Jonah JacobsThen keep reading, as we’ll show you various resources that offer both rent and mortgage assistance so you can stay in your home and stay off the streets.
Where should you turn if you can’t pay your rent or mortgage? Your first stop should be with your landlord or lender, as they may give you some leeway until you fix your finances. If that doesn’t work, you could turn to friends and family for a loan or temporary shelter, but that may not be an option either. That’s why you should turn to the following resources, as they specialize in offering housing assistance to families in need.
Salvation Army
If you’re having trouble with paying your rent or mortgage, chances are you need help in other areas as well. You can get such help by contacting your local Salvation Army, as they’re known to offer assistance with food and shelter for those who are barely hanging on.
The Salvation Army can offer instant food assistance, so your family doesn’t go hungry. Then they can solve your housing situation through the Pathway of Hope program offered in certain areas. With the program, you can get help paying your rent and utilities, so you get to stay in your home and keep the lights on. And if all else fails, the Salvation Army can also connect you with a local shelter, so you at least have a safe place to sleep at night.
St. Vincent de Paul
Here’s an organization that’s similar to the Salvation Army, although not as popular by name. Finding your local St. Vincent de Paul society can connect you with food, clothing, and other essentials, plus it could help you with rent or mortgage assistance.
St. Vincent’s housing assistance program will screen you to determine if you’re eligible for help with your rent or mortgage. They’ll do this via an in-person interview, and if you qualify, you’ll get some much-needed breathing room so you can start saving up some income.
Gradient Gives Back Foundation
Another organization worth contacting is the Gradient Gives Back Foundation. Based in Minnesota, this nonprofit helps underprivileged families with housing and other necessities. If eligible, you could get 12 months of your rent or mortgage paid by one of Gradient’s generous donors.
HUD
The resources listed above can work wonders for temporary housing assistance. To fix your housing situation now and in the future, your best bet is to contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.
Your Public Housing Agency has experts that can help you with your rent or mortgage. Best of all, their help comes at no cost. If rent has gotten out of your reach and you feel as if you’ll have trouble affording it now and down the line, apply for a Housing Choice Voucher from the Section 8 program. Or, if you’re in danger of losing your home because you can’t pay your mortgage, apply for refinancing, loan modification, or forbearance through the HUD.
