Rent help with Washington County Community Action Council

The local affiliate of the Community Action Partnership provides much-needed rental assistance to households that are at risk of homelessness. Washington County Community Action Council (WCCAC) serves those who live throughout the county as well as in Hagerstown and smaller towns.

WCCAC receives funding to provide programs and services that assist individuals, couples and families with rent during times of hardship. When a crisis causes problems with paying bills, residents may otherwise fall behind on rent and ultimately be evicted from their homes. It is the goal of WCCAC to prevent that.

To meet this goal, the following programs have been implemented.

Crisis Assistance

Those who have already been evicted could receive a payment for the first month’s rent at a new home. However, a Crisis Case Manager will seek to delay and prevent an eviction if it has not already occurred. It may be possible to intervene on behalf of the tenant by engaging directly with the landlord. If the eviction can be delayed, then more follow-up can be provided to resolve the situation. In certain situations where a tenant’s rights have been violated, the Crisis Case Manager can assert those rights in court.

Preventing the eviction involves resolving the arrears through an agreed upon plan. Some landlords will allow for a tenant to repay the arrears over a few months. To enhance this plan, a grant could be applied to the back rent owed to reduce the amount owed. Utility aid may also be provided. This makes the plan more feasible for the tenant while helping the landlord recoup the arrears faster.

Rental Allowance Program

A portion of the rent can be paid by WCCAC for up to six months when a household has experienced a financial crisis. The amount of the aid varies, but the intent is to provide enough assistance so that all bills can be paid while the family tries to recover from hardship.

This subsidy reduces the actual rent expenditure during that six month time frame. The result is that a primary breadwinner can use the time for job training courses or to find a higher paying job.

Transitional Housing Program

Transitional housing in Washington County is provided through five housing units that have been allocated by the agency. Instead of going to a homeless shelter, an evicted tenant may reside in a private residence for a couple of months while case manager works with them to plan a permanent move.

To facilitate a move to permanent housing, tenants may save their money to put towards a security deposit and first month’s rent. This is also a time to tend to credit needs and resolve any unpaid debts that threaten the finances of the family. If a grant is needed to help the family pay the upfront costs of a permanent home, this may be authorized by the case manager.

Supportive Housing Program

Permanent rent subsidies are available for single homeless persons who are totally and permanently disabled. This may include Veterans and elderly persons.

Get Help with Rent

To get help with rent balances, security deposits and future rent, Washington County residents may call WCCAC at 301-797-4161. An appointment may be scheduled for weekdays at the Summit Avenue office in Hagerstown.