Eviction Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Assistance in Montgomery County.
For families that are struggling in Montgomery County Maryland, they have a few different programs available to them. Funds to pay a portion of back rent can be provided by RAP, or the Rental Assistance Program. Another option for tenants with a pay or quit notice is offered, and they can receive financial aid as part of the Emergency Eviction Prevention. There are other solutions also available from the Department of Human Services, however those are two of the main resources.
The county Emergency Eviction Prevention is a crisis type program. Qualified low income families and individuals can receive cash grants as a form of emergency financial assistance to help them pay a portion of their overdue rent. There are also shelters and transitional housing units offered as part of this service for those that need them.
While the focus is on homeless prevention, which includes victims of individual or community disasters, families that are at high risk of losing housing (foreclosure or eviction), or persons stranded from their homes or apartments, there are other components to it as well. For example, financial help is available in Montgomery County for utility or heating bills and even burial assistance. Those that are currently homeless can also get help in the form of security deposit assistance or access to shelters.
The eviction prevention services are offered in a few different ways. Some families qualify for direct financial aid. Other options, such as WAG, or Welfare avoidance grants, is available as a form of temporary cash assistance for qualified applicants. There is also short term loans or employment support grants for approved participants. This will help families facing eviction attend job training or other employment services.
There are several places to apply for help in an emergency, and they include the following. Or dial 240-777-3075 for more information or intake. All applications for Emergency Eviction Prevention are processed in person. So stop by an office indicated below. While appointments are preferred, Walk-in appointments can be provided in some cases.
- MidCounty DHHS Building, 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850
- Neighborhood Service Center at Family Services, Inc., 610 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg
- DHHS Silver Spring Center, 8818 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
- UpCounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874
- Neighborhood Service Center at Catholic Charities, 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906
- Takoma East Silver Spring (TESS) Center. This is located at 8513 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901
Proof and documentation will be needed when applying for a grant. This can include some or all of the following. Proof of monthly income, Photo ID for all adults living in household, the eviction letter, Utility bill indicating disconnection date or that service is off (if applicable) and copy of lease and other expenses. More info may be requested too by the Department of Human Services, such as Current balance for savings or checking account.
The state of Maryland Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is also available in Montgomery County. This will help residents with their housing costs. It is for lower income households and residents who meet program eligibility criteria, such as income, age, disability, need or other requirements.
So while there is financial aid offered for those that qualify based on income and need, it is limited. Another option is the Disabled Rental Assistance program. This can help low income disabled individuals by offering them support towards rental expenses in licensed medical or mental health care facilities.
Contact for homeless prevention and eviction help
To apply for RAP, the location is MidCounty DHHS Building, 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Or dial 240-777-4400. It will pay out at most 12 months worth of assistance to those who qualify. Other conditions apply as well.
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