Rental & Housing Assistance Programs
This page lists real government and nonprofit programs that provide rental and housing assistance. Collective Support does not administer any of these programs — we share this information so you can contact the right program directly.
Please read before contacting us
- Collective Support is an independent, free referral service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any government program.
- We do not provide money, financial aid, food, loans, debt management, or any other direct services. We share information about external programs that may be able to help — you apply to those programs directly through their own official channels.
- Collective Support Inc. is a Non-Profit Corporation Registered in Texas.
- Our services are free to use — we do not charge fees to the people who contact us.
Programs to Contact Directly
Dial 2-1-1 / 211.org
What it is: A free national helpline (dial 2-1-1) and website connecting people to local assistance programs, including emergency rental help, shelters, and community services.
Who may qualify: Anyone in need. Available 24/7 in most areas.
How to apply: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, or visit 211.org and enter your zip code.
Visit 211.org ↗Benefits.gov — Rental Assistance
What it is: The official U.S. government benefits portal. Search for federal and state rental assistance programs available in your area.
Who may qualify: Varies by program. Income limits and residency requirements apply.
How to apply: Visit Benefits.gov, select your state, and search for rental or housing assistance.
Visit Benefits.gov ↗HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
What it is: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or low-cost housing counseling through approved agencies. Counselors can help with eviction prevention, budgeting, and navigating rental assistance programs.
Who may qualify: Anyone facing housing challenges, including renters and homeowners.
How to apply: Call the HUD Housing Counselor Referral Line at 1-800-569-4287 or use the HUD agency locator online.
Find a HUD counselor ↗National Low Income Housing Coalition — Rental Assistance Finder
What it is: NLIHC maintains a state-by-state directory of Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs funded through federal COVID-19 relief. Many programs are still active.
Who may qualify: Income-eligible renters experiencing financial hardship.
How to apply: Visit nlihc.org/rental-assistance and select your state for a list of active programs.
Visit NLIHC Rental Assistance Finder ↗Local Public Housing Authority
What it is: Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and public housing. Some also administer emergency rental assistance.
Who may qualify: Income-eligible individuals and families. Wait lists are common.
How to apply: Find your local PHA through HUD's PHA Contact page.
Find your local PHA via HUD ↗Want Help Identifying the Right Program?
Contact us and we can point you toward the programs most relevant to your situation. This is a free referral service — we do not apply on your behalf or provide funds.
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm CT · Sat–Sun Closed