Reno helps with security deposits but rental assistance funding is hard to find

A check for rental aid was a bit fruitless due to dried up funding sources. Still, we did find a source for rental security deposits.

The good news is that individuals and families who cannot afford to come up with all of the cash required to move into an apartment or rental home might be able to get some help with the security deposit. A special fund from the city is provided for this purpose, but you have to go through the right program to receive it.

Understand that the City of Reno provides limited security deposit assistance as a grant to those who otherwise would be homeless. This means that they require that you work with a case manager at the Community Assistance Center (CAC). The CAC is actually a collaboration between the city’s three emergency shelters. Case management is combined with social services and medical care to address basic needs that are usually neglected by those who are struggling just to keep a roof over their head.

To find out about getting help with your security deposit on your next move, call 775-334-3853. You will need to work with a case manager before your request will be considered. Residents of the CAC are generally a priority for city security deposit assistance.

The case manager will likely tell you that while there is money for security deposits, there is no money available for emergency rent in cases of threatened eviction. This used to be a service of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program until funding ran dry. Still it is worth a quick call (775-334-3853) to check and see if anything has changed. Keep in mind that a referral may be provided if a partner agency finds funding, so a call could still result in some rental assistance for emergency situations.

The Reno Housing Authority (RHA) is the administrator of the Federal Section 8 program. This is the traditional source of subsidized rent for lower income families. Due to an extreme waiting list, the program may not be adding new applicants at this time. There are other opportunities though, such as getting approved for one of RHA’s reduced rent apartments. To receive a list of vacancies, call 775-329-3630.