State Assistance

• Most states have agencies through their departments of housing or economic development that will help an individual with rental housing costs. For example, Georgia has the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides subsidy payments on behalf of low-income individuals to landlords that meet certain requirements. In Massachusetts, there are public housing developments that are built and subsidized by local housing authorities. The rent an individual or family pays is based on household income and utility costs.
  
  

Federal Assistance

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps families pay rent and security deposits through grants. In addition, the Rental Voucher Program helps families select privately owned rental housing. The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program provides rental assistance to those with low incomes, the elderly and those with disabilities if they are "unable to pay their basic monthly rent within 30 percent of adjusted monthly income." Veterans can get assistance vouchers for rent and security deposits through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program. Other agencies through the federal government periodically offer rental or security deposit assistance.
  
  

Eviction Protection

• Legal aid societies, the federal government and some local and state agencies will help those with low or moderate income avoid eviction. This often involves conflict resolution, mediation, grants and short-term loans. If facing an eviction, an individual should contact a local legal aid office to find out what programs are available in her area.
  
  

Charities

• Many local charities, including the local chapters of Salvation Army and the United Way, will help individuals facing eviction or other financial difficulties meet their rent needs. Organizations that offer this type of help can often only do it once or on a first-come, first-served basis. They cannot be relied on for long-term help. In other cases, these organizations can help families pay a heating bill or get enough money together for a security deposit. Those who are having trouble meeting their housing expenses should contact a local charity or church and find out what help is available.