, some programs offer a formal appeals process where you can request a reconsideration of the decision. Check your denial notice for information on how to appeal.

What Financial Help Can You Receive

Emergency rental assistance is a comprehensive form of aid designed to address the full scope of housing instability. The program's design reflects a sophisticated understanding that keeping a family housed involves more than just paying a single month's rent. By covering a range of interconnected costs, the aid aims to solve the underlying problem of instability, not just treat the symptom of overdue rent. This holistic approach is a powerful reason to apply, as the potential benefits may be greater than you expect.

Covering Past-Due Rent (Arrears) and Late Fees

The primary function of ERAP is to pay off rental arrears—the back rent that a household owes. This assistance can often cover rent that has accrued since the beginning of the pandemic, typically dated from March 13, 2020, onward. In addition to the base rent, many programs recognize that late fees can accumulate and become a significant burden. As such, funds can often be used to pay for any reasonable late fees associated with the rental arrears, providing more complete relief.

Assistance with Future Rent Payments

ERAP is not just about looking backward; it is also designed to be forward-looking. Recognizing that a family that has fallen behind on rent may struggle in the immediate future, many programs offer assistance for upcoming rent payments. This is often referred to as "prospective rent." Typically, programs may provide up to three months of future rent at a time to give the household a period of stability to get back on its feet. The total amount of assistance a household can receive, combining both past and future rent, is usually capped. Federal guidelines allowed for up to 18 months of total assistance, though local programs could set their own lower limits.

Help with Utilities, Security Deposits, and Other Housing Costs

A household facing eviction for non-payment of rent is almost certainly struggling with other essential housing costs. The program's design acknowledges this reality by allowing funds to be used for a wide range of expenses beyond rent:

• Utilities: Assistance can be applied to past-due utility bills, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash removal. This can prevent a utility shutoff, which itself can be grounds for eviction in some cases.
• Other Housing-Related Costs: The definition of eligible expenses is surprisingly broad. Depending on the local program's rules, aid may also cover:
• Internet Service: Recognizing that internet access is essential for work, school, and finding new housing, some programs allow funds to be used for this cost.  
• Relocation Expenses: If a household has already lost their home or needs to move to a more affordable unit, some programs will cover costs like security deposits, application fees, and screening fees for a new rental.  

This comprehensive approach demonstrates that the goal of ERAP is true housing stabilization. It provides a robust safety net that addresses the multiple financial pressures that can push a family toward homelessness.

Know Your Rights: ERAP and Eviction Protection

Financial assistance is a powerful tool, but it is made even more effective when paired with knowledge of your legal rights as a tenant. The emergency rental assistance program is deeply intertwined with the eviction process, and in many places, simply applying for aid can provide you with crucial protections.

How Rental Assistance Can Stop an Eviction

In many jurisdictions, the act of applying for or receiving emergency rental assistance can create a legal shield against eviction. While laws vary by state and city, some common protections include:

• Pausing Eviction Proceedings: Some local laws require that an eviction case for non-payment of rent be paused or delayed if the tenant can show they have a pending ERAP application.
• Landlord Obligations: A landlord who accepts an ERAP payment on a tenant's behalf often must agree to certain conditions. These can include waiving any late fees not covered by the program payment and, most importantly, agreeing not to evict the tenant for non-payment of rent for a specified period after receiving the funds. This provides a critical window of stability for the tenant.

Finding Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid

If you have received a formal eviction notice or a court summons (often called an "Unlawful Detainer"), it is imperative that you seek legal assistance immediately. The eviction process moves quickly, and having legal representation can make a profound difference in the outcome. You do not have to face this alone. There are numerous organizations dedicated to providing free or low-cost legal help to low-income individuals.

Key resources for finding legal aid include:

• LawHelp.org: A national website that helps people with low and moderate incomes find free legal aid programs in their communities.
• Legal Services Corporation (LSC): An independent nonprofit funded by the federal government to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. Their website has a tool to help you find a local LSC-funded organization.
• Local Eviction Defense Networks: Many cities have specific organizations dedicated to fighting evictions, such as the Eviction Defense Collaborative in San Francisco. Search for "[Your City] eviction defense" or "[Your City] tenant rights organization" to find similar groups in your area.

