The average amount that felons spend on paying rent is a lot, and it’s something that continues to climb each year. While the average rates of rent continue to rise each year around the country, wages are not always keeping up. The good news is that there is rent assistance for felons, and they help make sure your housing needs are being met.
Rent assistance for felons will help ensure that you are able to have affordable housing. Finding affordable housing can be challenging for people, so it’s important to turn to helpful programs during difficult financial times. The programs are largely provided by the federal and state governments, as well as some non-profit organizations.
These programs are available around the country. Be sure to check the qualification requirements to ensure you are eligible to receive the rent assistance. Felons should qualify for the help, as most qualifications focus more on one’s income and citizenship status. If you are approved for rent assistance, you will not have to pay the funds back. The funding is considered to be like gifts that are given to help people during times of need.
Rent Assistance for Felons
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a program by the federal government, but it is administered on a state level. The program aims to help ensure that everyone, including felons, have affordable housing options. They have several programs within the agency that they offer to help with housing needs. They will help felons pay their rent, find affordable housing, avoid foreclosure, and receive weatherization services. HUD also offers a program called Section 8, which offers felons the ability to get vouchers to help pay for their rent on housing of their choice. The Section 8 program also offers public housing units, which are owned by the government. Felons can live in the public housing units for free or a minimal amount each month. To qualify for HUD rent assistance, felons need to be citizens or legal aliens, and meet the low income requirements. To get more information about HUD or apply for assistance, click here.
Public Housing Agency – There are Public Housing Agency offices located around the nation. By finding your local office you can contact them to get information about rent assistance for felons. They have access to federal and local rent assistance programs. They also have information about affordable housing options that are within your community. The Public Housing Agency can provide felons with specific options in their community that will help with rent or provide them with an affordable place to live. To find your local Public Housing Agency, click here.
National Low Income Housing Coalition – This organization focuses on helping people with rent assistance. Felons may qualify for rent assistance, as well as emergency rent assistance. If you are facing eviction they may be able to help you avoid it. This rent assistance program helps individuals and families. To get more information about rent assistance for felons that is offered through the National Low Income Housing Coalition, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has locations around the country and there are some that offer rent assistance for felons. In addition to programs that provide food, clothing, transportation vouchers, counseling services, and more, they do help with some housing issues. To get information about any rent assistance they offer, find the chapter that is near you and contact them to see what programs are offered. If they do not offer rent assistance at that location they may be able to refer you local organizations that can help. To find your local Catholic Charities, click here.
Salvation Army – This church-affiliated organization provides a range of programs to help felons with their basic needs. In addition to providing food, clothing, shelter, and additional services as needed, there are some locations that will help with paying bills. Locate your nearby Salvation Army to see if rent assistance for felons is offered at that location. If it is not, they may be able to provide you local referrals to organizations that will help with felons with paying for their rent. They do not usually have strict qualifications to receive the help. To get more information and find your local Salvation Army, click here.
In addition to the above resources that provide rent assistance for felons, be sure to contact your local city offices and churches. Both of these may have rent assistance programs that will help with your situation. If they do not, they may be able to tell you about programs that are in your local community that will help with paying your rent. The more places you reach out to, the better the chances that you will find a program you qualify for that will give you the help you need.
