BVCAP Provides Rent Payments and Security Deposit Grants to Low-Income RI Households

Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) is one of the leading rental assistance programs in Rhode Island. Instead of loans, BVCAP provides cash handouts to landlords of those who are in imminent danger of being evicted.

BVCAP is just one of the emergency rental assistance programs that serve Rhode Island. It serves lower income residents of Providence County, including Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, Pawtucket and Woonsocket.

BVCAP provides support when you need it most. They are committed to helping you when you are facing an eviction or cannot otherwise secure safe housing. Assistance comes in several forms.

First, you could receive relief from delinquent rent. Payments are generally no greater than $1,200 total, which depends on a number of factors. There is a preference by the agency to limit aid to one or two rent payments, so a higher rental rate may mean that you would only receive one rent payment as assistance. BVCAP can provide cash for back rent if you have received a five-day eviction notice from your landlord.

If you need money for a security deposit, they may also be able to help. To do this, you would need to show how you are in reasonable danger of becoming homeless. It is important to be upfront with your prospective landlord about the fact that you are seeking help with your security deposit, since it could be up to six weeks before your landlord receives the actual check. Most landlords who are familiar with the program understand that the agency is guaranteeing the security deposit and are comfortable with letting you gain access to the property prior to the actual check being received.

To be eligible for assistance, you must be considered a lower-income household. Families with multiple children have higher limits. Since the income eligibility threshold changes annually, you will need to contact BVCAP directly to confirm the current limits. Also, priority will be given to households at highest risk of homelessness. You will need to provide your five-day eviction notice as proof that you are in imminent danger of being without safe housing. Since the emergency housing program at BVCAP is extremely popular with Northern Rhode Island residents, you will need to schedule an appointment with one of the case managers. To book your counseling session, call 401-723-4520.

This rent assistance program at BVCAP is a great deal, since aid is in the form of cash grants. You can avoid going into debt for a rental loan and instead focus on connecting all of your utilities, catching up on a car payment or paying off other debt. If you need help with National Grid, then ask your case manager about whether you would also qualify for energy credits through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Whether you are an individual, couple or family, BVCAP can help when you need help with rent in Rhode Island. Give them a call today.