If you’re running behind on rent or facing an eviction, there are many free Missouri rent relief programs that can help! To make things easier on you, we’ve organized all of the information you need right here.
Statewide Missouri Rent Relief
A handful of rental assistance programs serve the entire state of Missouri. For even more help with rent payments, check our list of local rent relief programs, too.
State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) for Renters
Missouri’s SAFHR for Renters program provides rent and utility assistance to eligible residents who have been impacted by the pandemic.
What does SAFHR for Renters cover?
This program covers past due rent and utility payments dating back to April 2020 and up to 3 months of future rent and prepaid fuel and utility payments. Households can apply for up to 12 months of rent and utility assistance.
Who is eligible for this program?
In order to be eligible for Missouri’s SAFHR for Renters, you must:
- Be a resident of Missouri.
- Meet certain income requirements.
- Have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Be at risk of homelessness or housing insecurity, including owing back rent or utilities.
How do I apply?
Visit the Missouri SAFHR website to apply for rent assistance. Be prepared with the following before you begin your application:
- Your photo ID
- A copy of your lease
- Any past due rent statements and/or utility bills
Community Action Agencies
There are many Community Action Agencies across the entire state of Missouri that offer rent payment assistance or can refer you to other local organizations that may help.
Faith Maternity Care
Faith Maternity Care offers their non-resident services to clients across the state of Missouri, including rent payment assistance for pregnant women. You must be at least 18 years of age and meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible.
The Salvation Army
You may be able to get help with rent and utilities from The Salvation Army. This service varies by location, so check with a chapter near you for more information.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers rent payment assistance to those in need. There are a handful of locations across the state of Missouri that may be able to help. However, residency and other eligibility requirements may vary by location.
Spectrum Health Care
Individuals living with HIV/AIDS may be able to receive rent payment assistance from Spectrum Health Care.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) partners with other organizations to help veterans and their families maintain stable housing, including offering rent payment assistance. Find a location near you for more details.
Nationwide Rental Assistance Programs
Some rental assistance programs serve those in need across the United States. Check this list for nationwide rent relief programs!
Local Missouri Rent Relief Programs
There are many Missouri rent relief programs that serve a specific region, county, city, or zip code. For your convenience, we’ve organized them here in alphabetical order by county.
Boone County
Voluntary Action Center
Voluntary Action Center helps low-income individuals and families in Boone County, and may be able to offer rent payment assistance. In order to be eligible, you must meet certain income requirements.
Cape Girardeau County
Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri
This organization may be able to offer short term rent payment assistance to those in need. You need to meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible. Visit their website for more information.
Cooper County
Boonslick Ministerial Alliance
Residents of Cooper County and southern Howard County may be able to receive up to $100 toward rent payments from Boonslick Ministerial Alliance. You must meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible.
Howard County
Boonslick Ministerial Alliance
Residents of Cooper County and southern Howard County may be able to receive up to $100 toward rent payments. You must meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible.
Christian County
Women In Need
Women In Need offers short-term rent payment assistance to single, working women in a crisis situation. You can fill out an application for assistance on their website.
Crawford County
Bourbon Ecumenical Community Corporation
Residents of Bourbon and Leasburg may be able to get $100 in rent payment assistance from this organization.
Franklin County
Sullivan Emergency Assistance Fund
Residents of Sullivan School District facing eviction may be able to receive up to $50 toward rent payments from Sullivan Emergency Assistance Fund.
Washington Emergency Relief
Washington Emergency Relief offers one-time emergency rent assistance to eligible residents of Franklin County.
Greene County
Women In Need
Women In Need offers short-term rent payment assistance to single, working women in a crisis situation. You can fill out an application for assistance on their website.
Howell County
First Baptist Church of West Plains
Residents of West Plains and the surrounding area may be able to get help paying rent from First Baptist Church of West Plains. This service is dependent upon available funds.
Jasper County
Crosslines Ministry
A partner agency of the Carthage Area United Way, Crosslines Ministry offers one-time rent payment assistance in emergency situations. They serve Jasper County, not including Carl Junction, Joplin, or Webb City.
Crosslines Ministries Joplin
Crosslines Ministries Joplin offers rent payment assistance to residents of Carl Junction, Joplin, and Webb City in emergency situations.
Laclede County
Crosslines Ministry, Inc.
This organization may provide emergency assistance to eligible individuals or families facing an eviction. This service is dependent upon available funds.
Lincoln County
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service may be able to help individuals and families facing eviction with rent payments. You must have an eviction notice and meet certain income requirements in order to qualify.
Phelps County
Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise (GRACE)
GRACE serves residents of Rolla, Edgar Springs, and Newburg school districts. Eligible individuals and families may be able to get help with rent payments once in a 6 month period.
St. James Caring Center
This organization may be able to assist residents of Phelps County with rent and utility payments. Funding is limited for this service.
Saint Charles County
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service may be able to help individuals and families facing eviction with rent payments. You must have an eviction notice and meet certain income requirements in order to qualify.
Saint Clair County
Veterans Assistance Commission
This organization may be able to offer temporary rent payment assistance to veterans and their families. You must be at least 21 years of age and an honorably discharged veteran or widow to qualify.
Saint Louis County
Beyond Housing
Those living in the Normandy school district who have been impacted by the pandemic may be able to get up to 6 months of rent payment assistance from Beyond Housing. You must also meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible.
Doorways
Doorways provides rent payment assistance to individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families. This service is available to eligible residents of the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Emergency Rental Assistance
The Department of Human Services in Saint Louis County has its own Emergency Rental Assistance program. If you’ve been negatively affected by the pandemic, you may be able to get assistance with rent and utility payments through this program.
Guardian Angel Settlement Association
Individuals and families living in St. Louis may be able to get help with rent payments from Guardian Angel Settlement Association, depending on the availability of funds. You must meet certain income requirements in order to qualify for assistance.
St. Patrick Center
St. Patrick Center offers rent payment assistance to individuals and families in St. Louis facing eviction. You need to meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible for assistance.
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Eligible individuals and families in St. Louis may be able to get help with rent payments from Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. You must meet certain income requirements in order to qualify.
Texas County
Texas County Food Pantry
Residents of Texas County in a crisis situation may be able to get help paying for rent from Texas County Food Pantry. There is a limit of $350 for rent payment assistance per household.
Vernon County
Community Outreach
Community Outreach offers emergency services, including rent payment assistance, to those in need. You may need to meet certain income and residency requirements for assistance.
Warren County
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service may be able to help individuals and families facing eviction with rent payments. You must have an eviction notice and meet certain income requirements in order to qualify.
Lydia Mockensturm
Lydia Mockensturm has a BA in English and previously taught English as a second language. As a freelance writer and editor, she’s passionate about using her research and writing experience to help others find the resources they need.