SPREAD THE WORD
Every one of us has a friend, family member, or colleague who is struggling with their housing payment. Unfortunately, many are going through this fight alone, too embarrassed to talk about it. You can help. Sharing this information can save someone’s home.
Rentful Works
A home is more than bricks and sticks, a home is your safe place. Watch the story of how Central Ohio’s partners came together to help one local grandmother save her home.
MORE RESOURCES
How to talk to someone that’s struggling
It can be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about financial matters with family and friends. But research suggests that only half of renters who need help know that assistance is out there. Sharing what you know can save someone’s home. Here are some tips that can help make these hard conversation less stressful.
Share resources on your Facebook page or other social media feeds
Making reliable information, like the Rentful pictures on this page, available to everyone equally ensures that no one feels “called out” or embarrassed.
Remember not everyone can see Rentful
If you own a business or work at a nonprofit, consider printing out the pictures above and posting them on your bulletin boards for those who don’t have internet access. You can also request a bundle of postcards to distribute at schools, food banks, or other community events. Many rent assistance organizations accept applications on the phone and in-person appointments, you can share their contact information with seniors and other who may struggle to use the computer.
Let people know they are not alone
The fact is that a lot of people are struggling right now. Evictions are nearing or even exceeding record highs. Hiding from this will not help us get stronger.
Remind people that this crisis wasn’t their fault
The pandemic and the economic disruptions have followed ever since were a financial challenge for most American families, which is why these resources were created. Like any other national disaster or economic set back, people are entitled to pursue the resources they need to recover and get back on their feet.
Encourage friends to try again
Some people applied for rent help when the pandemic occurred and were denied because the aid programs that existed at the time were not designed for the unique challenges this economy posed. New programs now exist that may be more flexible and customized for their crisis. If someone was previously denied help, the should consider reapplying.