Being evicted with no place to go can be a traumatic experience, especially if you have nowhere else to go. It can be caused by various reasons such as failure to pay rent, lease violations, foreclosure, or illegal activity. Regardless of the reason, being evicted can have severe consequences, including homelessness and difficulty finding new housing. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you are facing eviction, the consequences of eviction, and the human rights implications of forced evictions. We will also provide some tips on how to seek help and support during this difficult time.
Table of Contents
Initial steps to take after being evicted with no place to go
Look for a local shelter
If you find yourself facing eviction without a place to go in the USA, here are some valuable resources to help you locate a nearby shelter:
- HUD’s Find Shelter Tool: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers the Find Shelter tool, which provides comprehensive information about housing, shelter, healthcare, and clothing resources in communities throughout the country. Simply select the relevant category, enter your location, and click the Search button to begin your search.
- American Red Cross: In case of immediate shelter needs during a disaster or crisis, you can utilize the Red Cross’s shelter map to identify the nearest available options. Alternatively, you can contact your local Red Cross chapter for assistance.
- SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides free helplines, directories, and support organizations that can offer assistance related to homelessness, domestic violence, or mental health.
- Coalition for the Homeless: If you have inquiries regarding accessing shelter or other services, including situations where you’ve been denied access to shelter, reach out to the Crisis Intervention Program at 1-888-358-2384. The Coalition for the Homeless can provide guidance and support.
- JustShelter.org: Explore JustShelter.org to discover community organizations dedicated to preserving affordable housing, preventing eviction, and reducing family homelessness. This resource can connect you with local initiatives striving to address housing challenges.
These resources are here to assist you in finding shelter and support during a difficult time. Remember, seeking help is a proactive step toward securing a safe place to stay.
Government Programs and Support
Here are the Government Programs and Support options to consider if you are Being evicted with no place to go in the USA:
- Connect with Local Social Services and Referrals: Dial 211 to connect with local social services that can provide referrals for emergency housing. Additionally, check HUD’s local homeless assistance list to find shelters and housing options in your state.
- Reach Out to Support Helplines:
- Contact the National Runaway Safeline at (1-800-786-2929) for free, confidential, and non-judgmental support 24 hours a day.
- Reach out to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (1-877-424-3838) for free and confidential information available 24 hours a day.
- Explore the Resident Relief Foundation: Consider seeking assistance from the Resident Relief Foundation, an organization that provides financial support to renters facing eviction due to unexpected financial emergencies.
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA): The ERA program has allocated over $46 billion to communities to support housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many participating governments have used ERA funding to provide over 10 million assistance payments to renters at risk of eviction.
- Eviction Protection Grant Program: This program allocates federal financial support to nonprofit and governmental entities. They, in turn, provide free legal assistance to low-income renters facing eviction.
- Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance Program: The CoC Homeless Assistance Program offers funding to nonprofit organizations, states, and local governments. Its purpose is to rapidly rehouse homeless individuals and families while promoting access to mainstream resources. The program also funds supportive services to help homeless individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and prevent a return to homelessness.
How can I apply for emergency housing assistance?
When seeking emergency housing assistance in the United States, it’s essential to understand that specific application processes may vary depending on the program. Here are various ways to apply for emergency housing assistance:
Emergency Housing Vouchers:
- Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to initiate an application for an Emergency Housing Voucher.
- The PHA will assess your eligibility and provide assistance in locating suitable housing.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program:
- To apply for emergency rental assistance, reach out to your local emergency rental assistance program.
- Be prepared to provide documentation of your financial situation and housing needs during the application process.
- Note that application processes may differ between programs.
Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance Program:
- For assistance through the CoC Homeless Assistance Program, get in touch with nonprofit organizations, states, or local governments that receive funding from the program.
- Eligibility requirements and application processes may vary depending on the specific program or service offered.
Project Roomkey:
- Eligibility for Project Roomkey varies by community, and the program is administered locally.
