Everyone deserves a safe place to live – but renting a home or apartment is more expensive than ever. If you’re struggling to make the rent, read below for some resources that could help.
Emergency Rental Assistance
If you’re facing eviction from your current home or apartment because you can’t afford to pay your rent, there are programs available to help while you get back on your feet.
You can find emergency rental assistance through your local 211 program. Call 211 on your phone or go to the 211 program’s housing website to search for programs near you.
Each state has its own rules about who is eligible, and some programs will be run by community or nonprofit organizations
Long-Term Rental Assistance
The government has several different programs for helping low-income families get affordable rental housing, including housing vouchers and public housing. However, not all of these programs are available in all communities.
You can read about the different federal affordable housing programs here.
Find out what programs are available in your community by contacting your local public housing agency. You can find a directory of local public housing agencies here.
Help With Utilities
If you’re struggling to both pay the rent and your utility bills, you may be able to get help covering the costs of your electric or gas bill.
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federal program that helps low-income households across the U.S. with their heating and cooling needs and it can help with paying your monthly bills. Check out our full guide below:
The Fight Ahead
Many of the programs that help renters could face changes or even total shutdown for next year given the current debate in Washington. Working America will be joining our allies in advocating for a fair economy and a government that gives working families what they deserve. Our strength comes from you – our members. Only by acting together can we fight back against the greedy corporations and their friends.
We’re asking all Working Americans to pledge to stay informed about what policies our leaders are advancing that support a fair economy and protecting consumers. Sign up here if you pledge to be part of that mission and if you want Working America updates and opportunities about a fair economy.
We know that these are uncertain times, and many of us are concerned about the future. Go to workingamerica.org/gethelp for more guides and tips on navigating the economy and preparing for the unknown.