Emergency rental payments may be covered by Assumption Parish

Your local government may be able to keep you in your current home. Assumption Parish is a key provider of rental assistance to lower income families.

If you have recently been threatened with eviction because of recent financial hardship, Assumption Parish may be able to help. They do more than just provide case management for financial mismanagement. They actually provide cash grants to help you make up your rental arrears.

The rental assistance program is part of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program operated by the parish government. It can provide rent payments when you are in jeopardy of an eviction from your current home.

The assistance doesn’t stop with just rent payments. Assumption Parish often can assist with utility disconnections, groceries, medicine and tuition. This can really be a one stop shop for a household who needs help getting through a recent hardship.

There are qualifications that must be met before you will become eligible for assistance. First, your household must be low to moderate income. Second, you will need to show proof that you are a local resident of the parish. A utility bill or lease agreement will do. Third, you must bring in some documentation of hardship, including any eviction notice or utility disconnection notices that you have received.

Beyond the CSBG program, Assumption Parish also provides emergency housing assistance. Again, this program may provide cash towards rent payments or a mortgage payment. It also provides emergency homeless shelters for those who have been evicted. Furthermore, there are transitional housing opportunities available for a family who prefers not to live in the shelter but is not yet able to come up with the security deposit and first month’s rent for a new rental unit. Transportation vouchers may also be provided, especially if you need help getting to work or to a medical appointment.

Finally, Assumption Parish may be able to help you move into a qualified rental home or apartment by using subsidies. The Section 8 voucher program may allow you to only be responsible for a percentage of your income that goes towards rent. As this is usually capped at 30% of your monthly income, this allows for great savings for low income budgets.

For more information about grant programs and affordable housing, call Assumption Parish at 985-369-2026.