Avoid Eviction - Get Help Today
The Issue
There has been a steady decline in homeownership over the past few years. Statistics show highs of 69% homeownership decreasing to lows of 62%. In addition to fewer people being able to afford homes, rent prices are also consistently rising. This is a struggle faced by many individuals and families across the country. Rental properties are usually the next best thing to owning a home. It provides a warm sanctuary along with amenities. Unfortunately, many individuals have not been able to keep up with these payments due to life obstacles. This includes:
- Needing to pay for other necessities (ie: food, water, clothing, hygiene essentials)
- Medical care and medicine
- Debt
- Loss of job or reduced hours
There are so many other expenses that are necessary for human survival besides a home. It forces individuals facing hardship to prioritize and sacrifice their needs. This leaves many people homeless or struggling to afford a place to stay. Covid-19 has escalated this issue. Prior to the pandemic, 20.8 million renters were at risk of being evicted. That number doubled to nearly 40 million renters in jeopardy of losing their residency.
Programs and Assistance
If this issue sounds familiar to you, know there are many resources and assistance programs available to get you the help you need. Rental assistance programs can alleviate the financial burden of rent payments, provide public housing, and cater relief for your specific situation. As there is a high demand for housing help, these resources have eligibility components that vary by program. Most of the time, resources are prioritized by need and urgency of the situation.
Also known as The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a great resource to utilize for assistance. It offers help based on a variety of circumstances and lists out all options in each state. If you are seeking help with locating a low-cost apartment, public housing availability, places that accept vouchers and other housing needs, this could provide the assistance you need.
This program allows you to search locations near you for assistance programs. It will provide you with thousands of local agencies and private organizations that can help you pay rent or find a more affordable place to stay. This site is consistently updated on the latest available housing resources.
Also known as the National Low Income Housing Coalition, provides emergency Covid-19 related rental help based on location. Click on your region and you will be directed to your state’s Covid relief rental help. This site also provides information on housing provisions in the CARES Act, renter’s rights, emergency help and more.
When times get hard, remember you are not alone and that there are solutions available to help you. Some other helpful tips consist of talking to your landlord. Explain your situation and find out if they could make any exceptions in terms of payment. It’s never to late to get the housing assistance you need.