- Contact your local government or nonprofit organization to inquire about eligibility and application procedures.
Housing Choice Voucher Program:
- To apply for assistance via the Housing Choice Voucher Program, contact your local housing authority.
- It’s important to note that U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to submit an application.
Remember, these application processes can differ depending on the program and your location. It’s crucial to research and understand the application procedures for the available programs in your area to determine how to apply for the emergency housing assistance you need.
Eligibility Requirements for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Eligibility criteria for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program can vary depending on the state and specific program. Here are some common eligibility requirements to keep in mind:
Residency:
- You must be a renter in the state where the program is offered.
Income Level:
- Your household income must be at or below a certain percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- The percentage may vary depending on the specific program and the state in which you reside.
Documentation of Financial Hardship:
- You will typically need to provide documentation of your financial hardship. This can include proof of income, records of unemployment benefits, or medical bills showing COVID-19-related expenses.
Housing Needs Documentation:
- You may be required to provide documentation of your housing needs. This could include a notice of eviction, records of past-due rent, or other relevant housing-related documents.
Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status:
- Some programs may require recipients to be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status to receive assistance.
Residence Status:
- In certain programs, you may not be eligible if you are currently residing in a hotel, motel, temporary lodging, or a boarding house.
Documentations required to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
When applying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, you will typically need to provide various forms of documentation to support your eligibility. Here are examples of the documentation that may be required:
Personal Identification:
- Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or government-issued ID)
- Passport
- EBT/Benefits Issuance Card
- Birth certificate
- School registration
Proof of Residency and Occupancy:
- Signed lease agreement
- Rent receipts
- Utility bills
- School records
- Bank statements
- Postal mail with the applicant’s name
- Insurance bills
- Driver’s license with the current address
Income Proof:
- Pay stubs
- Unemployment benefits documentation
- Tax returns
Proof of Housing Needs:
- Notice of eviction
- Records of past-due rent
W-9 Tax Form:
- A completed W-9 tax form may be required for income verification purposes.
Lease Documentation:
- Executed lease agreement with the tenant applicant
- If there is no written lease, other documentation of tenancy such as a cancelled check or evidence of payment
Proof of Rental Amount:
- A copy of the lease agreement, even if it has expired, may be accepted as proof of the rental amount.
Landlord Attestation:
- In cases where no other documentation is available, a landlord attestation may be required to verify tenancy and rental arrangements.
Please note that the specific documentation requirements can vary depending on the program and the state where you are applying. It’s essential to review the application guidelines and gather the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Reasons for eviction
- Failure to Pay Rent: Non-payment of rent, on time, is the most frequent reason for eviction. Landlords typically initiate the eviction process by providing tenants with an official written Notice to Vacate.
- Lease Violations: Tenants can face eviction for violating the terms of their lease or rental agreement. Examples of lease violations include subletting without landlord approval, having unauthorized pets, causing excessive noise, or causing property damage.
- Foreclosure: If a landlord’s property undergoes foreclosure, tenants may face eviction. In such cases, tenants are not allowed to renew their lease, and landlords must issue a 30-Day Notice to Vacate.
- Illegal Activity: Engaging in illegal activities on the property, such as drug-related actions, violence, assault, or prostitution, can lead to eviction. In some instances, tenants may lose their right to the rental property.
- Legal Procedures: It’s important to note that landlords must follow all the legal rules and procedures when evicting a tenant. Even when a landlord has a legitimate reason to evict a tenant, the tenant can contest the eviction by claiming retaliation or discrimination.
What to do if facing eviction?
Communication with Landlord:
- Talk to your landlord about your situation.
- Negotiate a payment plan or move-out date if possible.
Seek Legal Advice:
- Consult a landlord-tenant lawyer.
- Understand your rights and legal options.
Apply for Rental Assistance:
- Check local government or nonprofit programs.
- Determine eligibility for rental assistance.
File a Written Answer:
- Respond to the eviction notice in writing.
