UPO provides DC rental assistance and counseling

United Planning Organization (UPO) provides comprehensive rental assistance to Washington DC residents. Since 1962, UPO has been a major force against poverty in the DC area.

The organization assists low-income residents who may experience crises that threaten their way of life. You must be an established Washington DC resident before your request will be considered.

UPO’s rental assistance and housing counseling program provides DC area tenants with rental assistance and housing counseling services. By assigning you to a case manager, you have an ally with the organization that will protect your rights and help you obtain the necessary assistance that you need to avoid an eviction.

Rental counseling services are directed at tenants who need help making their normal rent payments. Those who are falling behind on their rent receipt priority treatment since the organization wants to prevent an eviction whenever possible.

If you would like to speak with a rental counselor, you may call 202-610-5900. You will have the opportunity to ask any initial questions as well as to schedule an appointment at the Anacostia Community Service Center located on Good Hope Rd. SE.

If you have already been affected and have no place to turn, you should contact UPO’s shelter hotline at 800-535-7252. UPO provides a shelter at 301 Rhode Island Ave. NW. those who need help can get a safe place to stay as well as transportation assistance.

Tenants who are seeking cash assistance towards their existing rent should understand that services are only available to those who are living in poverty. You will be asked to provide proof of income for every member of the household. If you believe your income may disqualify you for services, you should still call UPO to confirm. In addition to providing direct assistance, the organization also provides referrals to many other organizations. Even if you do not qualify for one program, there may be several other programs that may be able to provide immediate assistance.

For many tenants experiencing hardship, UPO provides the essential emergency services needed to help avert disaster. If you received an eviction notice or have already been evicted, you should give the organization a call immediately. However, do not wait until you are threatened with an eviction before you request assistance. The organization can help and it will provide comprehensive counseling services in addition to the normal rental assistance provided.

Individuals and families seeking DC rental assistance should gather the necessary documentation and give the organization a call immediately. Together we can all prevent homelessness by matching necessary resources to those who need help the most.