Understanding Your General Tenant Rights

Beyond ERAP-specific protections, all tenants have rights under federal and local laws. It is helpful to be aware of two key areas:

• Fair Housing and Non-Discrimination: Landlords cannot legally refuse to rent to you, evict you, or set different rules based on protected characteristics. These include race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), family status, or disability. If you believe you have faced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Debt Collection Practices: If a landlord uses a third-party agency or lawyer to collect rent, they may be considered a debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices, such as harassment or making false statements, to collect a debt.

Warning: How to Identify and Avoid Rental Assistance Scams

In times of crisis and uncertainty, scammers emerge to prey on those in need. The large-scale rollout of emergency rental assistance created a prime opportunity for fraud, with bad actors using sophisticated methods to steal money and personal information from vulnerable renters. Protecting yourself is a critical part of the process, and knowing the red flags is your best defense.

Recognizing the Red Flags of a Scam

Legitimate assistance programs operate with transparency and do not engage in high-pressure tactics. Be immediately suspicious if you encounter any of the following:

• They Ask for a Fee: This is the most definitive sign of a scam. Legitimate government rental assistance programs will never charge you a fee to apply or process your application. Any request for an "application fee," "processing fee," or "expediting fee" is fraudulent.
• They Contact You First: Federal agencies like the Treasury or HUD will not contact you unexpectedly via text, email, or social media to offer assistance. All legitimate programs require the renter to initiate the application process.
• They Promise Immediate Approval or Special Access: Scammers often prey on desperation by guaranteeing approval or claiming they have a special connection that can speed up the process. Real programs have a formal review process and cannot offer such guarantees.
• They Demand Payment in Unusual Forms: No government agency or legitimate non-profit will ever ask you to pay for anything with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. These are untraceable payment methods favored by scammers.
• The Website or Email Looks "Phishy": Scammers are skilled at creating fake websites and emails that mimic official government logos and branding. They may use a URL that is very similar to a real one. Always be cautious of unsolicited links.

How to Verify a Program is Legitimate

The safest way to find and apply for help is to follow these simple rules:

• Start from a Trusted Source: Always begin your search from an official, trusted website, such as the CFPB Rental Assistance Finder, the NLIHC database, or 211.org, as linked in this guide.
• Navigate Directly: Do not click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. Instead, type the official web address of the organization (e.g., yourcounty.gov) directly into your browser's address bar to ensure you are on the real site.
• Verify by Phone: If you receive a suspicious communication, find the organization's official phone number from their legitimate website and call them directly to verify the request.

To make these warnings as clear as possible, the following table breaks down the most common scams and the immediate action you should take if you encounter them.

Where to Report Suspected Fraud

If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a crucial step in protecting others. It helps law enforcement and government agencies track down criminals and shut down fraudulent operations. Here is where you should report suspected fraud, in order of priority:

1. The Local Program Agency: Your first report should be to the actual, legitimate agency that administers ERA funds in your area. They may be able to take immediate action, especially if their name or logo is being used in the scam.
2. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is the nation's primary consumer protection agency and collects reports on all types of fraud. You can file a report easily online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
3. The U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General (OIG): Since ERA programs were funded by the Treasury, their OIG investigates fraud related to these funds. You can report fraud on their website or hotline.
4. The HUD Office of Inspector General (OIG): If the scam involves a HUD-related program like Section 8 or Public Housing, you should also report it to the HUD OIG.

The Future of Rental Assistance in a Post-Pandemic World

The massive federal response to the COVID-19 housing crisis fundamentally altered the landscape of social service delivery in the United States. As the country moves further from the acute phase of the pandemic, the nature of rental assistance is evolving. Understanding this shift is key to navigating the resources available today and in the future.

