COMPASS could provide $100 rental assistance grant to Columbus tenants

Columbus tenants who are falling short on their rent may have a bit of extra help available, thanks to this community program.

Congregational Outreach Ministries Program of Assistance & Social Service (COMPASS) is a partnership of Columbus, Ohio churches that collaborate to help financially distressed tenants avoid eviction. By working together and with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, program organizers hope that they can help you meet your rent obligations and avoid any further problems.

Up to $100 can be provided once a year to area tenants who need help coming up with their rent payment. The assistance can be approved, but only if it allows you to pay your rent in full.

For example, if your rent is $750, then you would need at least $650 on hand before you could receive the rental assistance payment. Since funds are limited, COMPASS representatives want to make sure that the funds are used most effectively to help area families avoid eviction.

They want to make sure that you remain current on your rent and that you do not incur any late fees. By staying in your current home, you can focus on other financial needs, such as feeding your family and paying for transportation to and from work.

Hundreds of households are helped each year. The program assists with rent as well as electric, gas and water bills.

While over 20 churches collaborate on the program, it is administered primarily by Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus. To request assistance, you may contact the church at 614-221-6552.

Your first stop should be the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority though, since you will need to take advantage of any public benefits that you are eligible first. You may find that you are eligible for multiple programs, which could help you address your multiple needs while you are dealing with a financial hardship.

You will find that the caring individuals at COMPASS will work with you to help you gain access to all of the benefits that you could be eligible for. In some cases, a referral may be made if you appear to meet the qualifications for a certain program that they are familiar with. Contact one of the COMPASS representatives at Broad Street Presbyterian Church so that you can get help with your rent and avoid the high cost of rental loans that are sold in the Greater Columbus community.