Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter’s interest-free loan program

Shenandoah County residents who need help to avoid an eviction have a pretty awesome form of support through Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter. An interest-free loan is available to cover rent payments while a tenant recovers from a financial emergency.

Normally there are two problems encountered by those who seek rental assistance. Most applicants find they do not qualify for aid. It is a difficult pill to swallow when someone is in need. The second problem is that programs have such high demand that either the aid is not sufficient, or it may require an exhaustive waiting period. Those problems are not the case with this organization.

An applicant does not have to have small children in order to be eligible. Individuals, couples and families may apply.

Those who have applied for emergency rental assistance in the past can apply for the loan. It does not matter if they have received prior aid through other agencies or not.

This is such a great opportunity for working households to catch up on rental arrears or to avoid skipping a rent payment. Help is provided and there is no costly interest that must be repaid. The interest on rolled over payday loans can easily double the amount that must be repaid.

A centralized intake phone line is provided at 540-277-0012. Staff can assess the level of need and whether an applicant is a likely candidate for the assistance.

Aid comes in the form of a zero-interest loan. This loan can be used to cover rent owed by a tenant. There is flexibility on how this loan has to be repaid. The purpose is to allow a tenant the extra time to get their finances in order, such as to recover from a recent financial disaster. Staff know that the cost of a car repair could mean that a tenant needs help paying more than one month’s rent payment. The loan can help with that.

In addition to the interest-free loan program for tenants, Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter also provides emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing assistance. Eligibility requirements are different for those programs. Interested applicants should call the intake line to find out more.