The Current Status of Federal ERA Funding

The stark reality is that the dedicated federal funding streams of ERA1 and ERA2 are finite. Many state and local programs that relied exclusively on this money have exhausted their allocations and have permanently closed their application portals. The availability of aid has transitioned from a nationwide guarantee to a patchwork quilt, where help is concentrated in states and counties that either received larger allocations, managed their funds differently, or have supplemented federal dollars with their own resources. The program status map maintained by the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) illustrates this reality, showing a complex mix of states where programs are closed, partially open in specific counties, or still operating.

The Shift Toward a Patchwork of Initiatives

In the wake of dwindling ERA funds, the landscape of housing support is now characterized by a diverse mix of initiatives. The remaining ERA2 funds, which must be spent by September 2025, are one piece of the puzzle. Another significant source is the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), another component of the American Rescue Plan Act, which gives local governments flexible funding that can be used for housing stability.

Furthermore, many states and cities are now stepping in with their own locally driven and funded programs. For instance, Colorado launched its state-funded CERA program to continue providing aid after federal funds were depleted , while some municipalities in California have used local revenue measures, like Measure Q in Ontario, to establish their own emergency grant programs for renters. This shift means that finding help increasingly requires hyper-local knowledge of city and county-level initiatives.

The Growing Role of Technology and AI in Streamlining Aid

The immense pressure to distribute billions of dollars quickly and efficiently during the pandemic served as a powerful catalyst for technological innovation in the public sector. The crisis forced a decade's worth of modernization in social service delivery into the span of just a few years. Government agencies and their non-profit partners, faced with unprecedented application volumes, rapidly moved away from slow, paper-based processes and toward more efficient, data-driven solutions.

This technological leap is evident in the emergence of AI-powered tools and specialized software platforms designed for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and program administrators. Companies like Bob.ai offer AI assistants that can automate core processes like income verification, rent calculations, and eligibility recertifications, freeing up staff from manual tasks and accelerating the delivery of aid. Similarly, the adoption of "no-code" platforms allowed agencies to quickly build and deploy custom digital application portals for renters and landlords, maintaining compliance with federal rules while moving at a pace previously thought impossible.

This trend extends beyond housing; agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are developing AI chatbots to help their own staff navigate complex grant application rules, a model that could be applied broadly to improve the efficiency and accuracy of social service delivery.  

A Permanent Shift Towards Modernization

This crisis-driven modernization is likely a permanent shift. Having experienced the benefits of these technologies, agencies will be reluctant to revert to older, less efficient methods. This has profound implications for the future of the social safety net, potentially leading to faster and more targeted delivery of aid in future economic downturns or disasters.

Navigating the Challenges of Digital Transformation

However, this digital transformation is not without its challenges. It raises important questions about ensuring equitable access for individuals with limited digital literacy and protecting the privacy of sensitive applicant data. It also requires rigorously auditing automated systems to ensure they are free from biases that could inadvertently deny help to the very people who need it most. The future of effective and equitable assistance will depend on harnessing the power of this new technology while actively mitigating its risks.

Conclusion: Your Path to Housing Stability

Navigating financial hardship and the threat of housing instability is a difficult journey, but it is not one you have to take alone. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the broader network of housing support services were created to serve as a critical safety net, providing the resources necessary to keep you and your family securely housed. The system can be complex, but it is manageable when approached with knowledge and persistence.

This guide has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to empower you in your search for help. The most critical steps are to act quickly, start your search with the "Three Pillars of Access"—211, the CFPB Rental Assistance Finder, and the NLIHC database—and gather your essential documents before you begin an application. This preparation can dramatically streamline the process. As you move forward, remember to be persistent in your search, seek free legal aid if you receive an eviction notice, and remain vigilant against the threat of scams by trusting only official sources.

The process of asking for help can be daunting, but it is a sign of strength and a proactive step toward a more stable future. The resources outlined in this guide are in place because communities across the nation recognize that safe, stable housing is the foundation upon which healthy lives are built. By taking these steps, you are not just applying for financial aid; you are advocating for your right to that foundation and taking control of your path to housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions