Eviction prevention and rehousing help Prince George’s County Maryland.
The Prince George's County Maryland region is covered by an eviction prevention and rapid rehousing program. As a result of the high cost of housing in the region, there are instances in which struggling tenants face homelessness, and this program can help. Assistance is also available to rehouse the currently homeless in cities such as Marlboro.
There are a few different ways to get help. First of all, all terms and conditions need to be met. Staff from the local DHHS Building or Continuum of Care can go over these with the resident. More information is below.
The county is a full participant in RAP, or the Rental Assistance Program. There are also government grants as well as interest free loans from HPRP, or the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program. Both of these resources provide support, including, but not limited too, legal aid, emergency money for security deposits, motel vouchers, and direct housing assistance. This may include grants for paying rent, utilities, or water bill arrears.
Eviction help is only given to residents of Prince George's County Maryland who meet eligibility criteria which are set by the state/federal government. The terms and conditions are set by those two groups as the money to fund the eviction prevention and rehousing services come from the government. This means that the agencies in the region which provide the funds need to adhere to all of the terms and conditions. Some of the criteria may include, but are not limited too, the following.
- Age limits are in place. This is a minimum number though, as assistance will not be provided to people under the age of 18.
- Tenants seeking eviction prevention need to have an income so they can pay future bills on their own. However the total income needs to be below the area Median.
- The Prince George's County applicant needs to reside in the area, but immigrants can apply too.
When seeking a grant from RAP, applicants need to bring proof of income. If they were given a pay or quit notice from their landlord, this should be brought to the center at the same time. So bring all of this supporting documentation to the DHHS case manager.
There are also non-profit organizations in the community which provide help. They include Bethesda Cares. This particular organization mostly depends on grants from the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program (HPRP) in an effort to keep operating. However the United Way of the Upper Marlboro region may also provide some funds as well.
Tenants need to understand that any grants or deposit help is offered at the discretion of the agency. The government (or United Way supported group) is not obligated to assist anyone. In fact, they will generally only offer eviction assistance to people in a crisis and that have historically been stable. Maybe an unexpected job loss or death of a spouse occurred, or some other issue. This is when assistance is provided.
Prince George's County rehousing works the same way. There will be help for tenants evicted due to circumstances beyond their control. Examples of the assistance provided includes everything from a free hotel voucher to grants for a security deposit or even furniture for their new home. If the eviction occurred during the November to April time frame, and if the money is used up, then the cold weather shelter may get the resident into a short term, safe accommodation. The chronically homeless are much less likely to be given help when compared to people with a one time crisis.
Assistance is available from the Partnership for Permanent Housing. This Prince George's County program tries to place evicted families (especially those with children or single parents) into a new apartment as soon as possible. Or if the applicant is a senior citizen, there is supportive housing available in Bowie or District Heights Maryland. The MC Coalition for the Homeless is a key partner of this.
Another service in Prince George's County is the Disabled/Handicapped Rental Assistance program. This will provide financial support to individuals that reside in a licensed care facility or hospital. It not only help them pay for this housing, but there are also referrals to medical care programs and public benefits for the disabled.
Phone number to apply for eviction and rehousing help in Prince Georges County
For more information on eviction prevention and rehousing, Continuum of Care and the RAP program can be reached at (301) 220-4336.
|
