Wilson County provides rental assistance through grants

Small town Wilson has some of best support available for lower income families who need help with their rent. There are emergency eviction prevention programs that can provide back rent payments. There are programs that offer to assist with security deposit grants.

If you were looking for a loan to help you move, consider instead whether you might be able to score some free cash through one of the programs that serve Wilson County residents. Remember that grants do not have to be repaid, whereas high interest payday loans or consumer finance loans do.

First consider whether you are eligible for the local government aid programs offered through the Wilson Housing Authority. You may have overlooked this option, as most people assume that it would mean having to live in a housing project. While this is one option, the Wilson Housing Authority also issues Housing Choice Vouchers which can make living in a normal home more affordable for a family living on a limited income. This voucher program uses Section 8 funds to subsidize your rent so that your actual rent payments are much smaller. To see if you might be a candidate, contact the Wilson Housing Authority at 252-291-2245.

The Salvation Army is another option for rent help. Their program starts with emergency housing if you are homeless. They also can help you with rental assistance if you have received an eviction notice. Their goal is to keep you in your home if possible, or to help you find more suitable housing. They can even assist with your electricity bills to further reduce your monthly costs. For more information, call the Salvation Army at 252-243-2696.

If you are homeless and in need of emergency housing, contact the Wesley Shelter at 252-291-2344. They can offer a safe place to house you and your family and assist you as you seek transitional housing.

Transitional housing could be your key to stabilizing your current living situation as well as your finances. It gives you some breathing room while you try to find a job or to build some savings.

With transitional housing, you are in no hurry to move. It gives you time to increase savings while you plan your next move into a permanent home. Whatever shortfall you have in coming up with a security deposit and first month’s rent, you can be matched with these funds from one of the agencies that serve Wilson County.