Arizona is home to both desert land and vast forests. With a population of nearly 8 million residents, many options are available for emergency rental assistance in Arizona. Understanding the forms of help available and how to apply for Arizona emergency rental assistance is important.

Arizona Emergency Rental Assistance

Finding and asking for help can be mentally and emotionally challenging. However, with the proper research, securing emergency rental assistance in Arizona can be easy.

Arizona Department of Economic Security

The Arizona Department of Economic Security's goal is to assist individuals and families in need. They offer many programs to help Arizona communities, including:

Food Assistance

The food assistance program aims to help individuals with food security through several options.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP).
WIC Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (FMNP).

These are just a few of the food assistance options available. It is important to research each program and apply for the one that best fits your family's needs.

Medical Assistance

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) provides Medicaid insurance qualifying applicants based on income, Arizona residency, or pregnancy status to those in need. You can apply for this program online, in person, by mail, or by fax. When applying, make sure you have all the appropriate documentation, including but not limited to:

Proof of citizenship for each applicant.
Social Security Number for each applicant.
Proof of all income for the household.
Birth certificates for each applicant.
Alien Registration Cards

After you submit your application, a phone interview will be conducted to discuss the information you submitted and determine if any other documentation is needed.

Arizona Rental Assistance Program

This emergency rental assistance program in Arizona is there to help low-income families with children and senior citizens avoid housing insecurity. To qualify for this program, you must meet specific criteria, including but not limited to:

The applicant must be a tenant.
Experiencing housing insecurity or eviction.
Have a child under 18 in the home.
A senior over 60 in the home.

Other eligibility criteria apply, so make sure to do your research before applying. You can apply for the program online or in person.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to low-income residents who need immediate help with utility bills. You can see if you qualify by taking the questionnaire on the website or by calling the phone number provided.

Tempe Community Action Agency

The Tempe Community Action Agency wants every person in the community to be happy and healthy. They aim to end poverty and help people secure safe, stable housing. They have many programs to help those in need, including:

Food Security

Tempe, AZ, is home to one of the largest food pantries in the community. On certain days and times of the week, residents can visit the pantry and receive emergency food help twice a month. Bring your photo ID and proof of Tempe or Fountain Hills residency.

Housing Stability

The Tempe Community Action Agency offers multiple programs to help low-income families with utility assistance. Funds are available to residents working with select utility providers:

Arizona Public Service (APS).
Salt River Project (SRP).
Southwest Gas.

If you use one of the providers listed above, are low-income, and the crisis is emergent, help is available.

Maricopa County Assistance Programs

As federal funding for Maricopa County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has ended, the county has formed new programs to help residents with their needs.

Housing Stability Rental Assistance Program

The Housing Stability Rental Assistance program is an emergency rental assistance program in Arizona that helps low-income residents with up to 2 months of payments for past due rent payments, late fees, or future payments to keep them in stable, secure housing. To qualify for the program, you must meet specific criteria.

Live in Maricopa County, except Glendale, Mesa, or Phoenix.
Risk of homelessness, instability, or financial hardship.
Income is 80% or less of the area median income.

To establish eligibility, the resident must bring the proper documentation.

Utility Assistance

The Human Services Department’s Community Resilience Division helps Maricopa County residents with utility assistance. The applicant must live in Maricopa County, except Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix, and income for the 30 days prior must be 60% or less of the state median income. You can apply online or in person.

Coconino County Assistance Programs

Coconino County also offers many programs to help residents, including help paying utility bills, rental assistance, vouchers for clothing, bus passes, food assistance, and more. Eligibility requirements may vary per program. However, consistent eligibility requirements include the number of people in the household, household income, and problems the household is experiencing.

Find Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in Arizona

There are many options available for emergency rental assistance in Arizona. At Affordable Housing Hub, we are dedicated to connecting you to the resources you need as you find the right solutions for your family.