Let's Make a Plan Together
This content was created in part thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo.
995HOPE offers free renter counseling and education to support people in addressing their housing concerns. Our professional, caring counselors will work with you to assess your situation, explain the options or solutions available, and help you create a detailed action plan. You will get referrals to local, statewide, and national resources.
While 995 HOPE does not directly administer rental assistance programs or offer financial support to renters, we suggest people use the following resources to research rental assistance options.
- Find rental assistance programs in your state.
- U.S. Treasury directory of rental assistance by state, county
- HUD directory of resources.
- Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) renter and utility assistance look up directory
Housing Counseling
Housing counseling from 995 HOPE can help you manage unexpected circumstances, including lost or reduced monthly income, which causes changes in our ability to keep up with rent.
Housing counseling can be helpful to get a handle on your options when prioritizing monthly rent against other bills.
Our certified HUD counselors are ready to help you:
- Know where and how to apply for help and assistance
- Help create or facilitate communications with your landlord or property manager
- Explore options to take in the face of financial hardship
- Develop a plan for action that addresses your full financial picture
If you are struggling to keep up with your rent payments, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from eviction. Contact 995Hope. Calls are confidential with no pressure.
What lenders and landlords do to help
Most landlords have their own policies on help and assistance during this time. Check your landlord’s website for the most up to date information and how to reach out for assistance. Check Eviction Lab’s website for the latest eviction policy changes or Just Shelter where you can search over 600 organizations across the U.S. working to prevent eviction and reduce family homelessness.
This guide offers six steps to take for those experiencing financial hardships related to rental payments, including:
- What steps to take first when anticipating changes in your ability to make rental payments
- Tips to apply for help and assistance
- A description of options renters can take in the face of financial hardship
- A plan for action
Phone and Internet
More than 650 companies have signed the Keep America Connected Pledge which states:
- No termination of service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Waiving of late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Access to Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Check the Federal Communications Commission’s website for organizations that have signed the pledge.
Other Utilities
Many states have suspended utility shut offs and have made assistance available for people. Check your state’s announcements and responses here .
