Rent Assistance in Mississippi
Single mothers with no stable income are often faced with financial challenges that can lead to them defaulting their monthly rental payments. To ensure that single mothers are not pushed to homelessness, several organizations in Mississippi have developed instrumental programs to help them with their rental payments. These programs will be discussed in greater detail in this article.
State Programs
There is a program known as the Mississippi Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) that is funded by The U.S. Department of Treasury. This instrumental program is spearheaded by the Mississippi Home Corporation. The eligibility guidelines for the grant include an extended income limit to help the lower-income earning citizens, including single mothers to provide a safe home for their families. Several other requirements will be stated to further determine if applicants qualify for the assistance. The program aims to help those who have been declined from the Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) funding program. https://ms-ramp.com/
Churches and Charities Help
The organization known as the Mississippi United to End Homelessness (MUTEH) operates rapid rehousing assistance. They avail funds that can be used for rental payments, moving costs, utility deposits, and case management to families and individuals facing homelessness. They provide permanent housing placement assistance that is particularly designed for people who will soon be homeless because of a notice of eviction. One of the requirements for the applicants to qualify to include having an income that is 30% of the area median income. Furthermore, the program conducts transition assistance, job search assistance, mediation with landlords, budgeting assistance, and transportation. Those who are experiencing chronic homelessness are given priority to partake in the Emergency Solutions Rapid Re-Housing Program. https://www.muteh.org/permanent-supportive-housing
Federal Programs
The Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) operate under the State authorities. The agencies are started to help people who need to conform to the affordable housing eligibility requirements given to residents. These requirements change frequently due to the terms brought forward by the state government. They supply a wide range of logically priced housing as well as community development programs. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) works together with the HFAs to provide three federal housing programs known as:
- The Housing Credit
- The HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
- The Housing Bonds
These housing programs offer assistance services such as rental, homeownership, and various types of housing needs. https://www.ncsha.org/
Eviction Help and Legal Assistance
Mission First has a Legal Aid office that offers legal services encompassing housing issues, family law, government benefit programs, consumer law, and debtor or creditor issues. The legal office functions with only 4 full-time members of staff and numerous volunteer lawyers as well as law students helping thousands of people yearly. To access the help offered, single mothers need to place a few telephone calls. The service is available to those who are unable to pay for the monthly services of an attorney. https://www.missionfirst.org/
Shelter Assistance
Matt’s House is an emergency shelter. This shelter caters to women and children who are homeless and have no place to call home. Matt’s House provides a secure, safe environment with members of staff to help the residents in acquiring housing, transportation, and employment to assist them to gain independence. While staying at the house, single moms will be given a meal in the evening as well as a light breakfast. At Matt’s House, they not only offer shelter, but they also give clothing and food. Their helping hand is also extended to the elderly, persons living with disabilities, children, and those in need in the community. http://stewpot.org/
Rental Home Improvement Assistance
A non-profit housing agency known as the United Housing Inc. (UHI) offers affordable housing to the community. They aim to serve families that are overlooked by the conventional homeownership industry. They provide opportunities for clients unable to access bank loans. The organization gives out a wide array of affordable loans. Their adjustable credit conditions provide a custom-made solution for a self-employed borrower, real estate investors, and small developers. https://www.uhinc.org/
