$1,995 is total what I owe in back rent in Hatton North Dakota

(Request from Jeannie in Hatton, North Dakota) I am behind on rent due to have been in the hospital twice with major surgeries and of course the long recovery times. $1,995 is total what I owe in back rent and late fees. With my income, it is impossible to do current rent and try to get the back rent because they keep tacking late fees. I am a single mom. I have been to my county and they say their resources are depleted and I have until the end of this month to come up with at least half of it to prevent eviction.

Dear Jeannie,

Traill County is a small entity, and therefore government funds for emergency rental assistance will be very limited. Unfortunately I am not surprised that their assistance fund is currently depleted.

What does shock me is that the social worker at the county office did not provide you with any potential referrals. A referral is often the best source for getting emergency rent aid. Some programs actually require a third party referral before you may even be considered for assistance. I did find one agency that may be able to provide some help for your situation.

Southeast North Dakota Community Action Agency

Traill County is part of the service area for Southeast North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA). SENDCAA also serves tenants in Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent and Steele counties.

Part of the Self-Sufficiency program that is offered by the organization is an emergency rent and utility assistance program. I imagine you will likely need help with both given your current arrears of nearly $2,000.

The program does help with back rent. Arrears may be funded to help you avoid the eviction. You would need to file an application with the agency immediately and provide all necessary paperwork to confirm your income and your hardship.

SENDCAA has many of the same funding limitations that Traill County government has, so it is possible that funds may be low or depleted altogether. Still, it is a promising place to start, especially given the chance of a referral to other religious or nonprofit programs should you need greater assistance. Call SENDCAA at 701-232-2452.