The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in housing instability that is still impacting people today. Some programs to keep people in their houses ended after the height of the crisis, but there’s no need to feel anxious – there are still plenty of emergency rental assistance programs in NH to help people get and maintain stable housing.

If you’re facing the stress of losing your home, these programs can give you peace of mind. Here are some New Hampshire emergency rental assistance programs that might be able to help you.

New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) offers financial help to New Hampshire residents who can’t make their rental or utility payments due to the COVID-19 crisis. The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) runs this program in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief Recovery (GOFERR). Qualified households can receive funds for past due and future rent payments, utility bills, and housing expenses.

To qualify for this program, you need to:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Be facing housing instability.
Demonstrate financial hardship, significant financial obligation, or loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HomeHelpNH

The HomeHelpNH program offers both rental and mortgage assistance to residents of New Hampshire who are facing housing insecurity through eviction or foreclosure. Qualifying households receive financial support and counseling through local housing agencies to maintain stable housing. Depending on your situation, they may also be able to help you with free civil legal services for eviction cases.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

Be a resident of New Hampshire.
Experience facing eviction or foreclosure.
Have documented proof of financial hardship.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) Housing Choice Voucher Program gives low-income New Hampshire residents access to safe and affordable housing. Qualifying households pay a portion of their rent and utilities determined by their gross adjusted income. The remainder of their rent is paid by the New Hampshire Housing Authority.

Recipients of NHHFA housing vouchers choose their own housing, which must meet criteria ensuring the health and safety of residents. To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 50% of the local median household income or less.
Be a New Hampshire resident.
Have proof that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program

The Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) serves qualifying homeless veterans with funding, clinical services, and case management. This program is administered by both local housing authorities and the VA. Through the HUD-VASH program, vulnerable veterans can obtain and maintain housing in New Hampshire.

To qualify for this program, you need to:

Qualify for VA services.
Be homeless or facing homelessness.
Receive case management services.

New Hampshire Community Action Partnership Agencies

New Hampshire Community Action Partnership Agencies work directly with vulnerable individuals and families to stabilize housing and prevent evictions. These local programs keep people in their homes and prevent neighborhood degradation. CAP agencies offer residents workforce services, HeadStart, fuel assistance, and more programs to further reduce the financial strain families face.

Local groups offer programs that cater to the unique needs of their communities and may have different eligibility criteria than other state or federal programs. If you’re at risk of housing insecurity, it’s usually worthwhile to reach out and see if you qualify based on your situation.

City of Rochester Emergency Rental Assistance Program

For residents of the City of Rochester, the New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) can provide local funding for residents who’ve experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used for past-due rent, future rent, general housing costs, and utility payments. Local CAP agencies process applications for this program.

To qualify for this program, you’ll need to:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Be facing housing insecurity or homelessness.
Have at least one member of the household who has qualified for unemployment, experienced loss of wages, or suffered significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Emergency Rental Programs Help New Hampshire Communities

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness and housing insecurity have become more frequent struggles for residents of New Hampshire and the nation. Emergency rental programs provide relief to renters struggling to pay their bills and keep them in the communities where they’ve built connections. Keeping residents of New Hampshire in their homes helps the whole community recover from the effects of the pandemic while preventing community degradation.

Gaining Access to Rental Assistance

Facing a housing loss can be overwhelming. Emergency Rental Assistance relief programs can get you the help you need to avoid eviction and stay in your home. An accurate and complete application is the first step in getting assistance. If you need help applying for these programs, try out the Affordable Housing Hub’s search tool to figure out what options you might qualify for.