Housing insecurity is urgent and overwhelming but there are resources to provide relief. Find out how emergency rental assistance programs in Missouri can help you avoid losing your home.

Statewide Missouri Emergency Rental Assistance

Here are a few programs that are available to Missouri residents across the state.

Missouri State Assistance for Housing Relief Program

The Missouri State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program provides help to both landlords and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program covers past due, current, and up to three months of future rent and utility bill payments. Under the SAFHR program landlords receive timely payments and renters have housing security.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median income.
Demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Be at risk of homelessness or housing insecurity.

Missouri Emergency Rental Arrears Program

Eligible landlords in Missouri can get support for tenants’ past due rental payments dating back to April 2020 through the Emergency Rental Arrears Program. This program requires collaboration between tenants and landlords. Landlords apply on behalf of tenants and must agree not to evict tenants within 120 days of receiving funding. This keeps more Missouri residents in their homes and protects landlords from having to file evictions and raise rental prices.

You may be eligible for this program if your landlord is willing to apply cooperatively with you and your past due rent is because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Many counties and cities within Missouri offer emergency rental assistance programs of their own. They may also be able to offer more location-specific assistance and income requirements. Here are a few popular local emergency rental assistance programs you may want to consider.

Kansas City Emergency Rental Assistance Program

As part of a wider initiative by Kansas City to prevent evictions and curb homelessness, the Kansas City Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides funding for past-due rent and future rent payments to stabilize housing for residents. This program is tailored specifically to the needs of Kansas City residents.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median income.
Demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live in Kansas City.

St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Eligible residents of St. Louis County who are struggling to pay rent can benefit from funds to cover past-due rent, utility bills, and other essential housing needs. This program is funded through the CARES Act and is aimed at preventing homelessness in vulnerable communities.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median income.
Demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live in St. Louis County.

Greene County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Applicants to the Greene County Emergency Rental Assistance Program must be screened in person, by appointment. A local community agency walks eligible residents through the application process step by step. This local program offers emergency rental assistance in Springfield MO and other Greene County population centers.

At the time of application, the following documents are required:

A list of household members.
Identification for all household members.
Income information for all adults in the household.
Proof of unemployment or lost wages due to COVID-19.
Copies of past-due rent and utility bills.
A copy of your lease or rental agreement.
Landlord/property owner’s contact information.

Kansas City Reconciliation Services Emergency Rental Assistance

Reconciliation Services offers qualified Kansas City residents emergency rental assistance to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Program funds can be used to cover overdue rent and utility bills so residents can avoid eviction.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median income.
Demonstrate financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live in Kansas City.

The Effect of Rental Assistance on Missouri Communities

Communities across Missouri feel a significant impact from rental assistance programs that keep long-term residents in their homes. When tenants are evicted they leave longstanding neighbor relationships, valuable jobs, and school bonds behind. Breaking these ties can weaken the community, whether it’s several evictions at once or a few at a time. Emergency rental assistance programs can benefit the broader community by preserving social ties and helping people avoid housing instability.

Access Emergency Rental Assistance

Missouri residents struggling to pay rent may feel overwhelmed about finding help. With so many programs to choose from, each with differing qualifications, filling out applications can be difficult to navigate. Many state and local programs offer help finding and applying for emergency assistance in person and over the phone.

Emergency relief programs make it easier for individuals, families, and communities to bounce back from the global crisis of COVID-19. To see what relief programs are available in your area, try out the Affordable Housing Hub search tool.