COVID-19 changed the world and forced most of us to rely on others. The end of COVID-19 federal funding caused many of the emergency rental assistance programs in Arkansas to shut down, leaving many people with choices to make. However, numerous programs are still available to help Arkansas residents in their time of need.

Central Delta Community Action Agency

One option for emergency rental assistance in Arkansas is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the Central Delta Community Action Agency. The money a resident receives can be used for several issues they may face, including utility payments, rent payments, minor home repairs and appliances, car maintenance, or other issues approved by CSBG regulations. To quality, you must meet the following criteria:

Proof of emergency.
Be a resident of certain counties in Arkansas.
125% or below the federal poverty line.
Provide required documentation.

The Central Delta Community Action Agency offers this program to empower low-income individuals and families by building stronger and healthier communities.

Our Healthy Communities

This non-profit community action agency provides numerous programs for Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties in Arkansas.

Weatherization

This program helps low-income families make their homes more efficient regarding utilities costs. A checklist is provided with the application so you have all the proper documentation before handing in your application. These requirements include but are not limited to:

The completed weatherization application.
Social Security award letter.
Last four paystubs of anyone over 18.
Completed lessor agreement if renting.

They may require more information after reviewing your application.

Water Assistance

The cities of Rogers and Gravette partner with Our Healthy Communities to assist low-income families that need help paying their water bills to avoid shut-off. When applying for the program, you must submit the following information:

Shut-off notice.
Each member of the household's social security number.
Each member of the household's birth date.
Proof of household income.

These items must be submitted so that your application can be filed correctly.

Economic Opportunity Agency

The Economic Opportunity Agency provides residents with The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to help low-income families with healthy food. They hope to provide healthy living alternatives to families within Arkansas.

Partnering with Bread of Life in Springdale and LifeSource in Fayetteville, the Economic Opportunity Agency distributes food supplies and has a mobile food pantry.

Community Action Program for Central Arkansas

The Community Action Program for Central Arkansas offers several special programs to families with incomes at or above 125% of the federal poverty level.

The Community Blocks Grant

These grants include emergency medication assistance and emergency disaster assistance. Each program has its own application criteria. For example, the emergency medication assistance program does not provide narcotic or pain medication. For the emergency disaster assistance program, the resident must have a Red Cross Voucher, a referral, or a verifiable emergency.

Emergency Solutions Grant

The Emergency Solutions Grant has four components, three of which do not have income requirements. It is aimed at individuals and families who are at risk or homeless.

BRAD

The Black River Area Development Corporation (BRAD) offers several emergency rental assistance programs in Arkansas. Both programs are provided to low—or very low-income individuals and families.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

This program offers government-subsidized rental housing to qualifying low-income individuals and families. Applicants wait until assistance is available, during which they will be notified, given a voucher, and can start looking for a qualifying home. The house must meet the Housing Quality Standards for it to qualify.

Home TBRA Program

This program is an extension of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and applicants must meet the same criteria of being very low-income. Qualifying applicants will be housed in homes from the private market. Each home is recertified yearly according to the Housing Quality Standards rules and regulations.

Crawford-Sabastian Community Development Council

An emergency rental assistance program in Arkansas is also available through Family Services at the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council. This rental assistance program is available on a first-come-first-serve basis to qualifying applicants. Individuals must meet income guidelines to be eligible for rental assistance help.

Find Emergency Rental Assistance in Arkansas Today

Even though COVID-19 federal funding is over, assistance is still available. You can get help paying rent, finding housing, food, or utility assistance.