Rent Assistance in Athens County
If you are facing financial difficulties and needs assistance paying rent, try one of the following options:
Contact your landlord directly and request deferred payment. See attached templates.
Contact local churches. Many of them have assistance programs to help people pay rent. Churches generally do not list these programs publicly, so you will need to call around to find out what is available.
Call the Salvation Army at 740-797-1305 and ask for help through their Basic Needs program.
If your inability to pay rent is due to a loss of income during COVID19, apply for HAPCAP’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program. Email jeremy.boggs@hapcap.org or visit the following website: https://hapcap.org/housing/emergency-housing-assistance/
If you have children, call Job and Family Services (JFS) at 1-844-640-6446 and request assistance through the Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program.
If you are on Medicaid, call Integrated Services at 740-594-6807 and explain you are facing homelessness. Their case managers have access to a variety of resources to help you maintain your housing.
If you are a veteran or are the widow/widower of a veteran, call Athens County Veterans Services at 740-592-3216 for rent payment assistance.
If you have children and have exhausted other options, you can call Athens County Children Services at 740-592-3061 and request a voluntary case.
If you are HIV positive, contact Equitas Health for housing assistance at 740-331-4165
****If you are unable to find help paying your bill and are facing eviction, contact Southeast Ohio Legal Services at 740.594.3558 for legal assistance.****
TEMPLATES FOR EMAILING/TEXTING YOUR LANDLORD
Template in Case of Lost Employment
Dear NAME OF LANDLORD,
As you probably know, the coronavirus has led to lots of business closures. As a worker at INSERT EMPLOYER, I have lost my employment during this crisis. I am working on applying for benefits to cover my loss of income, but as of now, I will not be able to pay rent for this month. I am wondering if you would be willing to work out a plan with me so that I can pay you the full amount of rent this month once I have received unemployment benefits and/or have found new employment. Thank you so much for your understanding during this difficult time.
Template in Case of Reduced Hours
Dear NAME OF LANDLORD,
As you probably know, the coronavirus has led to lots of business closures. As a worker at INSERT EMPLOYER, I am working reduced hours because of this crisis. I am working on applying for benefits to cover my loss of income, but as of now, I will not be able to pay rent for this month. I am wondering if you would be willing to work out a plan with me so that I can pay you the full amount of rent this month once I have received unemployment benefits and/or have gotten back to working full hours. Thank you so much for your understanding during this difficult time.