Facing homelessness can be stressful, but relief is out there. If you need emergency rental assistance in Mississippi, there are several programs keeping residents in their communities. Learn how to get emergency help paying your rent and utility bills today.

Statewide Emergency Rental Assistance in Mississippi

Here are some of the programs that are available to residents who live anywhere in Mississippi and are in need of emergency rental assistance.

Mississippi Home Corporation Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Mississippi Home Corporation's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program offers rent and utility help for Mississippi residents who’ve been impacted by COVID-19. The ERA program exists to keep people facing eviction in their homes by covering overdue rent and utility payments. This stabilizing effect can help vulnerable households recover from the negative financial impact of the pandemic.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or below the local median income.
Must demonstrate income loss related to the pandemic.
Applicants must be facing the loss of their home.

Mississippi Department of Human Services Community Service Block Grant

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) provides a Community Service Block grant that can be used for emergency rental assistance, help to get a job, and help to access education. This project aims to lower poverty in communities and address unemployment, housing instability, and inadequate nutrition. To be eligible, you must be within 125% of current federal poverty guidelines for income based on your household size.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Jackson, MS

If you live in Jackson, Mississippi, there are some city- and county-specific programs you should consider applying for.

Jackson Emergency Solutions Grant

Residents looking for emergency rental assistance in Jackson, MS, can take advantage of the local Emergency Solutions Grant program. Funding is available for overdue rent and utility bill payments to keep Jackson residents in their homes. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate significant financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that they are residents of Jackson, and that their household income is at or below 80% of the local median income.

Hinds County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Residents of Hinds County Mississippi can apply for financial help with rent and utility payments. To be eligible for this program, applicants must be able to demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic caused them significant financial hardship. The best way to find out if you qualify for the Hinds County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is to fill out an online application or apply in person. Landlords can apply for this program on behalf of tenants.

Harrison County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Harrison County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance program to get help paying for rent and utilities. This program aims to prevent evictions and solidify housing stability for people in the area so they can maintain their local community.

To qualify, residents must be:

At or below 80% of the local median income.
Able to demonstrate financial hardship related to the COVID-19 crisis.
Able to prove residency.

DeSoto County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

For residents of DeSoto County who are struggling to pay their rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local Emergency Rental Assistance can provide vital support. Qualifying households can get help with rent and utility payments. Assistance applying for this program is available through the administrator. Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation of financial loss due to the pandemic.

You may qualify for this program if you:

Earn 80% of local median household income or less.
Can demonstrate a threat of housing insecurity.

How Emergency Rental Assistance Impacts Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a lasting impact on communities in Mississippi. Thankfully, state and local programs are helping more residents avoid eviction and remain in their homes. Communities degrade as members are evicted, which makes these programs essential to maintain thriving towns and cities. Rental assistance keeps friends and neighbors together to allow community connections to thrive.

Long-term residents facing eviction or housing instability should act quickly to get help and avoid the eviction process. The sooner you can access emergency rental assistance, the more manageable the situation will feel.

Accessing Emergency Rental Help in Mississippi

Finding emergency help paying rent and utilities can make the difference between stability and crisis. Many families in Mississippi have faced eviction and housing insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency rental assistance programs keep people in their homes and facilitate their independence.

If you need help paying your rent and utilities, you may want to use the Affordable Housing Hub’s search tool to find the best emergency rental assistance programs near you.