With the fallout from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic downturn, making ends meet has become very difficult. Sometimes, it becomes impossible. When your housing provider is demanding rent and you can’t meet their expectations, it’s time to look for a helping hand.

That’s where emergency rental assistance comes in.

These programs are designed to help folks going through a financial crisis by providing temporary funding to pay their rent.

Wyoming residents are in luck as there are numerous options available to help you retain your housing in tough times, so you can focus on the next steps.

If you need to find a Wyoming emergency rental assistance program, read on. Below we’ll walk you through some of your options.

No Longer Active: Wyoming's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program

To begin with, it’s important to note that Wyoming created an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to help residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while this program distributed more than 108 million dollars to families throughout the state, it was officially closed in the summer of 2023. This means that it is no longer active and they are not accepting applications for aid.

All that aside, there are plenty of other programs that are currently active and ready to help you out.

Active Wyoming Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Here are the various Wyoming emergency rental assistance programs you can apply to for help. Each one is unique and has its application requirements, so check out their websites for details.

Volunteers of America (VOA) - Wyoming Rapid Response Fund

The Northern Rockies division of the VOA created the Wyoming Rapid Response Fund to provide one-time emergency financial assistance to Wyoming residents. This program is open to individuals who need emergency rental assistance, as well as help in other emergency situations, such as healthcare, home repair, funeral expenses, and more.

VOA partners with local organizations to serve all counties throughout Wyoming. To apply for assistance, you can fill out their simple online form here.

Volunteers of America (VOA) - Wyoming Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

In addition to the Rapid Response Fund, the VOA Northern Rockies division operates an emergency rental assistance program specifically for veterans and their families. It’s called the Wyoming Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

This program provides eligible veterans with short-term financial assistance to retain housing and helps them connect with community resources. As with the previous program, this veterans program operates throughout the state of Wyoming.

To be eligible for this program, you need to be:

a veteran with one day of federal active duty with a discharge, DD214 that was NOT for dishonorable discharge,
homeless or have a threat of homelessness/eviction notice,
And have 50% of income MFI (Area Median Family Income).

To learn more, check if you prequalify here.

Wyoming 211 - Emergency Rental Assistance Resources

Wyoming 211 is a statewide organization that connects residents with resources and people to meet nearly every need. One of the many ways they help is by running a call center where you can speak to a Community Resource Specialist to find aid. You can also text to get connected with a specialist.

For Wyoming emergency rental assistance programs, in addition to speaking with a representative, 211 operates an easy-to-search website where you can find dozens of organizations ready to help you meet your rent payments. Check out their website to find the right program for you.

First Stop Park County Help Program

The First Stop Park County Help Program can help residents in Park County, Powell, Cody, and Big Horn County with all kinds of emergency assistance. If you get in touch with them, they will connect you with the right program for your specific needs.

When it comes to emergency rental assistance, they can help with that, and they can also help you find lower-income housing if that’s what you need. Their goal is to help you craft a plan to reach your long-term dreams.

The Help Center in Thermopolis

The Help Center in Thermopolis, WY, in partnership with the Yellowstone Country Assistance Network, has created a program for emergency rental assistance. The funding for the program is provided by CSBG (Federal Community Services Block Grant). So, because of the federal partnership, The Help Center will have to verify your income as part of the application process.

To apply for financial assistance for rent in Thermopolis, you can visit The Help Center or give them a call.

GracesList Wyoming - Emergency Rental Assistance Charities and Organizations

Finally, a very helpful resource for finding Wyoming emergency rental assistance programs is called GracesList Wyoming. This website is an emergency services directory that lists a bunch of organizations in Wyoming that are here to help you through various emergencies, including rent assistance.

As of the writing of this article, the list of rent assistance organizations in Wyoming contains over a dozen unique programs. Check them out here and see which one is a fit for you.

Learn More About Rental Assistance Programs

Wondering what emergency rental assistance is? Here is a handy guide that explains it and helps you understand your options.

If you are struggling to pay rent, any number of these Wyoming emergency rental assistance programs above can help, but you’ve got other options too. From charities to federal programs, check out this resource to find out all the ways you can get help.