Help with rental security deposits in Windsor County, VT

Community aid agencies pitch in to help lower income tenants with rent. These Windsor County organizations provide assistance to those who need help covering rental deposits and costs, especially when moving into a new home.

(Request from Ashley in Windsor, Vermont) My email doesn’t work please call me. I am pregnant, due in September. I found a place but I need help with the security deposit please. I will even sign a paper if I move out you can have the security back. Please, thank you. Ashley.

Getting help with initial rental charges can make the difference between moving in and being homeless. Several community aid organizations work with lower income residents of Windsor County to ensure that they have access to normal private housing. These are some of the possibilities.

Windsor Village

This property currently has 10 units reserved for lower income tenants who need help controlling their living costs. While there are 77 total units, most are reserved only for Seniors.

Anyone admitted to one of the 10 remaining units can benefit from reduced rent and included utilities. Not having to pay any utilities keeps costs lower and drastically cuts the move in costs. Rent is limited to 30% of income, which could cut your rent substantially if you are earning less.

For more information about these rent-controlled apartments, call the property manager at 802-674-9455.

Morningside Shelter

Another option is a United Way subsidized charity kn0wn as Morningside Shelter. This facility is located in Brattleboro and provides a sort of rent holiday for those trying to get back on their feet.

What is unique about this program is that it is really more of a transitional housing program than what people normally think of as a homeless shelter. Each resident saves money towards their security deposit and first month’s rent so that when they decide to move out, they have the necessary funds available to make a smooth transition.

The difference with this program is that they don’t give you a cash grant to use as a security deposit. Instead, they let you live at their facility while you save your earnings to put towards those move in costs. They can even help you find a suitable property to move into. For more information, call Morningside Shelter at 802-257-0066.

SEVCA

Southeastern Vermont Community Action may be able to connect you with reduced rent on a property that may have some flexibility with the security deposit. You may call SEVCA at 800-464-9951. We featured the SEVCA assistance programs in a previous article.

Each of these organizations can provide case management services and a referral if needed, even if qualifications are not met. It is their goal to assist you in any way possible.