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For Arkansas renters facing financial hardship, understanding the available support systems is critical. The emergency Arkansas rent relief program from the pandemic era has ended, but a network of ongoing programs still provides housing stability and utility assistance. Navigating these resources means knowing which state, federal, and local agencies to contact and what help they offer.
Arkansas Rent Relief Program Status
The primary statewide program many residents remember, the Arkansas Rent Relief Program, is no longer accepting new applications. The portal, managed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), officially closed on April 1, 2022. While applications submitted before the deadline were processed, this specific initiative is not a source of new funding.
A Shift to Decentralized Support
The closure of this centralized program marks a shift in how rental assistance is accessed. Support has reverted to a decentralized model that relies on various established local and federal programs. The Arkansas Department of Human Services now directs individuals needing emergency housing support to the Emergency Solutions Grant program, which is administered by local community organizations.
With the conclusion of the pandemic-specific initiative, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program is now the state's primary channel for immediate, crisis-level housing aid. This federally funded program is a rapid response for individuals and families who are homeless or on the brink of losing their housing. It is the most direct and officially recommended alternative to the former rent relief program.
What ESG Provides
The ESG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA). Its goal is to help people quickly regain stability in permanent housing. Assistance is provided through four main components:
How to Apply for ESG Assistance
There is no single statewide portal to apply for ESG funds. The federal government allocates money to the state, which then distributes it to a network of local governments and non-profit organizations. These local providers work directly with individuals in need, meaning you must identify and contact the specific organization serving your city or county.
The most effective way to access housing assistance, including ESG funds, is by connecting with the organizations serving your specific county. In Arkansas, this network is primarily composed of 15 Community Action Agencies (CAAs), which are non-profits dedicated to combating poverty at the local level.
The Role of Community Action Agencies
CAAs administer a wide range of services, with housing and utility assistance being core components of their mission. In addition to rental assistance, these agencies are the main providers of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps eligible households manage heating and cooling costs. Addressing utility bills can free up funds to cover rent, making CAAs a comprehensive resource.
Because each CAA serves a specific area, you must contact the agency that covers your county of residence. For example, the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council (C-SCDC) lists rental assistance to prevent eviction as a service , while Crowley's Ridge Development Council (CRDC) also administers rental and utility assistance.
Directory of Arkansas Community Action Agencies
| Agency Name | Counties Served | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas River Valley Area Council, Inc. (ARVAC) | Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Perry, Polk, Pope, Scott, Yell | 479-219-5292 | http://www.arvacinc.org/ |
| Black River Area Development Corp. (BRAD) | Clay, Lawrence, Randolph | 870-892-4547 | https://bradcorp.org/ |
| Central Arkansas Development Council, Inc. (CADC) | Calhoun, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Lonoke, Miller, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Pulaski, Saline, Sevier, Union | 501-315-1121 | http://www.cadc.com/ |
| Central Delta Community Action Agency (CDCAA) | Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln | 870-536-0046 | N/A |
| Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, Inc. (CAPCA) | Cleburne, Faulkner, White | 501-329-3891 | http://www.capcainc.org/ |
| Community Services Office, Inc. (CSO) | Garland | 501-624-5724 | N/A |
| Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc. (C-SCDC) | Crawford, Sebastian | 479-785-2303 | http://www.cscdc.net/ |
| Crowley's Ridge Development Council, Inc. (CRDC) | Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Poinsett, St. Francis, Woodruff | 870-802-7100 | http://www.crdcnea.com/ |
| Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County (EOAWC) | Washington | 479-872-7479 | http://www.eoawc.org/ |
| Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. (MDCS) | Lee, Monroe, Phillips, Prairie | 870-338-6406 | http://www.middeltacommunityservices.org/ |
| Mississippi County Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. (MCAEOC) | Mississippi | 870-776-1054 | http://www.mcaeoc.com/ |
| Northcentral Arkansas Development Council, Inc. (NADC) | Fulton, Independence, Izard, Sharp, Stone | 870-793-5765 | http://www.nadcinc.org/ |
| Ozark Opportunities, Inc. (OOI) | Baxter, Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Van Buren | 870-741-9406 | http://www.ozarkopp.org/ |
| Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corp. (SEACAC) | Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew | 870-226-5512 | https://seacac.my-free.website/ |
While ESG offers crisis intervention, long-term federal programs provide sustained housing stability for low-income households. These are not quick fixes but represent pathways to affordable housing for those who qualify.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for helping very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford housing in the private market.
