Arkansas 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Arkansas.
Official page: arkansas211.org
Find Help Near You in Arkansas
Free, private help lines for Arkansas, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
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 Arkansas who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your county DHS office. They may know about emergency help when funds allow.
Quick answers
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. Your local community action agency is also a good place to ask about rent help.
Official page: arkansas211.org
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. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call the Arkansas legal aid line, and they'll connect you to help for your area.
Official page: arlawhelp.org, arlegalservices.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. Arkansas LIHEAP helps households who qualify with heating and cooling bills. In Arkansas, LIHEAP is handled by local community action agencies. Funds can run low, so it helps to ask early.
Official page: acaaa.org, humanservices.arkansas.gov
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 county DHS office. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: fairhousing.arkansas.gov
How do I find my DHS office?
Dial 211, or use the map at arkansas211.org. The Arkansas Department of Human Services has a county office in every county.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can help your visit or call go smoothly. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Arkansas
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your county DHS office (Arkansas Department of Human Services)
A county office in every county. They take applications for SNAP, TEA cash help and Medicaid, and can point you to local help.
Official page: humanservices.arkansas.gov
Arkansas community action agencies (LIHEAP)
Local agencies that may help with energy bills, rent and other needs for people who qualify, in every part of Arkansas.
Official page: acaaa.org
Arkansas Law Help
A statewide site with plain language legal information and links to legal aid programs across Arkansas, for problems with housing, benefits, family safety and more.
Official page: arlawhelp.org
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
Civil legal help for eligible residents of Central Arkansas and other counties, including housing, family safety and consumer issues.
Official page: arlegalservices.org
Arkansas Fair Housing Commission
Help for Arkansans who think they faced housing discrimination, including information on your rights and how to file a complaint.
Official page: fairhousing.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA)
The state housing finance agency. It shares information on affordable rental homes and housing programs across Arkansas.
Official page: adfa.arkansas.gov/contact-us
Metropolitan Housing Alliance
The public housing agency for Little Rock, with public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers for people who qualify.
Official page: lrhousing.org
City of Little Rock: Housing and Neighborhood Programs
City programs and referrals for Little Rock residents, including housing help and neighborhood services.
Official page: littlerock.gov/residents/housing-and-neighborhood-programs
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say you're behind on rent in Conway
You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call your county DHS office or dial 211 and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also ask 211 about other local programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: 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 to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (county)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign a new lease, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Arkansas
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop