Kenneth Long
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Christine, I know that it can be frustrating not getting a better job offer yet but keep your chin up. Remaining confident will help you land that new job.
Since you are living in a hotel, you are technically homeless. This will give you the opportunity to apply for additional rental assistance through local organizations. At $250 a week, your hotel room is costing you $1,083 per month. That is why you have nothing left to save for a deposit. You need to get into regular housing as soon as possible. I recommend contacting Seminole County right away to see if they can help you move into that cheaper home that you found.
You may also want to contact The Center for Affordable Housing (TCFAH) in nearby Sanford. There are 20 transitional housing units that are designed precisely for your type of situation. It allows you to stop overpaying on rent, to save for a deposit and plan your permanent move. You can call them at 407-323-3268.
Christine, I’m assuming $625 would be the monthly rent and $625 a deposit. I am concerned that the property would take nearly 60% of your gross monthly income (before taxes). Are you sure that it will be affordable?
It may be possible for you to get help with your security deposit through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). Your county government (Seminole County Community Services) can help you obtain the funds for a deposit. They will first conduct an assessment to ensure that the home is affordable for you. This could be a good option for you. I do recommend possibly finding a second choice that is cheaper just in case the first one does not meet their feasibility guidelines.
Deaona, there is a potential match with an organization that could help with back rent. Their limit is $500 though. Would that help you avoid the eviction? Apartment Association Outreach is the name of the organization. You may call their Cincinnati partner (Freestore Foodbank) at 513-357-4600 to find out more about the program. They advise that most payments are made within 48 hours after approving aid.
Nakia, one good option would be the Direct Emergency Assistance Program (DEAP) which could provide a grant to cover a late rent payment. You can call Capital Area Community Action Agency (CACAA) at 850-222-2043. The DEAP back rent aid is restricted to residents of Leon County, so it might be a good fit for you.
Michael, you might try Growing Home which helps with rent payments in Adams County. Assumption Church can also provide $25 which may not seem like much, but it gets you closer to your goal. Here is more information on several programs in Adams County.
You may also try either a local credit union or one of the peer lending services which are available nationally.
Tatiana, your family may be a candidate for the Emergency Assistance Program through the Duval County Behavioral and Human Services Division. I cannot say if they will be able to grant you the $600 that you are looking for. The actual outcome will depend on your eligibility for rent aid and whether it will be feasible for your family to continue making that rent payment based on current income. Your social worker will be able to provide referrals also if there are additional needs following your appointment.
Dsmile, Bethesda Cares is one possible place to turn. We highlighted the organization for another client in Prince George’s County. Given the length of time that you have been out of work, it may be possible to qualify for housing through HAPGC which is the local housing authority. Ultimately you may need subsidized housing if you remain out of work on an indefinite basis. I know that you would like to work if you can find a job. The social workers are trained to help you evaluate your skills and can assist with job searching or vocational rehab opportunities to help you get back to work. They can assist with housing in the interim, and may even refer you to a transitional housing opportunity so that you can focus on employment without having to worry about rent over the next few months.
I wish you much luck with your journey. Please let us know if there is more information that can help you.
Phyllis, thank you for the information on CRT. You will find that nearly all aid organizations have an income limit, though it does tend to vary from one organization to another.
Have you contacted Bristol Community Organization? They also have a fairly low income limit (60% of area median) which might be too low for you to qualify. I thought to mention it as an option since Bristol is so close to New Britain. I’d like to know what assistance they can provide to you.
Lisa did you try Community Action Partnership (402-471-4515)? They have a rental assistance program that can help in emergency situations.
Lisa, you may call 402-441-3095 for the main switchboard, though the toll free hotline is 800-383-4278. Since you are in Lincoln you can just call the local hotline at 402-323-3900.
Lisa, there are two excellent options for you to get help through.
- Community Action Partnership operates an Emergency Services Program that can help with past-due rent.
- Lancaster County government can provide rent aid plus utility help for tenants who cannot get caught up.
We reviewed both programs on behalf of another Lincoln resident who needed some funds.
Jessie, we located an organization that can help with rent payments if eviction has not occurred. Community Action North Bay (CAN-B) can provide emergency assistance and works with clients who are facing homelessness due to evictions. They also have a supportive housing program that serves those who have already been evicted. You can give them a call at 707-427-1148 to request an appointment with a case manager.
I wish you well with your search for safe and affordable housing. It sounds like you have been through many difficult circumstances. With the right guidance, you have the opportunity to become independent and successful.
Ashley, it might be possible to get a grant from WCCAC in Hagerstown. They can intervene on the eviction if needed. However, you may find that they can help you with an action plan that could include a grant payment to cover part of your back rent.
Ben, your current bank or credit union should be a first start. They will likely green-light a small loan or even a line of credit for you based on your longer-term employment history and new job.
Hi Deb,
Don’t be scared. Your lost wages will make it harder to borrow rent money, but the medical hardship may help qualify you for grant funding through a local organization. We try to feature great charities and agencies that provide emergency rent aid. You can search at your local state.
There are different options that could be available depending on many factors. These factors include your age, family size, household income, health, demographics, work history and rental history. Emergency situations can also change qualifications. Finally, aid depends largely on where you live and what funding the programs serving your community have available. There is some general information on eviction prevention that might be helpful.
