Is there rental assistance in Bullhead City and how long can I take to pay it back?

(Question from Michelle from Bullhead City, AZ) I was wondering what exactly I can do to get help to pay my rent…what the process is, and how long I have to pay the borrowed money back.

Message: Recently I have been having extreme pain due to medical issues I’ve had for years. I was told I had to leave my job at smiths food and drug until a doctor would sign a note allowing me back to work. I was out of work for nearly a month, which put me behind on bills,  prevented me from being able to purchase food or drinks for my home, and put me in an extremely stressful state of mind. After I got my doctors note signed allowing me to work again, I came back to work happy as ever to be at work again, but still of course in pain. I was back at work for probably 7 days when I was fired for a complete misunderstanding that I honestly believe had nothing to do with my termination. I believe they wanted me gone because my medical issues and lack of being as reliable as I once was. I have filed unemployment and was denied because I did not make enough money apparently.  I have filled out countless applications for work, and call often to check on them.  I do not know what to do at this point. My landlord has made it known to me that eviction is not far away if my bills cannot be paid. I was wondering what exactly I can do to get help to pay my rent…what the process is, and how long I have to pay the borrowed money back. Thank you for your time I hope to hear with you soon.

Dear Michelle:

A couple of agencies in Bullhead City, Arizona that you may have heard of are possibilities, but they are really for victims of domestic violence. West Care’s Safehouse (520-763-7233) and Kingman Aid to Abused People (520-753-6222) provide emergency shelter and limited monetary assistance.

Since you did not mention domestic violence, you may be a better fit for another agency. This agency can provide rental assistance without requiring you to repay the amount like a loan. The Western Area Council of Governments (520-753-6247) has expanded programs that can provide rental assistance grants as well as utility assistance and counseling.

Additionally, you may be eligible for cash through the Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program through the Housing Authority of Mohave County. It sounds like you currently earn below 30% of the area median income level, which should qualify you for benefits. Cash to prevent eviction and short-term rental assistance may be options if your case manager believes they will make a difference.

Most importantly, they can help you resolve your loss of income. Your case manager can answer questions about your eligibility for unemployment benefits while helping you plan your job search. Call 928-758-0702 for the office on Hancock Road in Bullhead City.

Your case manager will help you deal with multiple issues so that you can get back on your feet. Meanwhile, they may be able to work out an arrangement with your landlord to buy more time, provide cash to help cover some back rent payments or find you a more affordable rental unit if you need a cheaper place to stay. All of these agencies will work together to assist you, so make sure that you are admitted to at least one of them to make sure that you get the help that you need.