It doesn’t matter where you live in the country, because there is a good chance that the rent has been steadily increasing in recent years. In fact, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the cost of rent. Whether renting a trailer, condo, or home, there are many seniors who are finding it difficult to make ends meet each month. The good news is that there are places that offer rent assistance for seniors who are struggling.
Seniors often struggle as it is to get their bills paid. They live on a fixed income and still need to get all the bills paid, despite what it may cost each month. Inflation and other situations have been driving the costs of goods and services up, which is putting a pinch on seniors when it comes to paying the bills. This is leading many of them to struggle financially.
There are numerous places seniors can turn to for rent assistance. The programs are offered through the federal and state governments, as well as organizations and charities that help people in their communities. The programs usually require that the person show that they have a low income, and many will require that they be a citizen or legal non-citizen in order to get approved for the assistance.
Programs Offering Rent Assistance for Seniors
The programs below will help seniors with rent assistance. Contact as many as you feel qualified to inquire about getting financial help. There is no limit to how many you can contact or get assistance from at once, so reach out to multiple programs. That will provide the best opportunity to get help paying the rent.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency of the federal government is the largest single source of rent assistance for seniors who are struggling, as well as others in need. HUD provides a range of helpful housing-related services. Seniors can contact them to get help paying for rent, avoiding foreclosure, weatherization services, and getting help paying for house repairs. They also have a Section 8, or public housing, program that will provide people in need with housing owned by the federal government. HUD can also help seniors find affordable housing options in their area. Each state has a HUD office, so it is important to contact the one located in your state for assistance. To get more information and find your state’s HUD office, click here.
Public Housing Authority – Every state has an office called the Public Housing Authority. Many cities also have such an office. These offices are great resources for seniors to get information, assistance, and referrals for help paying the rent and finding affordable places to live. They are part of the state government, but they do receive some funding from the federal government. Contact your state or local Public Housing Authority office to get information about obtaining rent assistance for seniors. To get more information and find your state’s office, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. They will provide rent assistance to seniors and others in need. Those who are struggling can not only get rent assistance from them, but they will also provide free food, clothing, shelter services, and more. You do not have to be religious to get help from this organization. They provide services to everyone in the community who needs assistance. Salvation Army also has many thrift stores, which will help people to obtain free or low-cost goods. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is another faith-based organization that will provide helpful services for those in need, including seniors who need rent assistance. They also provide free food, clothing, counseling services, and more. Catholic Charities has many locations around the country, so there is likely one near you. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This organization will also help seniors with rent assistance and a variety of other helpful free things, including clothing and furniture. They have hundreds of locations in the country. They also have thrift stores, giving people access to affordable goods. Like the others, you do not have to be religious to get help through this organization. Their services are open to everyone in the community. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
211 – Seniors who need help paying their rent can call this number to get referrals to places that can help. The number is provided by the United Way organization and it is free to use and available to everyone around the country. Once you call, they will search their database to find you programs in your local area that will help with rent assistance. To get more information about the free referral service, click here.
Churches – Most communities have several churches, and you don’t have to be a member to contact them for assistance. Churches have a mission of helping people in the communities where they are located. They will often help seniors and others who are struggling financially. Some churches will help with rent assistance, paying for bills, providing free groceries, and more. Contact the churches in your area to see what types of helpful services they offer for helping seniors with rent assistance. If they cannot help you directly, they may be able to provide you with referrals to local programs that can help.
Seniors Centers – Many communities have senior centers, also called aging centers, that can be a great resource for the seniors living in the area. Contact the centers in your area to see what type of resources they offer. Some may provide programs that can be of assistance, while others may be able to provide referrals to programs that can help in your area. By keeping in touch with the local centers, you will be able to make contacts that will put you in touch with programs that can help ensure your basic needs are being met.
