Where can I go for immediate rent help in Raleigh NC?
(Request from Cynthia in Raleigh, North Carolina) The sheriff is supposed to be coming out on the 7th of march to put the lock on my door. I have gotten little help from agencies and still have appointments this week but where else can i go to for immediate help? Please help.Dear Cynthia,
I am sorry to hear that your efforts to get emergency rental assistance have been unsuccessful so far. We previously answered a request from another tenant in 2013 that may provide additional information about immediate help with housing in Raleigh.
In that post, we discussed some of the emergency rental and housing assistance programs offered through Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, Passage Home and Wake County Human Services. Some of these agencies may be able to help with actual cash assistance to help you with your emergency rent situation.
You may find though that it might be just as feasible to move on to a more affordable rental home. There are transitional housing programs in Raleigh that could help with both your immediate housing needs as well as to help you move into more affordable housing that you may permanently afford.
It generally works like this:
- First you would meet with a case manager at one of the agencies that provide housing assistance to Raleigh tenants. Your case manager will determine whether you can afford to remain in your current home. If that is possible, they can help match you with the funding programs that can help you catch up on your late rent. They can even contact your landlord to negotiate an arrangement. You would then be provided with educational and counseling support to help you manage your rent payments on an ongoing basis without having to receive additional cash aid.
- If you cannot afford to remain in your current apartment, then your case manager will help you find a place to live. Emergency housing situations could include shelter space, motel vouchers for 1 night, or assignment to a special temporary housing program. If you are admitted to a transitional housing program, then you could benefit from free or cheap rent for a few months while you are preparing for life on your own. It really can be a great opportunity to help you improve your income, pay off debt, rebuild your credit and save for a security deposit.
- The agency may offer to help you with some transitional costs, such as moving, security deposit or utility deposits that are required for your permanent move. Be sure to ask your case manager if you think these would help.
I strongly recommend that you take your eviction notice to one of Raleigh’s transitional housing programs to see if they can help. You may be surprised of how much assistance you qualify for, even if cash payments to your old landlord are not approved. Please let us know any updates to your situation as you seek rent help in Raleigh, NC.