PROCEED provides rental assistance to Union County tenants at risk of eviction

If you have received an eviction notice, you may be able to get help with your situation. PROCEED is a nonprofit organization serving Union County with the purpose of helping families prosper even in the face of economic hardship.

Originally intended to assist the many Puerto Ricans living in Union County, PROCEED now serves all who are in need of service. PROCEED stands for the Puerto Rican Organization for Community Education and Economic Development.

There are indeed 3 priorities of the organization as it relates to your rental situation:

  1. Prevent homelessness. PROCEED works quickly to help you avoid evictions when possible. If you have received an eviction notice and believe that your family is of low-to-moderate income, then you might be eligible for a one-time cash grant paid to your landlord to convince them to drop the eviction plans. This grant is only available to tenants paying at or below the fair market rent for Union County.
  2. Provide emergency housing. If you have been evicted, then they will attempt to place you into an appropriate shelter to cover your emergency housing needs. By providing emergency shelter, you can stay off the streets and in contact with case managers who will provide continuous support and access to education and counseling.
  3. Move into permanent housing. Even if you have been evicted already, PROCEED will work to find a permanent living solution for you. They can help you identify affordable rental units that allow you to better be able to stay current on your rent payments. A security deposit grant or loan may be an option if it allows you to meet the move-in requirements of a more affordable apartment.

PROCEED does not intend to be a permanent source of support. Instead, their goal is to quickly step in with cash, programs and counseling to help you regain your financial independence and be self-sufficient.

As you can see, PROCEED should be your first stop when trying to prevent an eviction or find suitable housing that you can afford. Too often people flock to high-interest loans in a desperate attempt to catch up on rent payments, only to find themselves in much worse financial shape just a few months later. Skip the rip off and get the rental assistance that you qualify for. It just might change your life!