MCUM makes Bloomington rental assistance possible for clients experiencing hardship

Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) is one of the more respected nonprofit organizations providing community services to those facing serious economic hardship. MCUM administers Bloomington rental assistance programs on behalf of households that may be shut out of federal aid programs.

Emergency Rent Payments

MCUM may be able to intervene on your behalf whenever a temporary financial crisis is threatening your financial stability. Priority is given to applicants who have received an eviction notice and who may otherwise face homelessness.

Eligibility guidelines are much different here than with most other rental assistance programs. Normally only the poorest individuals and families would qualify for grants or interest-free loans. MCUM does not turn away the households who earn more than the federal poverty level. It is this distinction that makes the organization such a valuable asset to households representing a broad range of the community.

If you believe an eviction is imminent without receiving some immediate aid, the organization may be able to provide you with funding to catch up on your rent payment. This benefit is available once per year to those who apply.

You should expect to provide documentation that proves that you faced a short-term crisis that has led to your current situation. Your case manager will determine if your needs are great enough to justify a grant. In certain situations utility help may also be provided in addition to the rental funds.

The total grant payment would be at most one month’s rent. Payment can be made to your landlord as long as the agency receives some assurance that the landlord would abandon their eviction plans.

The feasibility check will require that you will have the necessary income to afford to remain in that home. A current job or new job may be sufficient as long as you can provide documentation that proves what your income should be.

If you live in Monroe County and would like to apply for a Bloomington rental assistance grant, call MCUM at 812-339-3429. The emergency services coordinator will be able to assess your needs to determine if you should be provided with rental assistance as well as other aid such as food or clothing.

If you are provided help with your rent, please keep the organization and its mission in mind as you try to pursue your individual goals of self-sufficiency. When you bounce back, consider giving back to the organization so that someone else might be helped the way you were.