Emergency rental assistance in Hampton, VA

Programs that assist local tenants with rent in Hampton, Virginia generally prefer to provide education to cash aid. That being said, there is still emergency rental assistance available through these community service providers.

(Request from Allyson in Hampton, VA) I need emergency rental assistance to avoid an eviction. Please help me thank you.

Dear Allyson,

There is help available through community agencies and nonprofit organizations. Your access to this funding will largely depend on your qualifications and their cash reserves. Demand for such assistance can be overwhelming. While I don’t know the specifics about your circumstances (household income, family size, budget, hardship), a case manager at each organization can work with you to gather this information and determine your eligibility. Here are some of the options.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command may be able to help if you have already received a 5 Day Pay-or-Quit Notice. The purpose of the emergency aid program is to prevent evictions and help avoid homelessness. Assuming you meet their requirements and have not received any aid from them in the previous 5 years, then you may be able to receive an emergency payment for your late rent.

As with any organization that provides funds for back rent, this local chapter of the Salvation Army is limited by funds on hand. In times where demand is greater than the available funding, not all funding requests may be honored. A maximum of one month’s rent can be provided.

To schedule a pre screening appointment, you will need to call the rental assistance hotline at 757-543-8100 x118 or visit social services. Be prepared to provide full documentation of your income and utilities, plus social security cards for all household members.

Alternatively, the Salvation Army (Peninsula) chapter may also be able to help. Call 757-838-4875 for more information.

Office of Community Affairs

As the local community action agency, the Office of Community Affairs may be able to provide emergency rental aid to tenants in need. This organization provides services to lower income families in crisis throughout the Greater Hampton Roads area.

Rather than being primarily a handout agency, most clients find that there is a greater focus on consumer education. There is a strong eviction prevention program in place. There are also multiple supportive housing programs that help to determine if there are better options available to a tenant in need. These can include helping qualifying applicants find and obtain reduced rent apartments or subsidized living opportunities. To find out if Office of Community Affairs can help you avoid an eviction, call 757-244-7547.

LINK of Hampton Roads

The LINK Emergency Service Center is well known for providing supplemental support to tenants experiencing a financial crisis. Cash aid is normally reserved for utilities and transportation rather than direct rent payments, but that support can free up a budget so that you can better catch up on rent.

The program does provide supportive housing to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You may contact LINK at 757-595-1953. LINK is the local name for Living Interfaith Network of Hampton Roads.

H.E.L.P.

The Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions Financial Assistance Program does not currently have funding for rental assistance. Occasionally the organization will distribute assistance for disconnected utilities. Call H.E.L.P. at 757-727-2577.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church

Once you have exhausted all other resources, the local Catholic Church may be able to provide emergency assistance. Aid can be limited and is only available to those who demonstrate a need for funding.

You may request a session with a volunteer or staff member by calling the Outreach Office at 757-599-3950.

In certain situations a referral may be necessary. It is highly recommended to make contact right away since it may be a few days before appointments may be scheduled. It is also extremely helpful to have all necessary documentation on hand to prove your living situation, rental costs, arrears, utilities, income and family size.