What to do if you are evicted

Let’s face it. Eviction is embarrassing, expensive and traumatic. You might feel lost and that your situation is hopeless. You may find however that you do have support which can help you get through this difficult time. You can land back on your feet again.

If you have received an eviction notice but have not yet been evicted, then you should consider taking advantage of one of the eviction prevention programs serving you. Most communities have some support at the local government level as well as from nonprofit organizations or churches.

To qualify, you generally must have received an eviction notice from your landlord. This is a 10-day notice in many states, although your notice may be different. Also, you must be classified as a lower income household. Some programs are more stringent than others. The more children are in your household, the more likely you will qualify. If anyone is disabled or elderly, this can also work in your favor. If you qualify, you could receive up to 2 payments of back rent.

If you have been evicted and have no place to go, then you will need to find somewhere safe. You might be able to stay with a friend or family for a short while. If you have none, then emergency shelters can help you for a few days or as long as a few months.

Transitional housing opportunities may also be an option for you, as these help you ease back into getting your own place while saving money for a permanent home. Your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or other community organizations may be able to facilitate your placement into transitional housing. Some units are designed for families facing homelessness. Others are geared towards men or women released from prison or drug treatment programs.

Ultimately you will want to be able to afford your own home without feeling threatened by your landlord due to late rent payments. You might find that you qualify for subsidized or low rent housing. Perhaps you qualify for a program that provides grants or loans for security deposits. Some programs provide a cash grant. Others offer an interest free loan that can be repaid over 6 months or as long as 2 years.

Whatever your situation, you do have support as long as your family meets income and other eligibility requirements. For higher income households, more drastic measures may be necessary, such as a bankruptcy filing or other action. For more information about what is available in your community, browse the local programs serving you.