An eviction filing appears on roughly 3.6 million American households every year, according to Princeton's Eviction Lab. Once an eviction hits your record, it becomes harder to rent, pass background checks, and even find employment. Homeless prevention programs exist specifically to intervene before an eviction is finalized, providing emergency rent payments, legal assistance, mediation with landlords, and case management to stabilize your housing. In 2026, these programs operate at the federal, state, and local level, and many have funds available right now.
Acting fast is everything when you are at risk of eviction. While you apply for prevention assistance, building even a small financial buffer helps. I am Beezy is a free app that pays you $5 to $15 per day for viewing content on your cell phone. No job application, no commute, and you can start earning the same day you sign up. That extra income can cover the partial rent payment that convinces your landlord to pause eviction proceedings. Below is every major homeless prevention program available and exactly how to access them.
What Are Homeless Prevention Programs?
The difference between prevention and shelter
Homeless prevention programs intervene before you lose your housing. They cover past-due rent, utility arrears, legal fees, and moving costs when staying in your current unit is no longer safe. This is fundamentally different from homeless shelter services, which help after you have already lost your home. Prevention is dramatically cheaper and more effective. HUD estimates that preventing one eviction costs about $3,000, while sheltering and rehousing a family costs $15,000 to $30,000. That is why federal and local governments have invested heavily in prevention.
Who qualifies for prevention help
Most programs target households that are currently housed but at imminent risk of losing their home. Common eligibility criteria include income at or below 30% of AMI (though some programs go up to 50%), an eviction notice or past-due rent balance, no other resources sufficient to prevent homelessness, and at least one member of the household being a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Some programs prioritize families with children, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.
Federal Homeless Prevention Funding in 2026
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
HUD distributes Emergency Solutions Grants to states and large cities, which then fund local nonprofits and Community Action Agencies. ESG prevention funds cover up to 24 months of rent arrears, security deposits, first and last month's rent, utility payments, and moving costs. To access ESG-funded help, contact your local Continuum of Care (CoC) or call 211. You do not apply to HUD directly.
Continuum of Care (CoC) prevention components
CoC programs operate in every community and coordinate homelessness services. Many CoCs include rapid rehousing and prevention components that provide short-term rent assistance and case management. Your local CoC can connect you with the fastest available funding. Find your CoC at HUD's CoC map at hudexchange.info.
TANF Emergency Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) includes an emergency assistance component in many states. Families with children can receive one-time or short-term payments for rent, utilities, and other housing costs. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state, but families in crisis should contact their local TANF office or Department of Social Services to ask specifically about emergency housing assistance.
| Program | What It Covers | Who Qualifies | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESG Prevention | Up to 24 months rent + utilities | Below 30% AMI, at risk | Local CoC or 211 |
| ERAP (remaining funds) | Up to 18 months rent + utilities | Below 80% AMI, hardship | State ERA portal |
| TANF Emergency | One-time rent/utility payment | Families with children | Local DSS/TANF office |
| VA SSVF | Rent, deposits, utilities for vets | Veterans at risk | Local VA or SSVF provider |
| Salvation Army/Catholic Charities | 1-3 months emergency rent | Open to most in crisis | Local office or 211 |
How to Apply for Homeless Prevention Assistance
Step 1: Call 211 immediately
The 211 helpline is the fastest way to identify every prevention program in your area. Explain that you are at risk of eviction and need emergency rent assistance. The specialist will screen you for eligibility and connect you with the appropriate agencies. Many programs can begin processing your application within 24 to 48 hours of your call.
Step 2: Gather your crisis documents
You will need your eviction notice or past-due rent statement, lease agreement, proof of income, government ID, and documentation of any hardship (job loss letter, medical bills, benefit termination notice). Having these ready when you call speeds up the process dramatically. Some agencies can approve and disburse funds within one to two weeks when documentation is complete.
Step 3: Contact your landlord about the application
Many landlords are willing to pause eviction proceedings when they learn that a prevention program will pay the past-due amount. Ask the agency to contact your landlord directly or provide a letter confirming your application. This buys you time and demonstrates good faith, which can influence a judge if the case goes to housing court.
Bridge the financial gap during the process
Even fast-moving prevention programs take one to three weeks to process. During that window, demonstrating financial responsibility helps your case. On I am Beezy, you can start earning the same day you sign up. Users who view content for about 30 minutes daily typically earn $150 to $300 per month. Making a partial rent payment with those earnings shows your landlord you are taking action.
| Month | Cumulative Beezy Earnings | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $150-$300 | Partial rent payment or utility catch-up |
| Month 3 | $450-$900 | One full rent payment in many areas |
| Month 6 | $900-$1,800 | Emergency fund to prevent future crises |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get homeless prevention help if I already received an eviction notice?
Yes. Most prevention programs are specifically designed to help after an eviction notice has been filed. In fact, having an eviction notice often strengthens your eligibility because it demonstrates imminent risk. Apply as soon as you receive the notice. Do not wait for a court date. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Will prevention assistance show up on my credit report?
No. Payments made by prevention programs go directly from the agency to your landlord. They are not a loan and do not appear on your credit report. However, if an eviction judgment is entered before the assistance arrives, that may appear on your record. Act quickly to prevent the judgment itself.
What if I do not qualify for any prevention program?
If you are over-income for government programs, contact local nonprofits and faith-based organizations directly. Many churches, mosques, and synagogues maintain emergency funds for housing crises with no income threshold. Legal aid offices can also negotiate with your landlord or represent you in housing court at no cost.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
After stabilizing your housing, build an emergency fund that covers at least one month of rent. Even setting aside $50 per week creates a $200 buffer within a month. Using earning apps like I am Beezy as a consistent side income source adds $150 to $300 per month to your safety net. Combine that with budgeting tools and automatic savings transfers for long-term stability.
Act Now to Protect Your Housing
Homeless prevention programs in 2026 have real funding and real capacity to stop evictions before they happen. Call 211 today, gather your documents, and apply to every program you qualify for. While the paperwork processes, protect your finances by earning extra income from your phone. Create your free I am Beezy account now and start putting dollars toward rent, groceries, or your emergency fund. Every day you wait is a day closer to a deadline you cannot afford to miss.
