ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis has opened the application process for emergency rental assistance to St. Louis residents.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Louis City's Emergency Rental Assistance Program is open for application

  • St. Louis City made $3.3 million available for emergency rental assistance 
  • Eligibility requirements include being a city resident, being unable to pay your rent on time, and more

  • Applications opened today and may be submitted at this link

“Keeping people in their homes is vital for our community,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “For many families, getting evicted will only make a bad situation worse, and it can become impossible to recover from, ultimately hurting that individual, that family, and our community. Providing this emergency assistance makes it easier for St. Louisans to dig themselves out of a challenging situation.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was designed to support residents who are struggling with past-due rental payments and those who were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful applicants will receive a one-time payment to payoff overdue rental payments and prevent evictions. The funding is on a first-come, first-served basis, so eligible residents that are interested should apply as soon as possible. 

“The launch of the St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program marks a significant step forward in supporting our St. Louis residents who have been hardest hit by the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Adam Pearson, director of the Department of Human Services. “This program is designed to provide immediate relief to low-income families facing eviction, giving them the stability they need to recover and rebuild. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to stay in their home. By delivering targeted assistance where it’s needed most, we’re not only protecting individuals but strengthening the fabric of our city as we move toward a more resilient and equitable future.”

St. Louis City made $3.3 million available for emergency rental assistance by funds from the federal Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Community Development Administration (CDA) partnered with FORWARD for operation of the program.

“More than 35,000 city households pay over 30% of their income on rent, leaving little room for essentials like food, childcare and transportation. Nearly 5,000 city households are evicted each year," said CDA Executive Director Nahuel Fefer. “We recognize that access to safe, quality, and affordable housing is a human right, and this Covid relief-funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program is an important step toward ensuring that all city residents have a stable place to call home.”

St. Louis residents must meet the following eligibility criteria for the program:

  • One or more residents in the home face a challenge that prevents them from paying their rent on time

  • One or more people in the home can demonstrate their risk of experiencing housing instability

  • Household Income of 80% and below the Area Median Income (AMI) with homes of 50% or less AMI receiving priority

  • Applicants must be St. Louis City residents that are 18+ or be an emancipated adult 15+ (with documentation)

FORWARD is the city’s approved program administrating contractor that will assist with community outreach, application support, and eligibility screening. They’re required to complete these taxpayer paid tasks efficiently. 

Applicants will be asked:

  • To meet income requirements

  • To show proof of residency

  • To provide proof of income and identification

  • To meet geographic area requirements

  • To include information of a past due rent or eviction notice

Click here to learn more about the program.

Applications opened today and may be submitted at this link.