- Explain your situation and efforts to seek help.
- Describe any landlord-related issues with federal rental assistance funds.
Remember, eviction can lead to serious consequences, so taking swift action is crucial to protect yourself and your family.
Human rights and eviction
Forced evictions are a violation of various human rights, including:
- Right to adequate housing
- Right to food
- Right to water
- Right to health
- Right to education
- Right to work
- Right to security of the person
- Freedom from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment
- Freedom of movement
Forced evictions constitute a grave violation of human rights. They involve the involuntary removal of individuals from their homes or land, often attributable to the state.
The UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on Development-based Evictions and Displacement (2007) define forced evictions as the permanent or temporary removal of individuals, families, or communities from their homes or land against their will, without providing appropriate legal or other protection.
The state has a responsibility to provide alternative housing in cases of eviction.
Evictions may be permissible under international human rights law, but only if fully justified, authorized by law, and in compliance with relevant provisions of international human rights and humanitarian law, with the possibility of recourse.
Forced evictions are often violent and result in homelessness and inadequate living conditions. Regardless of legality under prevailing legal systems, the state bears the responsibility to provide alternative housing for those who are evicted.
Maximum amount of rental assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The maximum rental assistance that families can receive from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program varies by state and program. Individuals often ask on Quora, Reddit, etc. “being evicted with no place to go California”, “being evicted with no place to go Florida”. So here are Examples of maximum rental assistance amounts:
California:
- The Emergency Rental Assistance Program in California allows for up to 12 months of rental assistance, with an additional three months if necessary to ensure housing stability.
- The maximum amount of rental assistance may vary depending on the program and county.
Florida:
- The Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Florida provides up to $3,500 per month in rental assistance.
- Eligible households may receive rental assistance for up to 18 months or a total of $63,000, subject to the availability of funds.
Prince George’s County, MD:
- Up to 18 months of late rent or relocation assistance.
- Maximum income eligibility is 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Maximum rental assistance amounts:
- $31,650 for a household of one
- $52,750 for a household of two
- $66,750 for a household of three or more
Baltimore City, MD:
- Maximum rental assistance amount calculated using a formula for households below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Maryland:
- Bulk tenant rent relief programs, using Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds through the State of Maryland, prioritize assistance for tenants in income-restricted affordable housing.
- Maximum rental assistance amounts may vary depending on the specific program and county.
- Remember that the maximum rental assistance amount can differ based on the program and state. It’s crucial to research and understand the maximum rental assistance amounts for the programs available in your area to determine your eligibility for rental assistance.
Bonus Tips beyond the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
United Way of Greater Atlanta 2-1-1 Community Resource Database:
- Offers financial assistance for rent, utilities, and prescription expenses to working individuals and families in need who are employed.
Need Help Paying Bills:
- Provides information on charities, churches, and government programs that help with rent or security deposits in Atlanta and Fulton County.
State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program:
- Provides financial assistance to eligible tenants, landlords, and utility providers.
- Covers rental and utility arrears, with a maximum of up to 12 months of assistance.
- Includes a maximum of three months of future rental assistance if needed.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program: Assists low-income individuals, families, the elderly, and the disabled in renting safe, affordable housing in the private rental market.
- Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) Program: Provides relief to tenants and landlords who have faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
- Offers monthly cash assistance, along with employment services, for low-income families with children under age 18, children age 18 and attending school full-time, and pregnant women.
These resources can provide valuable support to families with children who require rental assistance in various situations. It’s advisable to explore these options to determine eligibility and access the assistance needed.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, in the challenging circumstance of facing eviction with no place to go, immediate action is crucial. This article has provided a comprehensive guide, including resources, government programs, and application procedures for emergency housing assistance in the USA. It’s essential to remember that eviction can have severe consequences, including homelessness, and that forced evictions are a violation of fundamental human rights. By seeking assistance, understanding your rights, and accessing available support, individuals and families can navigate this difficult situation and work towards securing safe and stable housing.