Eviction prevention and rehousing assistance in Maricopa County.
Several agencies are focused on both stopping evictions and rehousing families in the Maricopa County area. Many of the non-profits, which often partner together as part of the Coalition to End Homelessness, rely on federal government grants from ESG as well as the support of pro-bono attorneys from the area.
The first step is always on preventing an eviction. Phoenix area families that are struggling to keep up with their monthly rent payments should ask for help as soon as possible. This step should be done before a landlord sends them a formal pay or quit or eviction notice. The earlier they seek some form of help from a agency the more likely their chances of staying housed.
When it comes to any money to help pay a portion of rent, the main source of funds is the federal government Housing and Urban Development funded Emergency Solution Grant. Once a year agencies in Maricopa County and cities such as Mesa may be provided funds from this program. They use it to provide financial help to families facing an eviction from their home or apartment. There may not only be some rent assistance available, but other support can also be arranged such as counseling and employment.
When seeking assistance from the ESG program in Phoenix, most of the organizations will require proof of income, residency, and want to see copies of a lease agreement. In general, any money for preventing an eviction is only for those individuals that show the ability to make future rental payments on time, on their own. So the applicant will need a source of income.
The fact is that the government assistance is intended to help people in an emergency. Maricopa County families that are not showing the ability to control their finances over the mid to long term are not likely candidates for ESG grants. Prevention in the region may include short-and medium-term rental assistance, counseling, and much more.
There are instances in which an eviction can be caused by a legal issue as well. In these cases, attorneys can advise a tenant on their rights. They will help resolve disputes with landlords and work with all parties involved on the challenges. The goal is to try to find some type of solution that doesn't involve an eviction.
In some cases, the families financial condition has changed substantially. It may be that they are still self-sufficient, but at a lower income level in the past. Maybe it is just impossible to pay the percentage of their income towards their rent that they did in the past.
In these cases, rehousing may be the best option. This is part of the Maricopa County area homeless prevention services as moving a resident into a new, more affordable home is one tool used to stop an eviction.
For qualified families, they can get help with housing relocation and stabilization from agencies that are part of the Coalition to End Homelessness. For a very short term need, a free motel voucher can be provided to the person. When it is available, it is for a very short term stay in a location in Mesa or Phoenix.
Rehousing also can provide financial support from ESG grants. There may be assistance in locating a new, safe and affordable home to reside in within the Maricopa County area. Once that has been done, grants may help pay for a portion of a rental or utility deposit or moving costs. Any support offered by a Coalition to End Homelessness affiliated agency is determined by federal guidelines.
The rapid re-housing program has been shown the be effective at helping those families that were previously evicted. The agencies in Phoenix Arizona use this in an effort to move people from transitional housing to a new home. The short-term financial assistance for rent or a security deposit from ESG reduces the time families spend without permanent lodging.
In many cases, the first step of this may be moving into a subsidized apartment. In these instances the tenant should generally plan any paying up to 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards the cost of rent that is due. Examples of the accommodations in the Phoenix area may be scattered-sites units or section 8 housing.
But this service can only be done once the resident is stabilized. The Coalition to End Homelessness affiliated non-profits will also offer ongoing support as well. The agencies in Maricopa County offer mainstream services such as debt counseling, childcare, financial/budget assistance, substance abuse classes and employment support to prevent a future recurrence of homelessness.
There are different forms of eviction help and rehousing tailored for different situations. Whether a resident of Maricopa County is a veteran, single woman or male, fleeing from domestic violence, or a single mom, support is provided. So there is no discrimination based on age, race, or gender.
Applying for homeless prevention programs in Maricopa County
To explore all of the local resources for stopping an eviction, call the information line at 877-211-8661. Or try 211. This is a free service that is also part of the Coalition to End Homelessness in Maricopa County.
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