Homeownership has steadily decreased, with 36% of American households now renting rather than owning houses; an increase of over 10 million since 2005. However, 10.7 million people continue to face eviction and homelessness because they are overdue on their rent. The good news is that many non-profit organizations support people struggling to pay their rent by offering rental assistance and eviction prevention programs. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help with rent?

The best charities that help with rent are Catholic Charities USA and Abode Services. Charities like Coalition for the Homeless, The Salvation Army, and Family Promise provide low-income families with free housing support and emergency rent assistance.

Whether you want to provide emergency rental assistance to low-income families, promote economic stability, or increase access to affordable housing, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that help with rent are all about, how they work, and your best way to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Help With Rent Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, transparency ratings, and achievements.

They provide free housing support, including rent and utility assistance, rent arrears grants, and eviction prevention programs to help those struggling to pay their rent worldwide.

Many of these charities offer financial and legal aid to help low-income families keep their homes. Others support disabled people and injured veterans in the US to avoid eviction.

Yet, they all share the same goal of helping with rent.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help With Rent in 2023

Below are our favorite charities that help with rent (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Help With Rent

Catholic Charities USA

Abode Services

Coalition for the Homeless

The Salvation Army

Family Promise

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

DePaul USA

Save the Family

Building Homes for Heroes 

(At the end of this article, we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

Catholic Charities USA: Providing Rental Assistance for Vulnerable Populations

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 by nearly 400 people to offer social and legal services to people from poorer backgrounds. Today, they provide rental assistance and access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations in the US.

Catholic Charities USA has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We believe that housing, and access to housing, is a fundamental human right that recognizes the life and dignity of every person.”

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA provides housing assistance to vulnerable populations. For example, they offer emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to support families struggling to maintain their homes. They also provide eviction prevention services to help people keep their homes. In addition, they develop and preserve housing units available for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities in the US. Furthermore, they advocate for affordable housing policies in the US.

Since their inception, Catholic Charities USA has assisted those experiencing homelessness and housing challenges in the US. For example, in 2021, they provided $342 million in rental assistance. They also distributed $32 million in emergency utility assistance and $4 million in mortgage assistance. In addition, they spent $2.5 million to prevent underprivileged families and individuals from experiencing homelessness. They also created over 34,500 affordable housing units for low-income families in the US.

You can donate directly to Catholic Charities USA through their website. You can also assist them by donating real estate as a gift to a family in need.

Abode Services: Because Everyone Should Have a Home

Abode Services was established in 1989 by a group of people to address the growing problem of homelessness in the Tri-City Area. Today, they are a national organization committed to helping people with rent and housing challenges.

Abode Services has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To end homelessness by assisting low-income, un-housed people, including those with special needs, to secure stable, supportive housing; and to be advocates for the removal of the causes of homelessness.”

Abode Services

Abode Services provide short-term rental assistance, housing placement, and ongoing subsidies to help people struggling to pay their rent. For example, they address housing challenges in the US by partnering with landlords and local shelters to help people access affordable housing opportunities. In addition, they operate a homelessness-prevention program that provides housing solutions to young adults exiting the foster care system. 

Today, Abode Services is the Bay Area’s largest homeless and housing and services provider. For example, in 2022, they spent over $41 million in rental assistance to give homeless people a safe home. They also assisted over 14,800 homeless people through their programs. Every night, their housing programs provide a safe home to 6,748 homeless and at-risk people, including over 3,000 children and 500 veterans. In addition, over 2,500 homeless people in their programs exited into permanent housing,

You can donate directly to Abode Services through their website. You can also support them by volunteering at their shelter.

Coalition for the Homeless: Housing Is a Human Right

The Coalition for the Homeless was founded in 1981 by Ellen Baxter and Kim Hopper to help disadvantaged people access adequate shelter. Today, the charity supports those facing housing challenges, including rent arrears, in New York.

The Coalition for the Homeless has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food, and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society.”

Coalition for the Homeless

The Coalition for the Homeless offers housing programs to individuals and families in New York to give them permanent housing stability. For example, they offer rental arrears grants to low-income families to prevent them from being evicted. Their Bridge Building Program also provides affordable apartments to people experiencing housing difficulties. In addition, they operate a Client Advocacy Program that helps disabled adults to find permanent supportive housing. 

Since their founding, the Coalition for the Homeless has supported people experiencing housing difficulties. For example, in 2022, their eviction prevention program saved 613 families from becoming homeless by providing one-time rental arrears grants. They also provided stable, permanent housing to 169 residents. In addition, they helped 62 chronically homeless individuals with physical or mental disabilities to secure government benefits and obtain supportive housing. 

You can donate directly to the Coalition for the Homeless through their website. You can also support them by volunteering.

The Salvation Army: Supporting Those Without Access to Adequate Housing

The Salvation Army was established in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth to preach the gospel and reach out to the impoverished and disadvantaged. Today, they are a global charity ensuring access to adequate housing for low-income families.

The Salvation Army has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides emergency shelter and resources to help families stay in their homes. They also offer a warm, safe place for people facing housing challenges. In addition, they offer financial assistance to cover emergency overnight housing costs and partner with other emergency shelter services to extend their reach and help even more people. Moreover, their transitional housing programs provide homeless people with food and lodging while supporting them to regain stability. Furthermore, their emergency assistance programs help families pay their bills and reduce the financial burdens of housing utilities.

Since their inception, the Salvation Army has assisted 25 million people affected by poverty, neglect, and natural disasters annually. For example, in 2022, they provided free shelter to over 7.8 million people struggling with housing difficulties and homelessness. In addition, they supported over 3.8 million people with financial assistance for rent and utility assistance.

