Even though North Dakota emergency rental assistance programs are winding down across the state, many families’ financial needs remain. While your options are a bit more restricted in 2024 than in past years, there are still plenty of ways to get emergency rental assistance as long as you know where to look. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

North Dakota Emergency Rental Assistance Programs Via the CAPND & HHS

The Community Action Partnership of North Dakota (CAPND) and Health and Human Services (HHS) both offer financial assistance programs for a variety of needs, several of which are centered on housing insecurity. Note that you won’t be receiving assistance directly from the CAPND. Rather, you’ll need to get in touch with your region’s Community Action Agency.

The state of North Dakota is divided into eight regions, each region covering several counties. Visit your district’s agency or its corresponding website to fill out an application. If you’re eligible and the program has enough room, you should be accepted!

Keep in mind that the North Dakota Rental Help (NDRH) general rental assistance program was a holdover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since been discontinued. The program stopped accepting applications in May of 2023. There are, however, other programs that are still open for applications, namely the eviction prevention assistance and re-housing assistance programs.

Eviction Prevention Assistance

Eviction prevention assistance is exactly what it says on the box. If you’re in danger of being evicted from your home, you can apply for financial assistance that’ll help you cover as many as 6 months of rent. To qualify for eviction prevention assistance, you must meet the following qualifications.

You’re currently in danger of being evicted. Specifically, you’ve received an eviction or lease termination notice, or have been ordered to attend an eviction hearing within the next 30 days.
You suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your total household income is no more than 30% of your area’s median income. The exact number may be different depending on where in North Dakota you live, so take a quick look at the income limits before submitting your application.
You’re currently renting a home, apartment, or other residence with a valid lease.

If your application is accepted, you’ll receive money to pay off outstanding balances with your landlord if necessary. From there, you’ll receive monthly funds to pay rent for six months or until you’re no longer eligible for the program, whichever comes first. The program also offers financial and professional coaching to help you find a sustainable job and manage your money.

Re-Housing Assistance

Re-housing assistance helps North Dakota families who are currently homeless find a place to live. This includes help with both locating and paying for a residence. To be eligible for re-housing assistance, you must meet the following criteria.

You must currently be homeless. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re living on the streets, just that you don’t have a permanent residence of your own. If you’re currently couch-surfing with a friend or family member, for example, you may still be eligible for assistance.
Same as with eviction prevention assistance, you must have suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, and must currently have an income that is below 30% of the area’s median income.
You must spend most of your nights inside state boundaries.

If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive money to pay for lease application fees and security deposits. In addition, you’ll receive as much as six months of rent assistance. Similar to eviction prevention assistance, this rent assistance may end early if you no longer meet the qualifications.

Section 8 Housing

If North Dakota’s emergency rental assistance programs don’t work for you for one reason or another, you may want to consider Section 8 housing. Section 8 housing is a federal program that matches families in need with affordable living spaces. You’ll need to meet the qualifications and fill out an application, just as you would with state rental assistance. If you’d like to do more research on Section 8 housing, feel free to use our search tool to find a Public Housing Agency near you.

Find Other Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in North Dakota

The sense of uncertainty that comes with financial insecurity is a scary thing. Nobody should have to worry about whether or not they’ll have a place to live by the next time rent is due, or skip meals to afford their next payment. The purpose of programs and organizations like these is to ensure that you don’t have to. No matter if you’re seeking emergency rental assistance programs in North Dakota or just struggling to pay rent, Affordable Housing Hub is here to help.