Housing Help

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Virginia who help with this every day.

Start by dialing 211, or call your local department of social services. They take energy help applications and may know about emergency help when funds allow.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?

Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you.

Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services that can point you to help. In the Richmond area, the Housing Resource Line at 804.422.5061 helps people at risk of losing housing. In Northern Virginia, Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning, Prince William, Loudoun and Alexandria social services can help you look at options.

Sources: https://homewardva.org/get-help/ https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/

What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?

Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.

Questions about eviction? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you. Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call Virginia Legal Aid at 866.534.5243, and they'll connect you to the office for your area.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.valegalaid.org/

Can I get help with my utility bills?

Yes, maybe. The Virginia Energy Assistance Program helps households who qualify with heating, cooling and crisis energy bills.

You can apply on CommonHelp or with your local department of social services. Each part of the program has its own sign up window, so check the dates and ask early.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/

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Call your utility too

Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.

What if I need help with a deposit or moving?

Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local department of social services.

If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.

Think you were treated differently when renting?

Think you were treated differently when renting? You can report it.

The Virginia Fair Housing Office takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/FairHousing

What does Virginia Housing offer renters?

Virginia Housing is the state's housing finance agency. Its renter pages have tools to help you search for a place, learn about renting and find help nearby.

You can also look for rentals around the state, including places with lower rents, on the Virginia Housing Search site.

Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official pages below.

Sources: https://www.virginiahousing.com/renters https://www.virginiahousingsearch.com/

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Ask about the total cost

Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and water aren't included.

How do I get ready to talk with my local social services office about housing?

Your local department of social services can tell you about emergency help, benefits and other local programs that may help you stay housed. Going in ready can make the visit go faster.

Find your office on the state's office finder.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/

How do I keep a good relationship with my landlord?

Talking early and kindly can go a long way. Most landlords would rather work something out than start over with a new renter.

• Let your landlord know as soon as you think you'll be late. Don't wait for them to come to you.
• Offer a plan you can keep, even if it's small.
• Put agreements in writing, like a text or email, and keep a copy.
• Ask for repairs in writing too, and take photos.
• Keep every receipt for rent you pay.

Questions people ask a lot

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
• Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call where I live?

Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Greater Richmond

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Northern Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hampton Roads and other areas

Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.

Other local groups may also help.

My housing plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026