The COVID-19 pandemic affected many people across the United States and all over the world. Stresses can come from debts piling up, to a lack of steady income, to unaffordable housing, and more. One of the biggest concerns Americans face is their homes. In fact, according to Affordable Housing Finance, 75% of Americans are worried about losing their home. This number comes from data gathered before the pandemic, which means it has likely increased since then. From the start of the pandemic’s spread, the negative effects have been hanging over everyone. (You are not alone, unfortunately, a lot of people are suffering too.)
Due to the fact many people struggled to keep up with their housing bills from the COVID-19 pandemic, many emergency assistance programs have been established. One of the main assistance programs was the national eviction moratorium. This protection was in place until July 31st, 2021. However, just because it expired, doesn’t mean there aren’t protections in place that people can benefit from.
Some Housing Protections That are Currently in Place
While there may not be the national eviction moratorium, there are other housing assistance programs that you can benefit from. We recommend that you look at available options for your area. You will find that these programs aim to help tenants who:
- Have tried with the best of their ability to secure federal housing assistance.
- Cannot pay their entire rent due to a serious loss of income.
- Have made attempts to pay their housing costs to the best of their ability.
- Would face homelessness or shared living, in the case that they were evicted.
What are Emergency Housing Assistance Programs?
A popular program that people have been choosing if available in their area is the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). This program varies by state and is not available everywhere but its goal is to help those who are in a tough financial situation and need to figure out their housing. It is important to note that a majority of Emergency Housing Assistance Programs are primarily designed to be a temporary housing alternative. However, there are some other housing options besides EHAP that may be able to provide support through other means. Emergency Housing Assistance Programs provide assistance for tenants who cannot afford to pay rent or utilities. This supportive program may be able to “also cover:
- Reasonable late fees (if not included in your rental or utility debt)
- Internet service to your home
- Moving expenses and other rental-related fees (such as security deposits, application fees, or screening fees) for families who have to move
- Some programs may also provide housing counseling, case management, legal representation, and other housing stability services.”
The coverage that you may be able to receive depends on the housing program and the area you live in. In order to see what’s available near you, then you should get in touch with your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
Who Pays for These Programs?
A lot of state housing programs are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD is able to contribute funding towards these programs with the help of the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. This is the program that the HUD uses to fund Emergency Housing Assistance Programs! The goal of the Continuum of Care Program is to work towards ending homelessness through providing funds to local and state governments, as well as nonprofit organizations. This can take place through relocation efforts, temporary or permanent housing assistance, self-sufficiency initiatives, supportive services, safe havens, emergency housing for disabled people, and more.
Even though HUD may not have a national EHAP, they still provide other housing support opportunities that may be able to help like the Housing Choice Voucher Program, public housing, etc. When trying to find EHAP in your state, don’t get confused by federal housing options. You may end up applying for a different program and not get the assistance you wanted. However, housing assistance applications are free so it wouldn’t hurt to apply to more than one option!
How to Apply for Emergency Housing Assistance?
The first step in finding Emergency Housing Assistance is going to be through your local PHA. Your local PHA office is going to have all relevant information about what programs are available for your location. It will also tell you about the programs you may be eligible to qualify for, how to apply for emergency housing if available, and more.
Your local PHA office will help you every step of the way. They will not only be able to provide you support, but they can answer any housing questions you may have. The state and local government is responsible for the disbursements and management of this program, if available. This is why it is best if you get in touch with your local Public Housing Authority office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can always look for help with Emergency Housing Assistance Programs for your state. These programs can provide significant financial relief. Most emergency housing assistance programs aim to help low-income individuals and families who are facing homelessness. These programs allow you to take control of your financial situation and aim to prevent your situation from getting worse. There are different types of programs, but they all have the same objective. The objective is to help those who need housing assistance.
The best way to apply for emergency housing assistance is to contact your local Public Housing Authority office. Most state and local governments are responsible for administering and managing these programs. The Public Housing Authority allows you to remain coordinated with the program, without having to feel stressed. These programs will provide financial assistance on rent, utilities, and home energy-related costs. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that you need to meet to qualify. In order to prevent any heart aches or headaches, you will need to be sure that you qualify for the programs. It might sound like a lot of work, but it will be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) And How Can It Help Me?
EHAP is a financial relief program that helps Americans who are facing homelessness. This program varies by state so it may not be available in your area. However, if you are able to get help from this program, it allows individuals and families to request financial assistance for rent and utilities. Some examples of EHAP assistance include:
- Up to 12 months of rental payments after a specific date.
- 3 months’ worth of additional rental assistance for future rent.
- Up to 12 months of utility assistance payments; this includes electric or gas.
Generally, the financial assistance goes directly to the landlord or utility company, on behalf of the tenant. Again, it is important to remember that this program varies by location!
2. Am I Eligible or Qualified For Emergency Housing Assistance Programs?
If you want to determine your eligibility, you will need to check with your locality. The eligibility requirements vary which means just because you are eligible in one state does not mean you will be eligible in another.
3. Can I Apply For Other Housing Assistance While Receiving Assistance With the Emergency Housing Assistance Program?
Yes, you can always apply for other housing assistance. However, if you received financial assistance through an Emergency Housing Assistance Program, then you should report information of any assistance you applied for or received. This is so you avoid any issues during the application process. Even though you are able to apply for multiple forms of housing assistance doesn’t mean that you can receive them all at once. A good rule of thumb is that households who receive financial assistance from other housing assistance programs will not qualify for Emergency Housing Assistance Programs that pay for the same housing unit and vice versa!
