RoxanneDoes being the only provider have you feeling overwhelmed? If you can barely come up with the rent, it probably does.
You may have tried to get a second job to increase your income, only to find that childcare expenses are too high. And when it comes to loans from friends and family members, that isn’t an option either.
Well, before you worry about the rent any longer, know that there are still other ways to find help. Here are three of them that offer single parent rental assistance:
Charities and Nonprofits That Help Single Parents Pay Rent
We’ll discuss this avenue first since it’s often the quickest way to get help with paying your rent. Because if your family is close to being on the street, you don’t have any time to waste.
If you want some hands-on help here, you can try to find a local housing counselor that’s approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most work for free and can help lead you to any charities or nonprofits that can help, even if you’re a non-citizen.
Are there no housing counselors near you? Don’t fret, as you can still find charities and nonprofits on your own.
Dial 2-1-1 on your phone or go to their website and enter your ZIP code or city and state. Once finished, you will be guided towards local charities and nonprofits that provide rental assistance for single parents, as well as other services.
After you find your local contacts, you will then have to go through a screening or application process to determine your eligibility.
Local Housing Agencies That Offer Single Parent Rental Assistance
While charities and nonprofits may be the quickest at helping you pay the rent, some cities or states can help within a couple of weeks.
This form of temporary assistance is helpful if you’re homeless or near eviction. You’ll need to contact your local housing agency to get it.
The agency may ask you screening questions to quickly determine your eligibility. If you pass, you will then have to apply and supply information/documentation regarding your income, assets, monthly expenses, etc.
Temporary assistance often lasts for only a few months, so the application process may not be as tedious as the next, more long-term option.
Getting a Housing Choice Voucher to Help You Pay the Rent
The slowest way to find single parent rental assistance is via a Housing Choice Voucher. The process can take months or even years to complete, and it often has a very long waiting list.
You can speed up the process if you’re currently paying more than 50 percent of your income in rent, living in substandard housing, or are homeless.
If accepted, your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) will release funds to your landlord directly every month. You will be expected to pay the rest.
