Although it is becoming increasingly difficult, it is still possible to get money to help pay the rent or the mortgage. Due to a bad economy and lay-offs, more people are seeking housing assistance.
Homelessness is on the rise, while many others face eviction or foreclosure. Fortunately, there is financial assistance available to help people pay their housing costs. The trick is finding organizations with available funding for people who need help.
Housing Grants from National Organizations
You can start your search for a housing grant by visiting the local offices of Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities in your state. You can also call or email these charitable organizations. The websites offer contact information. When contacting them, ask about any funds for housing emergencies.
Many charitable organizations offer emergency housing assistance. These funds are usually one-time grants that don’t have to be paid back. Grants are just for one month of financial help. They offer temporary help for those struggling financially.
Check Out Homeless Organizations
Most large cities have several homeless organizations committed to preventing homeless and/pr helping homeless people. Some of these organizations get donations from the community or state grants to fund the housing grants program. You can locate these organizations by looking at the government websites for your city, county or state.
Visit the DHS or Welfare Office
It you need help, the Department of Human Services may be able to help. This is especially true if you have children. For people with disabilities or senior citizens, there may also be resources available in your state. It may find it embarrassing to need public assistance, but it is important for the protection of your family and yourself. By making an appointment with a social worker, you can discuss your options for housing assistance. The DHS website may also have a list of organizations that provide short-term housing assistance.
Places of Worship
Many large churches, temples or mosques have resources to help its members. It is always a good idea to check out your place of worship and ask for suggestions on where you can go for help. Some large churches do offer short-term financial assistance to members.
Tenants’ Rights Associations
Many states have tenants’ rights associations. These organizations offer advice for dealing with housing matters. If you landlord is threatening eviction, there may be ways to come to an agreement. While such organizations do not offer rental assistance, they are able to tell you what your legal rights are and what your options are.
Not having enough money to pay the rent is scary, and a common problem these day. Thankfully, there are free housing grants and other assistance to help you through a financially difficult time. While there is no guarantee you will get all the money you need, every little bit helps. And the more research you do and the more organizations you contact, the better your chances are for getting help with paying the rent. While these are only short-term solutions, they are solutions.