Public Housing
Public housing consists of rental units owned and managed directly by local PHAs for eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Rent is subsidized and is typically an affordable percentage of the resident's income. As with Section 8, you must apply directly to your local PHA, and waiting lists are common.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency is a free and invaluable resource. These non-profit organizations are certified to provide expert, confidential advice on housing topics. A counselor can help you:
To find a HUD-approved agency, call the national toll-free hotline at (800) 569-4287 or use the online search tool on HUD's website.
If you receive an eviction notice, seeking legal help should be an immediate priority. Legal intervention can often pause the eviction process, providing the time needed for rental assistance applications to be approved. Free legal assistance is available for low-income Arkansans.
Key Legal Aid Providers in Arkansas
Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines, but any tenant facing eviction should call to go through the intake process. An attorney can identify legal defenses and help achieve a better outcome, from case dismissal to a negotiated settlement.
Navigating the landscape of housing assistance can be overwhelming. Centralized information and referral services are available to simplify the process and connect you with the right resources.
Arkansas 211: The First Call for Help
For anyone unsure where to start, Arkansas 211 is the state's premier information and referral service. It is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects people to a vast network of health and human services. A trained specialist can assess your needs and provide referrals for:
There are multiple ways to access this service:
Additional Online and Local Resources
Other tools can help you find assistance:
No, the federally funded Arkansas Rent Relief Program is permanently closed and stopped accepting new applications on April 1, 2022. Be cautious of any non-governmental websites claiming the program is still active. State and local resources are now the primary source for rental assistance in Arkansas.
Arkansas now provides rental assistance primarily through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program and a network of local Community Action Agencies. These programs are managed at the community level to help residents facing housing instability and prevent homelessness by offering various forms of financial aid.
Individuals do not apply directly to the state for ESG funds. Instead, you must contact your region's designated Continuum of Care (CoC) or a local non-profit agency that receives ESG funding. These organizations will screen you for eligibility and guide you through their specific application process.
Yes, many Community Action Agencies and non-profits in Arkansas offer utility assistance, often through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This aid can help with heating and cooling bills, preventing disconnection and easing financial burdens for eligible low-income households.
While requirements vary by agency, you should be prepared to provide a valid photo ID for all adult household members, a copy of your current lease agreement, proof of income (such as pay stubs), and any documentation of your financial hardship, like an overdue rent or eviction notice.
If you receive an eviction notice, it is crucial to act immediately. Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or a legal aid organization in Arkansas. They can provide expert advice on your rights as a tenant and help you explore all available options to prevent the eviction.
Yes, veteran-specific resources are available. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program helps low-income veterans and their families find stable housing. Contact the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs or your local VA medical center for referrals to SSVF providers in your area.
Yes, Pulaski County often has its own rental and utility assistance programs separate from statewide initiatives. Residents of Little Rock and the surrounding areas should check the official Pulaski County government website or contact local non-profits for information on currently available funds and eligibility requirements.
If you are experiencing homelessness, your local Continuum of Care (CoC) is the primary point of contact. These regional organizations coordinate services for homeless individuals and families, including access to emergency shelters, rapid re-housing programs, and other essential supportive services to help you regain stability.
Calling 2-1-1 or visiting the Arkansas 211 website connects you with a resource specialist who can provide confidential, up-to-date information on a wide range of local services. They can help identify rental assistance programs, food banks, and other support systems in your specific community.
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