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HomeKeene
Family of four was in a homeless shelter for over a year. They found permanent housing in a different town and NHERAP was able to assist them with the first month’s rent and security deposit to help them become stably housed.
New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance
UPDATE ON THE NH EMERGENCY RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 6.15.2023
The application process for the NH Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) was paused on October 21, 2022, and will not be reopened. After providing nearly $300 million in critical resources to over 26,000 Granite State households, all funds available for direct rental assistance have been exhausted.
Read the June 15, 2023 Program Update >>
NHERAP Housing Stability Services and Direct Cash Assistance
A no-cost extension was allowed by the Governor’s Office for the CAPs to continue providing the Housing Stability Services (HSS) and Direct Cash Assistance until funds are exhausted.
The CAPs will continue to provide housing search referrals and coaching in coordination with the other programs and case management services they offer to homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness.
Eligibility criteria for HSS Direct Cash Assistance
Households experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness are eligible to apply for the following assistance.
- Rental application fees
- Security deposit
- First month’s rent
- Moving expenses
- Other barriers to permanent housing (must be pre-approved by NH Housing)
To receive direct cash assistance households must:
- Meet ERA2 eligibility criteria which includes:
Being at or below 80% AMI
Having experienced financial hardship during the Covid pandemic
Being a New Hampshire resident
Moving to permanent housing in New Hampshire (temporary housing is not eligible).
- Show that that they can afford the rent for the unit they are moving to.
- Not pay more than 50% of their income for rent unless they provide a budget showing how they will afford the rent if over 50% of their income.
- Not pay rent over 200% of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the location of the rental unit.
Documentation to confirm eligibility must be provided.
Definitions:
Homeless: Applicants who are:
(1) Lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
(2) Residing in Permanent Supportive Housing and qualify for the Moving On Initiative. This program is designed to support the ‘moving on’ of permanent supportive housing tenants who are capable of living in independent community based housing.
Rent Burdened/At Risk of Becoming Homeless:
Applicants who are:
(1) Paying more than 50% of their gross income for rent and utilities.
(2) Temporarily living with friends or relatives.
(3) Living in a substandard living situation or other temporary placement.
(4) Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking who are eligible for protections under VAWA.
Are you at risk of losing your home?
HomeHelpNH provides resources for renters and homeowners who are at risk of losing their home. Visit HomeHelpNH.org or call 2-1-1, a free service offered by Granite United Way.
Who NH Housing Stability Services Has Helped
Somersworth
A local family of six had to move because their apartment failed the fire code. They secured housing but as their move was unexpected, they did not have the funds for security and the first month’s rent.
Portsmouth
A woman that had spent time at a winter shelter the last two years received a voucher through Portsmouth Housing Authority. Without HSS, this client could not have afforded the security deposit and would have remained unhoused.
Rochester
A mother and 16-year-old daughter who had been living in shelters on and off for the past five years finally were able to move into their own apartment with HSS assistance.