United Way NCA refers those in need of rental assistance to call 2-1-1 in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Learn more about how to get help.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Washington, DC

As the United States continues to recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic, millions of our neighbors and families face and fear deep rental debt, evictions, and the loss of basic housing security. COVID-19 has only exacerbated the affordable housing crisis that existed prior to the pandemic and that has deep disparities that threaten the strength of an equitable economic recovery.

To meet this critical need, United Way of the National Capital Area works to connect our community members to the appropriate rental assistance that can support those who are unable to pay rent or utilities.

Four Ways to Get Rental Assistance Near Washington, DC

1. 2-1-1 

2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline number that connects callers to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nationally, 2-1-1 is to social services what 9-1-1 is to emergency services.

• United Way NCA refers thousands of callers in search of social services to 2-1-1 call centers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
• 2-1-1 is available in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Individuals call 2-1-1 in search of food, shelters, utilities, rental assistance, health care, counseling and much more in their local community.

Learn more at https://unitedwaynca.org/programs/health/2-1-1/

2. Project Community Connect 2021: DC Rental/Utility Assistance Panel

Due to the pandemic, thousands of individuals are behind on their rent because they lost their jobs in the service industry. To avoid evictions, the federal government has distributed millions of dollars in rental and utility funds to local jurisdictions. The panelists on the rental and utility panel below share information on how to qualify for these federal funds.

Presented by:

• Faye Frempong | Catholic Charities Southeast Center, DC
• Emory Brown | PEPCO Holdings
• Joseph Lippi | DC Department of Human Services

For additional resources, check out our YouTube channel here.

3. STAY DC

STAY DC is a financial assistance program for D.C. renters and housing providers who are looking for support to cover housing and utility expenses and offset the loss of income. Renters can apply to receive money to help pay for rent, gas, water, electricity and internet. 

Learn more at https://stay.dc.gov/#apply

4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a variety of resources that can help renters during this time. Support ranges from assistance in searching for an apartment or public housing, using the Housing Choice Voucher Program to pay for all or part of rent, and other materials around fair housing, security deposits, and tenant rights, laws and protections.

See more at https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance

When none are ignored, all will thrive.