Before you apply
HOUSE, Inc. is a very small 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are able to help a limited number of households each year and we cannot guarantee approval. Please consider also reaching out to:
- Your local 2-1-1 (United Way helpline) for emergency assistance in your area
- Your state or county emergency rental assistance program
- A local legal aid organization if you have received an eviction notice — many tenants have defenses they don't know about
Who we can help
We prioritize households who meet all of the following:
- Active or imminent risk of eviction (e.g., pay-or-quit notice, court summons, lease non-renewal due to arrears)
- Documented hardship that is temporary and resolvable (job loss, medical event, family crisis, car breakdown with work-dependent recovery)
- A credible plan for ongoing stability (employment lined up, benefits resolved, family support in place)
- Positive prior rental history, or a clear explanation of any prior issues
- Income or imminent income that does not qualify for traditional government rental assistance
What we will need from you
When you contact us, please be ready to share:
- Your name, household size, and the state you live in
- Your landlord or property manager's name and contact information
- The amount of rent owed (or the specific amount needed to prevent eviction)
- A copy or photo of any eviction notice, pay-or-quit letter, or court document
- A brief explanation of what happened (the hardship) and your plan going forward
- Proof of income or impending income (recent paystubs, offer letter, unemployment documentation, etc.)
- Permission for us to contact your landlord to verify the situation
How to apply
Applications are accepted by email or phone. We do not currently have a web form. A board member will respond within 3–5 business days.
Email (preferred)
Subject line suggestion: Rental Assistance Request — [Your State]. A board member triages applications and will respond within 3–5 business days.
What happens after you apply
- Acknowledgement. You'll receive a confirmation that we received your request.
- Document review. A board member will review the materials and may reach out for clarification.
- Landlord verification. With your permission, we contact your landlord to confirm the amount owed and the situation.
- Board decision. The full board reviews at its next meeting.
- Outcome. We notify you in writing of the decision. If approved, payment is sent directly to your landlord.
Privacy and dignity
Your application is reviewed by our volunteer board. We do not share your information with third parties except as needed to verify your housing situation (e.g., with your landlord). We do not publish identifying details of applicants or households we have helped without explicit, documented consent.
For case managers and referral partners
If you are a social worker, case manager, faith leader, or community organization referring a family on their behalf, please use the same email or phone above. Please include a brief note describing your role and the household's situation.