Kenneth Long
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Gwen, there is a number you can call. Try telephone 860-424-5373 to qualify for Connecticut’s Security Deposit Guarantee Program. The guarantee can cover your deposit and first month’s rent.
They will likely have to refer you to a local DSS office for an intake interview, but that telephone number is a great source for information and initial questions.OK that makes sense. Given that the amount is $300, I want to ask if it is possible to sell anything of value to raise the cash? This would be preferred to getting a loan, since many short-notice loans can carry high rates of interest.
There are lower cost alternatives though. Credit unions often have some of the lowest rates for people that have average credit.
Your situation reminds me of another local client that was facing a similar scenario. I hope that the suggestions that we offered her can be of some help to you also.
One last thing you may try is peer lending, since those investors offer small loans that can be commonly lumped into the $300 that you need to cover your security deposit.
One word of caution: stay away from the payday loans. Those predatory products are common in Dallas and carry ridiculously high interest rates. They are a common stop for people looking for a small amount like you are, but they become a big mistake for most borrowers.
Aneterea, with such a tight window you will probably need to find emergency shelter. We just recently featured a local organization called Share & Care House that just might be a possible match for you. I don’t know much about your circumstances or income, so a case manager at Share & Care will review those with you to determine if you are a match for one of their programs. That would be a better option than going into debt just to cover the arrears, especially if your income is not sufficient to maintain payments into the near future.
Feel free to check back on other King County aid programs as we feature them in later stories.
LG, you might want to try two options.
- First, you may wish to consider whether you qualify for any grant-based aid. A visit to DSS in Baltimore can be a good starting point.
- My concern is that you may be running out of time to go through the application process. If traditional lenders have declined your request, it might be time to look at non-traditional lenders. Many people that live in your community lend small amounts of money (often less than $25) into pooled loan services. These peer lenders may provide an additional option.
I would definitely try the first option since it is easier to qualify when you are a single mother who is working hard to raise a family. Remember that a grant would not have to be repaid!
Pamela, lower income households may qualify for a grant (See organizations in the Bronx). Otherwise, loans could come from a local lender like your bank or credit union.
National lenders tend to have high rates, with the exception of individuals that lend money through peer lending services.
Alma, there are a few options if you need to borrow money.
- Your current bank/credit union is usually the best option. This is especially true if you have maintained your checking and savings accounts in good standing.
- Joining a credit union for the purpose of borrowing money can be a helpful option. Their nonprofit status makes these loans easier to qualify for and repay, especially if you run into money problems down the road.
- Peer lending has gained in popularity. You basically borrow money from someone down the street or across the country. There are two primary companies (Prosper, Lending Club) that facilitate these loans.
Major cities often have more options than rural areas so it can help to check with local organizations first.
Hannah, you may need to speak with a case manager at Tri-County Community Action in regards to the Shelter Crisis Program. This may be necessary to give your family immediate shelter. They can make recommendations on how to get you back on your feet again. In some cases they refer clients to DETCOG for subsidized rent.
There is some information on both of these agencies that serve Jasper County.
Lisa, there are some state funds that are distributed through social services and a couple of regional nonprofit agencies. The statewide programs that we directed this New Brunswick resident to could be a possible match. These other options, including Community Enterprises Corporation (interest-free security deposit loans) could be a good fit also.
Cana, there is some background information that we provided for another Dallas resident looking for a loan to move into an apartment. I am referring you to the post because I would like to see if you qualify for any of the grant-based assistance prior to taking out debt. It is worth a look if you have a couple of minutes.
If a loan is necessary there are some primary avenues. Your bank or credit union is often the best place to start since you already have a banking relationship with them. Joining a new credit union to borrow money is also a good option. Some people report that peer lending has been helpful to them. If you choose to borrow money, make sure it is with terms you can afford to repay. It is also a good idea to shop around for the best rates.
Hi Regina, Security deposit loans are used for moving to a new apartment. Are you seeking funds to pay back rent to avoid an eviction?
Bre I recommend talking with a social worker at Wake County Human Services. They can help you make arrangements for employment training such as vocational rehab. One division in particular that you will likely be referred to is the Supportive Housing Program. They are located on Swinburne (Behind Wake Med). You may call them at 919-212-9379.
You may also want to look at some of the featured programs that help with rent in Raleigh.
Nataya, I looked into one local resource for you though it appears they provide direct rental aid rather than a deposit. Where I think it is a reasonable match is that they specialize in helping people qualify for a rental unit when their finances (security deposit, credit rating, income) do not meet the minimum landlord requirements.
Share & Care House is located in Tacoma on McKinley Avenue. You can call them at 253-564-4194 with questions.
Charles, if you paid rent via a money order or check, then you can confirm that the funds were delivered. This is easily accomplished by calling the bank or the issuer of the money order you used. Just make sure you have the check number or the money order number from the carbon copy.
Beyond that, if you are unable to make your rent payments you will need to make a change. This could be a longer term change (new job) as well as a shorter term change.
These organizations that provide rent aid in Gwinnett County could help. One (Lilburn Cooperative Ministry) is located close to you.
I would start with one of those organizations since they can even provide a referral if you do not qualify for their programs.
Kyndrea, I’m sorry to hear about your recent medical problems. I would forget about the loans in your situation. Additionally, an emergency aid grant will not fix the problem either.
You may be a prime candidate for public housing assistance. This can be done either by applying for an upcoming vacancy at one of the public housing projects managed by the Atlanta Housing Authority (Call 404-892-4700), or by utilizing a Housing Choice Voucher. Since demand for these vouchers for subsidized rent is overwhelming, it could take years to actually work your way through the wait list.
Given the short notice on eviction, you should contact your case manager at the Department of Social Services. They can help find a transitional housing opportunity so that your family can skip the homeless shelters. It really is a suitable option that can keep your family together and relieve the stress of trying to pay for the rent with all that is going on.
Stephanie, I regret that people like you are the ones that fall through the cracks of the current system. The vast majority of emergency rental assistance programs limit aid to those who earn below a percentage of the local poverty level. Columbus is no different.
Even the COMPASS organization has limitations, and aid can be no more than $100. I doubt that will be the answer for your current situation.
While I realize that your 2 months delinquency on your rent payments is the existing financial emergency, your rent is not the cause of your financial problems. Your job is not delivering the necessary income to live.
There is one local organization called Per Scholas that provides an eight week job training course that could help you find a new better paying job. Best of all, it is free. You may call Per Scholas directly at 614-824-4777 to find out about enrollment and details about this United Way funded program.
You will still need help finding a place to live if you are evicted from your current home. Since you have already been turned away from so many government and charity programs, I want to direct you to Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Columbus. They specialize in solving emergency housing problems for those who are denied services elsewhere. You may call them at 614-221-5891.
Please let me know if there are additional needs moving forward.
