Helping Families Keep a Roof Over Their Heads: Rental Assistance Programs Provide a Lifeline

Across the country, many families are struggling to keep up with rent payments and avoid eviction or foreclosure. The economic impacts of the pandemic have made it especially difficult for lower-income households to afford monthly housing costs.

However, there are resources available to help families maintain stable housing through these challenging times.

Several state and federal programs provide rental and mortgage assistance for qualifying households.

For example, the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program has distributed over $46 billion to help cover rent and utility payments. Individual states like Idaho and New Hampshire also have their own rental and homeowner assistance funds to support residents.

To receive aid, families must meet certain income and need requirements. But the application process is fairly straightforward. Counselors are available to help applicants navigate the paperwork and ensure they get enrolled in the right programs.

The assistance can cover past due payments as well as several months of ongoing costs. This temporary support is often enough to avoid eviction while families regain financial footing.

While the window to apply is closing for some programs, there are still options with funds remaining. Homeowners and renters struggling with housing costs should explore available resources in their state and locally. Useful starting points include state housing authority websites, HUD programs, and local organizations like New Hampshire Housing Relief.

With timely assistance, vulnerable households can maintain stable housing during the pandemic recovery. Rental assistance programs provide a critical lifeline for families facing financial hardship.

Accessing these supports early can prevent eviction and long-term instability. While the aid is temporary, it gives families breathing room to get back on track with expenses and keep their homes.