Rent Assistance

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The path towards financial empowerment starts with access to services. Cedar Valley United Way and 211 help individuals that are facing obstacles with rent assistance. 

If you are having trouble paying your rent, below are some tips to help you take control of the situation and keep a roof over your head.

  • Understand the terms of your lease: Your lease should include information on your rights and options if you are unable to pay your rent.
  • Communicate with your landlord: If you know that you are unable to pay your rent, communication with your landlord is key.  Explain your situation in writing.  If possible, offer to make a late or partial payment on a specified date (and make sure that you are able to keep your word).  If you are a good tenant then it is likely that your landlord would rather work with you than find a new tenant.
  • Seek out free legal advice: Many communities have free legal assistance that provide advice and sometimes mediation between you and your landlord.
  • Find a roommate: Getting a roommate that you can trust can significantly reduce your housing costs.  Require a written rental agreement to be clear about each roommate's responsibilities.
  • Move to a cheaper apartment: In order to make your rent you may need to move to a less expensive apartment.
  • Make use of social services: Apply for other sources of support like food stamps to free up funds to pay your rent.
  • Get a loan from family or friends: While securing a loan from family or friends helps you avoid a lengthy bank application and credit check, it could damage your relationship if you are unable to repay it.  Be conscious of this before entering into an informal loan agreement.
  • Move in with family or friends: Sometimes moving in with family or friends is necessary to save money on high housing costs.
  • Access short-term assistance
    • ​Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.
    • Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities has emergency assistance grants that can help you to pay your rent.
    • Modest Needs: Modest Needs offers Self Sufficiency Grants of up to $1,000 to cover one emergency expense.
    • Local Housing Authorities: These agencies may keep lists of local short-term rental assistance resources.
  • Secure long-term rental assistance
    • ​Publicly subsidized housing: Local governments own and manage affordable rental properties. You must be eligible and add your name to a waiting list in order to be considered for public housing.  
    • Privately owned subsidized housing: Some property owners have a contract with HUD to offer below-market rate rental units.  Contact HUD for properties near you.
    • Section 8: The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program will pay most of the rent and utilities of a privately owned property.  Section 8 makes payments directly to your landlord and you pay the difference.
    • Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD provides long-term assistance for homeowners and for renters.
    • USDA Rural Development Program: USDA helps people in rural areas with their mortgage or rent.
    • State Assistance: States administer federal funds obtained through the HOME program to provide affordable housing to their residents.

Start HERE: https://www.iowafinance.com/iowa-rent-and-utility-assistance-program/

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  • Utilize 211.org: Through 211.org or by dialing 211 you can learn about rental assistance programs in your area. Including:
    • North Iowa Rapid Housing Program through Cedar Valley Friends of the Family
      • Provides rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness. Must meet with a caseworker once per week.
      • Call (641) 231-5008 or email admin@fofia.org
    • Rent Payment Assistance through Eastside Ministerial Alliance (EMA)
      • Provides financial assistance to persons facing a 3 day eviction notice or first months rent for a person that is homeless or living in a shelter.
      • Call (319) 235-5580 or email kharmon@emacenter.org 
    • Rent Payment Assistance through Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center
      • Provides financial assistance to a person facing a potential eviction notice due to lack of rent paid. Must provide landlord statement showing you are behind on rent and need the financial assistance.
      • Call (319) 234-1793 or email info@jessecosby.org
    • Rent Payment Assistance through St. Vincent de Paul
      • Assists low-income clients with rent and mortgage payments. Client must see county agencies Jesse Cosby Center or the Eastside Ministerial Alliance first.
      • Call (319) 232-3366 or email svdpwaterloo@gmail.com
    • Black Hawk County General Assistance through Black Hawk County Offices
      • Provides assistance on a temporary basis for a limited time for basic needs that may include rent, lot rent, mortgage, electric, water, medications, and funeral services. Ineligible if already receiving any type of subsidized housing or an eligible Veteran. Must call Jesse Cosby (319-234-1793) or Eastside Ministerial Alliance (319-235-5580) first for help as they do the intake for General Assistance.
      • Call (319) 292-2261 or email kschipper@co.black-hawk.ia.us
    • For an extensive list of services outside of the immediate Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, please visit www.211iowa.org, type in your zip code and select your necessary services.