How to get Help to Pay your Rent

Do you need help paying rent? If you are facing eviction, and can not pay your rent, this article will give you some suggestions on where you should start and where to get the help you need!

There are many organizations both private and public, that are in place, to help people who are suffering financial hardships. They not only will help you will rent, but can also provide assistance with food, clothing. You are not alone in this, and there are places you can go, to get the help you need.

You may have done all you can to pay your rent and keep a roof over your head, but there is not enough money and no friend or family member you can ask for help.

There is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people are in the same situation with lay-offs, cut backs and so many companies not hiring.

With the government threatening to get rid of entitlement programs, I do not know how long these programs will be available, but for now there is still help for you and your family!

You will be glad to know that there are programs around that will help you pay your rent or mortgage. Each organization may have slightly different rules and obligation you must fulfill in order to receive help.

The worst thing you can do, is to keep quiet. Let your landlord or mortgage lender know you are having problems before it gets to late.  You will find that many of them are willing to work with you.

Some people let the fear and shame of not being able to pay their rent paralyze them and they do nothing, until the sherrif is knocking at the door.

Do not wait until it is too late to ask for help. Programs that are willing to help take a little time to submit paper work and get approval so, if you are in trouble start letting people who can help you know you have a need.

Try to get over the titles that will be used to identify your situation; the main thing is to get help. There are many large and even smaller churches in your community that receive money from the member donations and the government to assist the poor.

It doesn't matter that you are not a member, or even a believer, they will help you. Warning: You may be required to attend a service before they help you.

They will ask a lot of questions about your situation.  Make sure to take with your social security card, picture identification, work pay stubs, unemployment verification and a few bills that will verify what you are telling them.

Also have the name, address and telephone number of your landlord or mortgage agent. If funds are available to help you, your landlord or mortgage will be contacted and they will receive the money directly.

Many organizations only give you a portion of the money you might need so that they can help more people. This means you will have to go to several organization to get all your rent paid.

Charities, such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or the Red Cross may be able to assist you in paying your rent.

Go online to, Local Independent Charities of America, to locate a charity that can give you the help you need. (800) 876-0413

Keep in mind, you may not be able to get all the help you need to pay your rent, or worse, you may not be able to get anything at all. Many people need help and often the funds run out. In that case, they should have a list of other locations that can help you pay the rent.

It will be frustrating and embarrassing, but keep in mind you need a place to live. This is a temporary situation and this too shall pass! You may also get help with a list of food banks and church pantries, that can also provide you with groceries.

Go online or call to get the phone number and address to a Department of Social Services in your area. You will save a lot of time if you do most of your searching on line. If you do not have a computer, go to the local library.

You don't have to be on public assistance to receive help from the department of social services. Often you can go to them for a one time help assistance with your rent if you are behind and emergency food stamps.

Once you sit down with a worker, let them know everything you need. If you qualify for emergency food stamps, this will help you to put most of the money you have to your bills. Keep in mind to bring with you all the documentation you will need to receive services. 1-800-333-4636

If you get most of the money you need to pay your rent and are still short, consider selling something on Craigslist. If the price is right you should get some quick responses. Think as creatively as you can if you are still short.

The main things to remember is:

• don't freak out
• do your online research
• have all your documentation
• get a list of other charities
• ask for other services
• don't be embarrassed