Help prevent eviction in Prince George’s County

(Question from Domonique in Cheverly, Maryland) Please provide me with any information that could possibly help prevent eviction as soon as possible.

Dear Domonique,

Without any information about the situation or hardship that you are facing, it is difficult to determine what your most feasible options will be. I can provide you with information on possible eviction prevention through local programs that are available near you.

Bethesda Cares

A previous client requested information on preventing eviction and loans for rent payments in nearby Fort Washington, which is also in Prince George’s County. One agency that we referred her to was Bethesda Cares. That organization can in certain situations pay a cash grant if it is necessary to prevent the eviction.

Housing Authority of Prince George’s County

You may also want to consider the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County (HAPGC). HAPGC provides low rent living arrangements for 600 households each month. The agency administers Section 8 funding as a rent subsidy.

The agency may also have emergency rental assistance funds to provide to tenants who are on the verge of an eviction. Emergency rent payments can be used under the discretion of case managers who expect applicants to show financial need, be able to prove a hardship, but most importantly are showing signs of making changes so that they will be able to afford their living costs in the future. In these types of situations, a rental assistance grant may be provided by the agency. Qualifications must be met before funding can be authorized.

Borrowing the Money

If you were also looking for a potential loan, we would need more information about your income and credit situation. As long as you have verifiable income and a reasonable credit score, you may have some lending options through your local bank or credit union. These loans can range anywhere from 5-20% APR on average, which is a substantial amount less than the 391% APR payday loans.

The best option is generally your own bank or credit union, but there may be others that can offer a good deal. If your credit score is below 630, you should probably resist trying to borrow money as the costs would be too high.

Loans can delay an eviction, but they will not prevent it if you cannot afford to live there. For this reason, an appointment with a case manager is a better option.