Churches That Help With Security Deposit: Where to Ask and How to Get a Yes

Churches that help with security deposit costs

No national church program pays security deposits. Help comes from local congregations and the charities they support, and funds open and close through the year. These are the places most likely to say yes:

• Large local churches with a benevolence or outreach fund. Bigger congregations tend to have more money set aside.
• Catholic parishes and Catholic Charities agencies.
• St. Vincent de Paul conferences, which are run by volunteers at Catholic parishes.
• The Salvation Army, a church that runs social services in most communities.
• Ministerial alliances or interfaith councils, where several churches pool money and screen requests together.
• Your own church, if you attend one. Members often get priority.

The fastest way to learn which of these have money right now is to dial 211. Specialists keep track of which local funds are open.

How church benevolence funds work

A benevolence fund is money a church sets aside to help people in need. A pastor, deacon, or outreach committee usually decides who gets help. Each church makes its own rules, but most share a few habits:

• They pay a bill directly, such as a deposit to the landlord, instead of giving cash.
• They often cap help at a few hundred dollars, so a full deposit may need several sources.
• Many give priority to members or people who live near the church.
• Many limit help to once a year per household.
• Some ask to meet in person or talk with a pastor first.

Some churches do not run their own fund and instead send money to a community ministry. If a church says no, ask, “Is there a group you support that helps with deposits?”

Faith-based charities with deposit programs

Catholic Charities

Local Catholic Charities agencies help people of all faiths. Many run housing programs that can cover move-in costs, sometimes with government funding. Find your local agency with the Catholic Charities agency finder. Our Catholic Charities security deposit guide has more.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has thousands of local conferences. Volunteers make home visits and offer help such as rent assistance and homelessness prevention. To reach one, call the nearest Catholic parish and ask for its St. Vincent de Paul conference.

The Salvation Army

Some Salvation Army centers pay deposits, often through government grants, and others do not. Ask your local corps. Our Salvation Army security deposit guide explains how it works.

Federal programs some churches run

Many faith-based charities receive federal grants to help people who are homeless or about to lose housing. These programs have firmer rules and often larger amounts than a church fund.

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)

Under the HUD ESG rule (24 CFR 576.105), ESG funds may pay a security deposit of no more than 2 months’ rent. They can also pay rental application fees, a standard utility deposit, and in some cases last month’s rent, which counts toward a limit of 24 months of rental help in any 3-year period. ESG homelessness prevention is generally for households with income below 30% of area median income. You usually reach ESG through 211 or your area’s coordinated entry system.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

For veterans, SSVF grantees, including some faith-based groups, can pay deposits. Under 38 CFR 62.34, a veteran household can get help with a security deposit once in every 2-year period, and with a utility deposit once in every 2-year period. The grantee pays the landlord or utility directly and helps you make a plan to keep your housing stable.

Comparing your options

Papers to have ready

Churches and charities move faster when you can show the deposit is real and the move will work. Have these ready:

• Photo ID for each adult.
• A signed lease or a landlord letter showing the address, monthly rent, deposit amount, and move-in date.
• The landlord’s contact information and, often, a W-9 form so the charity can pay them.
• Proof of income, such as pay stubs or benefit letters, to show you can afford the rent going forward.
• Proof of your situation, such as an eviction notice, shelter letter, or a notice that your current home is unsafe.

What to say when you call

Keep it short and specific. Churches get many calls, and a clear request is easier to say yes to. You might say:

If they can help with only part, ask how much and write it down. Then tell the next church that you already have that amount pledged. A partly funded request is often easier to finish.

How to ask for help, step by step

1. Get the numbers in writing. Ask the landlord for a letter showing rent, deposit, and move-in date.
2. Dial 211 and ask for churches and charities with deposit funds, plus ESG or SSVF programs if they fit you.
3. Call three to five places the same day. Start with Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, and large local churches.
4. Ask if the landlord will wait or accept the deposit in installments while help is pending.
5. Combine pledges until the full deposit is covered, and share each pledge with the next helper.
6. Confirm payment with the landlord and get a receipt that shows who paid what.
7. Say thank you. Churches remember people who follow up, which helps if you need them again.

Getting your deposit back later

Most charities pay the deposit for you to use, but ask whether they expect any of it back when you move out. Some do. Either way, protect the deposit:

• Take dated photos of every room on move-in day, and fill out a move-in checklist.
• Report repairs in writing.
• Give notice the way your lease requires, and leave a forwarding address.

Each state sets its own rules for how and when a landlord must return a deposit. USA.gov’s tenant rights page links to state tenant resources, and Legal Services Corporation can help you find free legal aid if a landlord keeps your deposit unfairly.

Rental scams to watch for

• A “landlord” who asks for a deposit before you see the home, or who will not meet in person.
• Anyone who wants the deposit by gift card, wire, or payment app only.
• Someone who says a church grant is guaranteed if you pay a processing fee first.

Charities protect you here too. Because they pay the landlord directly, they often check that the owner is real.

Need first month’s rent as well? See our guides on charities that help with deposit for rent and first month rent and deposit help.

Related guides

• Charities that help with deposit for rent
• Salvation Army security deposit assistance
• Catholic Charities security deposit assistance
• Churches that help with rent

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Church and charity funds vary by location and change often. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any church or charity named here.