Emergency Rental Assistance Program
St. Joseph County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) is designed to decrease evictions, increase housing stability, and prevent homelessness by helping tenants whose income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 with rent and utility payments.
ERA can provide eligible tenants with up to twelve (12) months of rental assistance. Utility assistance may also be provided to qualifying applicants for past due utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash) and home energy (fuel oil, wood, coal, pellets, and propane) expenses.
To find out more and apply, visit https://www.sjcindiana.com/2019/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.
REAL Services Rent Assistance
Residents of the City of South Bend who meet income qualifications may apply for rent assistance that can cover up to three months of rent for those whose income has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply, email rentalassist@realservices.com or call 574-233-8205.
La Casa de Amistad Utility Assistance
Residents of the City of South Bend who meet income qualifications may receive up to $50 a month toward utility payments as part of La Casa’s Team HEAT assistance program. Apply by calling 574-233-2120.
Salvation Army Kroc Center Utility Assistance
Residents at risk of utility disconnection can apply for up to $125 per month in assistance through the Salvation Army Kroc Center. To apply, call 574-233-9471 ext. 2206 and leave a message.
Eviction Legal Support
If you’re facing eviction and need legal representation, there are a number of organizations that will provide pro bono legal services, including:
- Notre Dame Clinical Law Center, 574-631-6704.
- Volunteer Lawyer Network, 574-277-0075 or volunteerinc@att.net
- Indiana Legal Services, 574-234-8121 or visit www.indianalegalservices.org
St. Vincent de Paul Rent and Utility Assistance
Residents of St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend who meet income qualifications could be eligible for up to three months of rent and utility assistance for those facing documented loss of income from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can apply for the program at www.svdpsb.org/covid-financial.
Catholic Charities’ Resource & Referral Program
Catholic Charities’ Resource & Referral Program provides limited financial assistance to help meet basic needs including utility assistance or rental assistance as well as material assistance based upon availability of resources. Assistance is provided by appointment only. The Assistance Line is available by calling 574-234-3111 ext. 60.
Township Assistance
Township Trustees provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need who qualify based on township assistance standards. This can include payment of rent, mortgage, or utilities, as well as burial or funeral costs. Individuals can find their township trustee’s contact information here and must call before visiting the office in person.
South Bend Heritage – Rent Assistance for SBH Residents
South Bend Heritage will assist a limited number of residents living in SBH apartment communities that are struggling to pay rent due to the negative economic effects of the coronavirus. Eligible residents will be able to apply for rental assistance through the Audrey Gilbert Ratner Housing Fund, managed by South Bend Heritage.
Funds are limited. Residents will be evaluated by SBH staff to determine their assistance eligibility. Preference is given to women with children and restrictions will apply. Click here to apply.
La Casa de Amistad Bilingual Resources | RECURSOS BILINGUES DE LA CASA DE AMISTAD
La Casa de Amistad will continue to answer phones and return messages to help connect residents, especially Spanish-speaking residents, to local services. La Casa de Amistad can be reached at (574)233-2120.
La Casa de Amistad continuará respondiendo teléfonos y devolviendo mensajes para ayudar a conectar a los residentes, especialmente a los hispanohablantes, con los servicios locales. Se puede contactar La Casa de Amistad al (574) 233-2120.
Digital Town Hall on Rental and Utility Assistance
