Thousands of dollars in Federal Grant Assistance are available to help you recover. Whether it’s emergency rental aid or utility relief, 2026 programs are designed to provide a safety net for your family. See what you qualify for in minutes.
Apply for Assistance
Securing Henry County rental assistance requires identifying the correct local jurisdiction, as distinct programs operate in Georgia, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio. Unlike past federal programs, current aid is decentralized and managed by a patchwork of local non-profits and community action agencies. This article breaks down the specific funding sources and application portals for each region to help you find immediate support.
Key Takeaways
- Identify Your Location: "Henry County" exists in Georgia, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio. Each has a completely different aid system.
- Act Before the Court Date: Programs like VERP (Virginia) and Project NOW (Illinois) prioritize applicants who engage early, often before an eviction notice is filed.
- Documentation is Key: Prepare your lease, ID, proof of income, and eviction notices immediately. Missing one document can pause your application indefinitely.
- Legal Aid Matters: Financial aid is often paired with legal defense. In many regions, stopping the legal eviction process is just as important as paying the rent.
The path to stability varies significantly depending on where you live. While federal funds have diminished, local agencies have stepped in to fill the gap with targeted crisis interventions. Select your state below to find the specific agencies managing funds for your area.
Henry County, Georgia (Atlanta Metro)
In the Atlanta metropolitan area, the centralized county-run ERAP portal has closed. Support has shifted to a network of non-profits and quasi-governmental organizations that handle crisis intake.
Connecting Henry This organization acts as the primary resource hub for the county. They administer the Charitable Assistance Program (CAP), which is funded by local utility customers.
Samaritans Together of Henry County This faith-based non-profit fills gaps left by stricter government programs. They specifically support the "working poor"—those who are employed but still struggle to meet rising housing costs.
Legal Defense in Georgia Financial aid alone often isn't enough. The Georgia Legal Services Program provides civil legal aid to low-income tenants. They maintain a presence at the Henry County Judicial Center, particularly on the "Fourth Friday" of the month, to intercept eviction cases and offer counsel before judgments are finalized.
Henry County, Virginia (Martinsville Region)
The aid infrastructure here is unique, relying on a state-funded pilot program rather than just local charity. The region emphasizes "eviction diversion" over simple payment assistance.
United Way of Henry County & Martinsville (UWHCM) The UWHCM administers the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP). This program is funded by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and distinguishes between preventing an eviction and diverting one that is already in court.
Department of Social Services (DSS) For broader needs, the local DSS administers "General Relief" and "Fuel Assistance" programs. While these funds are limited, they can free up household budget space, allowing families to redirect cash toward rent payments.
Henry County, Illinois (Quad Cities Area)
Rental assistance in this region is deeply integrated with the state's Community Action Network. Assistance is often tied to long-term stability plans rather than one-time checks.
Project NOW As the Community Action Agency for the region, Project Now delivers grants from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Housing Authority of Henry County This agency manages the Rental Housing Support Program. Unlike traditional Section 8 vouchers, this state-funded initiative attaches subsidies to specific units. In extreme cases, households with zero income may have their rent obligation temporarily reduced to $0 while they stabilize their employment.
Henry County, Ohio (Northwest Ohio)
In this rural region, services are consolidated across multiple counties. Resources are pooled to ensure that scattered rural populations can access centralized support.
Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) NOCAC handles emergency services for Henry and surrounding counties. Their approach is strictly means-tested.
Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) MVPO manages the Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program. This provides "Tenant-Based Rental Assistance," a subsidy similar to a voucher that can bridge the gap between market rent and what a family can afford. These funds are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Regardless of which state you are in, the documentation requirements are remarkably similar. Agencies require a "compliance dossier" to release funds. Preparing these documents in advance can speed up your approval by days or weeks.
If you cannot find an open grant program, your next step should be legal defense. In many eviction cases, the goal is to buy time. Legal aid attorneys can identify procedural errors in the eviction filing, potentially delaying the "writ of possession."
By combining financial applications with legal protection, you maximize your chances of remaining in your home during a crisis. The hud.gov also maintains a searchable map of housing counselors who can assist with landlord negotiations at no cost to you.
No, the Henry County government officially closed its ERAP portal to new applications after exhausting the federal funds. You must now seek aid through local non-profit partners or state-level initiatives rather than the county web portal.
Connecting Henry is the primary non-profit partner administering charitable assistance for water bills and housing stability; they can be reached at their McDonough office. You should also contact Samaritans Together of Henry County or the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as both organizations frequently issue grants for emergency lodging and past-due bills.
Most agencies strictly require a current lease, a valid government ID for all adults, and proof of financial hardship such as a termination letter or pay stubs. Additionally, you will likely need to present a formal late notice or an active eviction filing from the magistrate court to prove your housing is at immediate risk.
You must apply through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) or check the waitlist status with the Henry County Housing Authority, though waitlists are often closed due to high demand. These vouchers are income-based and distinct from emergency one-time grants, so they require a separate, often lengthy, application process.
Georgia Legal Services Program and the McDonough Legal Aid Society provide free or low-cost counsel to eligible tenants facing unlawful detainer hearings. They can assist you in negotiating a move-out agreement or representing you in court to dispute the eviction.
Transforming your unused furniture and clothing into a powerful force for social good starts with mastering the salvation army donation guide to ensure every item finds a new purpose. This definitive roadmap reveals how your simple act of decluttering funds life-changing rehabilitation programs while maximizing your personal tax benefits through strategic giving.
Staying warm through the bitterly cold South Dakota winter should never be a financial burden, and the South Dakota Utility Relief Programs are specifically designed to bridge the gap for low-income households. Discover how to access crucial benefits that pay directly to your energy provider and even provide emergency assistance to prevent a shut-off notice.
Many shoppers wonder does wendy's take ebt when they need a quick and convenient meal on the go. You can successfully use your benefits at participating locations if you meet specific state eligibility requirements under the Restaurant Meals Program.