Need help with Demopolis Alabama rental assistance

(Request from Rhonda in Demopolis, Alabama) I missed paying this month rent and cant see how I can pay next month right now. My son , who is 15 was hospitalized this month, the next week I missed a couple of days due to being ill. I work 40hrs/wk @$8.00. My rent is $465 plus $50.00 late fee per month. I have been struggling the past few months, they are taking $125.00 a week out of my check for an old medical bill. Plus all the other deductions, I bring home $390-411.00 every two weeks. I have cable, lights, water, transportation getting to school and work. My car insurance has lapsed twice in the pasted three months. I use the community action place a couple of months ago, but I still cant see my way right now. Hopefully by January they will lift the $250 withdrawal from my check and I will be back on track.. But I truly need help right now before my son and I are outside. I applied for food stamps but was told I didn’t qualify… Please contact me

Dear Rhonda,

If you have already used up your benefits through community action, then you might want to try one of the other opportunities for getting help with your rent. Another times are tough and I have to tell you that you are really going to need to create a little more breathing room in your budget on a permanent basis. I’d like to connect you with the resources to help you do that.

Demopolis Housing Authority

For starters you are going to need some immediate emergency rental assistance to help you get through this rough patch. I would recommend contacting the Demopolis Housing Authority to get help with bridging the short-term budget gap that you are struggling with.

You may speak with the case manager by calling 334-289-1347. There are internal programs that you may qualify for as well as potential referrals to outside organizations that may be able to help you get through the next month.

Help with Other Bills

You mentioned that you have several other bills such as utilities and transportation to cost you a lot of money each month. I can tell that you are having trouble making those payments as well as rent payments on time. It is very important that we get your rent paid on time that you no longer incur a late fee.

I realize that you’ve already called Marengo County Committee Service Program, and that you have already exhausted the benefits available through that service. However I would still recommend giving your case manager a call and ask them if they had any referrals to other organizations that may be able to assist you for one more month. You may call Marengo County Community Service Program at 334-295-2244.

You’ve indeed been placed in a tough situation due to the medical bill. I would recommend if you ever get another medical bill that is difficult to pay at once, then it is better to work out a payment arrangement with the doctor. Often sending as little as $15 a month or 2% of the balance can allow you to repay the debt over time at 0% interest and without having to worry about a judgment and wage garnishment. If you need extra help with this, there are organizations that can provide medical billing assistance for you.

For help in Demopolis as well as other programs of Marengo County, feel free to contact the United Way. Simply call 211 for your local office.