Securing the deposit for a new rental can be a major challenge, especially if you’re already facing financial difficulties. Fortunately, several charities and organizations provide financial assistance to cover rent deposits, helping low-income families, individuals facing eviction, or those moving into new housing.
Here’s a list of charities that help with rent deposits and how you can apply for assistance.
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the largest organizations that provide emergency financial assistance, including help with rent deposits, to individuals and families in need.
- Who they help: Low-income families and individuals, those facing eviction, and people experiencing a housing crisis.
- What they offer: Financial assistance for rent, rent deposits, utility bills, and other emergency needs.
- How to access: Contact your local Salvation Army office to apply for assistance. You can find your nearest location through their website.
Example: The Salvation Army helps people move into stable housing by covering the security deposit, which may otherwise prevent them from signing a lease.
2. Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities provides financial assistance for housing-related expenses, including deposits for rent. They help individuals and families secure housing by offering short-term financial help to cover rent deposits, utilities, and other housing costs.
- Who they help: Low-income individuals and families, regardless of religion.
- What they offer: Financial assistance for housing-related needs, including rent deposits and ongoing rent support.
- How to access: Visit the Catholic Charities USA website to find your local chapter and inquire about housing assistance programs.
Example: Catholic Charities can provide the financial help needed to pay the security deposit, ensuring that low-income families can move into safe and stable housing.
3. Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) is a federal program designed to prevent homelessness by providing short-term financial assistance for housing needs, including rent deposits and first month’s rent.
- Who they help: Individuals and families at risk of homelessness or those who are already homeless.
- What they offer: Financial assistance for rent deposits, first and last month’s rent, utilities, and other housing costs.
- How to access: Contact your local housing authority or HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) office to inquire about HPRP funds in your area.
Example: HPRP helps individuals secure housing by covering the security deposit and initial rent payments, preventing eviction or helping people transition out of homelessness.
4. United Way
United Way provides financial assistance to individuals and families facing emergency situations, including help with housing costs like rent deposits. Through their 2-1-1 service, United Way connects people with local programs that offer rent deposit assistance.
- Who they help: Low-income individuals and families in financial need.
- What they offer: Financial aid for housing expenses, including security deposits, and referrals to other local programs.
- How to access: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the United Way website to find local resources for housing assistance in your area.
Example: United Way’s 2-1-1 service can connect you with charities and organizations that cover rent deposits or offer financial support for securing housing.
5. Modest Needs
Modest Needs is a non-profit organization that offers grants to individuals and families facing temporary financial hardships, including those who need help with rent deposits. These grants are designed to cover short-term emergencies and prevent financial crises.
- Who they help: Low-income individuals, working families, and those facing temporary financial hardships.
- What they offer: Grants for rent deposits, utility bills, and other emergency expenses.
- How to access: Apply for assistance through the Modest Needs website by filling out their online application.
Example: Modest Needs can provide a one-time grant to help cover the cost of a security deposit, allowing individuals to secure stable housing without falling into deeper financial trouble.
6. St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic organization that helps low-income families and individuals with emergency financial needs, including housing assistance. Many local chapters provide financial aid for rent deposits and other housing-related expenses.
- Who they help: Low-income families and individuals facing financial difficulties.
- What they offer: Assistance with rent deposits, rent payments, and utility bills.
- How to access: Contact your local St. Vincent de Paul chapter to inquire about available housing assistance programs.
Example: This charity may offer one-time financial support to cover the security deposit required to move into a new rental home or apartment.
7. Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is a network of non-profit organizations that offer assistance to individuals and families in need. They provide help with housing costs, including rent deposits, to prevent homelessness and ensure stable housing.
- Who they help: Low-income individuals and families, regardless of religious affiliation.
- What they offer: Emergency financial assistance for rent deposits, rent, and other housing expenses.
- How to access: Contact your local Lutheran Services office to inquire about housing assistance programs.
Example: Lutheran Services may offer financial help for individuals who need a rent deposit to move into stable housing, especially those at risk of homelessness.
8. Community Action Agencies (CAA)
Community Action Agencies (CAA) are local non-profit organizations that assist low-income individuals and families with a variety of needs, including housing. Many CAAs provide financial assistance for rent deposits, helping people secure housing in times of crisis.
- Who they help: Low-income families and individuals, especially those at risk of homelessness.
- What they offer: Emergency financial assistance for rent deposits, utilities, and other housing costs.
- How to access: Visit the Community Action Partnership website to find your local CAA and inquire about housing assistance programs.
Example: CAAs often provide short-term financial assistance to help individuals pay rent deposits and prevent housing instability.
9. CoAbode
CoAbode is a non-profit organization that supports single mothers by helping them find affordable housing. In addition to matching single mothers with roommates to share housing costs, CoAbode also provides financial assistance for rent deposits and other housing-related expenses.
- Who they help: Single mothers in need of affordable housing.
- What they offer: Assistance with rent deposits, first month’s rent, and housing placement services.
- How to access: Visit the CoAbode website to learn more about their housing assistance programs and apply for help.
Example: CoAbode helps single mothers secure safe housing by covering the cost of rent deposits and matching them with other mothers to reduce housing expenses.
10. Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program
The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides grants to local governments and non-profit organizations to assist individuals at risk of homelessness. These grants can cover housing-related expenses, including rent deposits.
- Who they help: Individuals and families facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
- What they offer: Financial assistance for rent deposits, utilities, and other housing expenses.
- How to access: Contact your local housing authority or HUD office to find ESG-funded programs in your area.
Example: ESG helps prevent homelessness by covering the costs of rent deposits and other critical housing expenses.
Final Thoughts
Finding help with rent deposits can be challenging, but these charities and organizations offer financial assistance to ensure you can secure stable housing. Whether you’re dealing with a financial crisis or simply need a little help to cover the initial costs of moving into a new home, these resources can provide the support you need.
Make sure to reach out to the organizations early, as many require applications or have specific eligibility requirements. Don’t hesitate to explore multiple options to find the best fit for your situation.