You can donate directly to the Salvation Army through their website. You can also support them by fundraising or donating goods to help those in need.

Family Promise: Building Communities. Strengthening Lives

Family Promise was founded in 1988 by Karen Olson to provide hospitality to homeless families. Today, the charity is a national network working to eradicate homelessness and promote the economic stability of low-income families.

Family Promise has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.”

Family Promise

Family Promise offers various services to support homeless families in the US. For example, they support families at risk of homelessness by paying rent in arrears, security deposits, and mediating between landlords and tenants. They also provide emergency housing solutions to help homeless families feel safe and supported until they find permanent housing. In addition, they offer stabilization programs such as tenancy training, educational initiatives, and technology support to help families maintain their housing.

Since their founding, Family Promise has provided housing support, including rent assistance, to over 1 million family members in 200 communities through their network of 200,000 volunteers across 43 states. They offer temporary housing, meals, and services to over 125,000 individuals annually. 62% of the families they served in their shelters secured permanent housing, 7% secured transitional housing, and 12% secured shared housing.

You can donate directly to Family Promise through their website. You can also support them by becoming a volunteer or partner. In addition, you can create a fundraiser for them.

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless: Fighting for the Human Right to Housing

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless was founded in 1980 by William “Les” Brown to support vulnerable families and cater to their housing needs. Today, they support those at risk of eviction with rental assistance and legal aid.

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We organize and advocate to prevent and end homelessness, because we believe housing is a human right in a just society.”

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless offers outreach programs to educate low-income individuals on affordable housing options. They also advocate for public policies that support affordable housing and shelter preservation for the homeless, like Homeless Prevention Grants. In addition, they provide free legal aid services to families who are homeless or at risk of eviction.

Since their founding, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has pushed for measures that help low-income families facing housing challenges. For instance, due to their advocacy for Homeless Prevention Grants in Illinois, the state now supports 118,023 homeless families. Also, further advocacy efforts resulted in a significant increase of $4.1 million in eviction prevention funding within one year to support those struggling to pay their rent. In addition, their legal aid program provided free legal aid to 830 students and youth and 80 homeless people.

You can donate directly to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless through their website. You can also support the charity by joining their Justice Circle.

DePaul USA: Homelessness Has No Place

DePaul USA was founded in 2009 as an affiliate of the DePaul International Group to end homelessness and help those affected by it. Today, they operate numerous housing and support programs to help disadvantaged people in the US. 

DePaul USA has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We help individuals who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged.”

DePaul USA

DePaul USA offers permanent housing, temporary housing, and housing support for vulnerable families. For example, they provide houses and apartments at below-market rents for low-income or disabled men and women. In addition, their DAX program offers housing opportunities, stipends, rent assistance, and educational support to college students experiencing homelessness. 

Since their founding, DePaul USA has remained committed to eliminating homelessness in the US. For example, in 2018, they provided 418 low-income people with housing support. In addition, their emergency services resource centers helped over 100 people transition into permanent housing and provided nearly 70,000 meals and 20,000 hygiene services to disadvantaged people.

You can donate directly to DePaul USA through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or partnering with them to end homelessness.

Save the Family: Stable Homes. Safe Children. Strong Families.

Save the Family was founded in 1988 to end homelessness in Maricopa County, Arizona. Today, they continue to provide housing and supportive services to underprivileged families.

Save the Family has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We work to equip families to overcome underlying issues that lead to homelessness – ensuring stable homes, safe children and strong families because of our efforts.”

Save the Family

Save the Family provides housing programs and eviction prevention services to underprivileged families to ensure their long-term housing. They also help people achieve financial stability by providing supportive services, including budgeting classes, parenting classes, and access to in-house mental health and substance abuse support. In addition, they help children navigate the trauma caused by homelessness and support families by offering drop-in daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps annually. 

Since their founding, Save the Family has consistently provided housing support to vulnerable families in the US. 90% of the families they have helped have secured permanent housing. Furthermore, 91% of the families that participated in their programs obtained regular access to healthcare, and 70% of them maintained or increased their incomes.

You can donate directly to Save the Family through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or starting a fundraiser.

Building Homes for Heroes: Providing Free Housing Support to Injured Veterans

Building Homes for Heroes was created in 2006 by Andy Pujol to serve first responders injured in the September 11 terrorist attacks. Today, they are a national organization supporting injured veterans and their families with free housing support.

Building Homes for Heroes has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We build or modify homes, and gift them, mortgage-free, to injured veterans and their families, while supporting them to build better and brighter lives and reach new heights.”

Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes gives mortgage-free homes to veterans to ease their financial burden and enable them to lead more independent lives. They also provide emergency financial assistance to support veterans experiencing or on the brink of eviction or homelessness. In addition, they work with financial planners to provide homeowners with financial advice to help them maintain home expenses and pay property taxes. Furthermore, they plan networking events to help wounded veterans find support and create friendships with other injured veterans. 

Since their founding, Building Homes for Heroes has provided emergency funding, including rent assistance, to over 1,000 veterans and their families dealing with housing problems, health challenges, or psychological issues. For example, they have provided over 300 mortgage-free homes to injured veterans in the US to alleviate their financial burden.

You can donate directly to Building Homes for Heroes through their website. You can also assist them by joining the 11-11 campaign to provide 11 homes in 11 weeks to injured veterans.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that help with rent. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to helping with rent – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist, and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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