State Programs Offering Temporary Housing Relief

Housing instability and homelessness remain pressing problems across the United States. Many households face the risk of eviction, sudden loss of income, or displacement due to disasters. In response, numerous states have developed programs to offer temporary housing assistance: short-term support designed to prevent homelessness, stabilize households, and ultimately facilitate people’s transition to more permanent housing.

State Programs Offering Temporary Housing Relief

1. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program (U.S. Nationwide)

This federal program, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, provides funding to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to help households that cannot afford rent and utilities or are at risk of eviction or homelessness.

Key Features:

It covers rent, rent arrears, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.

Two primary funding sources: ERA1 (initial) and ERA2 (subsequent), under COVID-19 relief legislation.

Many states have implemented digital platforms to track ERA fund usage and application status.

Important Notes/Limitations:

Some states have exhausted their funding and are no longer accepting new applications.

This is not a “temporary housing” (shelter) program; it is rental and utility assistance that can stabilize housing, rather than providing rooms or beds.

What to check:

Is the program still active in your state (or locality)?

What eligibility criteria apply (income level, risk of homelessness, financial hardship due to the pandemic, etc.)?

What documentation is needed (lease agreement, eviction notice, utility bills)?

Application deadline or funding availability.

2. Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program — Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services (Oregon)

The Oregon EHA program helps low- and very-low-income individuals who are homeless or living in unstable housing situations and are at risk of homelessness.

Key features:

It focuses on individuals who are already homeless or at risk of homelessness.

It is part of the state agency that also administers other housing stabilization programs.

Important Notes/Limitations:

Eligibility criteria likely include income limits, risk of homelessness, and may require case management or participation in stabilization services.

Availability and scope may vary by region within the state.

What to Check:

The EHA fact sheet (according to the agency’s website) to see the amounts and costs covered (moving expenses, short-term rent, deposit, etc.).

Whether there is a local provider through which assistance is requested.

Whether “unstable housing” means you have a current eviction notice, a pending move-out order, or something similar.

3. Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) — Oregon

The Oregon Housing for Families Program (HSP) supports low-income families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Key Features:

Covers housing-related costs and program administration/case management costs.

It is targeted at low-income families receiving TANF, meaning the program is designed for families with children and very limited income.

Important Notes/Limitations:

Because of the target population (families receiving TANF), it may not cover single adults or households not receiving TANF.

The term “housing-related costs” may include deposits, rent, short-term tuition, or utilities; you should verify the exact eligible costs.

What to Check:

Whether your family qualifies (income, TANF status, risk of homelessness).

The exact costs covered and the maximum assistance amounts.

Whether there is a local provider/agency to contact.

4. Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA) Program — Oregon

Designed to assist K-12 students and their families who are homeless or facing imminent displacement in the state of Oregon.

Key Features:

Tailored to the educational context of young people (students) and their families, recognizing the relationship between housing instability and academic success.

Its goal is to provide emergency housing assistance, not necessarily long-term subsidies.

Important Notes/Limitations:

Eligibility is tied to being a family member of a K-12 student, which limits the program’s scope.

Emergency housing assistance may include immediate, short-term support (not permanent housing).

What to check:

How to apply: likely through the school district or partner agencies.

What types of costs are included (hotel vouchers, short-term rental, deposit, etc.).

Duration of support (how “temporary” is defined).

5. Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program — State of New York State Homes & Community Renewal & HUD (federal/state)

A federal subsidy program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the American Rescue Plan, designed to reduce homelessness and help individuals and families obtain decent housing by providing subsidies for rent and other housing expenses.

Key Features:

Participants pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent; the vouchers subsidize the remainder.

Eligible applicants include people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking.

Important Notes/Limitations:

In New York, the waiting list for the EHV program is closed (at least as of the date on the page indicated).

This is not strictly “temporary housing” like an emergency shelter; it is a housing voucher, which typically provides subsidies for more stable housing.

What to Check:

Whether there are open applications in your region or state for the EHV program or similar voucher programs.

If your household meets the eligibility requirements (homelessness, fleeing violence, etc.).

Local Housing Authority or Integrated Care System (ICS) administers the vouchers.

6. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program — Example: Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

The ESG program provides funding for emergency shelters, transitional housing, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing through state and local agencies.

Key Features:

Funds can be used to operate shelter services (food, clothing, basic necessities), rental assistance, case management, and transitional housing.

Example: The Indiana program supports shelters and also provides rental assistance and other services.

Important Notes/Limitations:

This program focuses more on homelessness (people who are already homeless or in shelters) than solely on the risk of eviction.

Funding depends on the local structures and allocations of the Integrated Care System.

What to check:

Whether your local shelter or service provider is part of the ESG network.

What type of support is available: accommodation, motel vouchers, temporary rental, moving expenses?

Is participation in any services or case management required?

How to find State Programs Offering Temporary Housing Relief

Contact your local public housing agency (PHA): They can provide information about local and federal programs, including assistance with getting off the streets and into more permanent housing.

Check the HUD website: HUD offers resources for finding shelters and temporary housing near you and can guide you to local homelessness assistance programs.

Contact your state’s Department of Housing or Office of Temporary and Disabled Assistance: These agencies administer many state programs.

Look for help with a continuing care program: These programs can help you find both temporary and permanent housing solutions.

What to Consider If You Are Seeking Help

If you or someone you know needs help with temporary housing, here are some tips:

Check your eligibility in advance: Determine your state’s programs, income limits, and the type of assistance available (back rent, utilities, deposit, shelter).

Act quickly: Funding may be limited, there may be waiting lists, or the program may be about to close. For example, many ERA-funded programs are no longer accepting new applications.

Gather your documents: You may need proof of income, a lease, an eviction notice, utility bills, etc.

Understand the timelines: Know how long the assistance will last and what happens when it ends. Develop backup plans.

Seek support services: If available, use case management services, legal assistance (eviction prevention), or housing counseling.

Advocate for affordable housing: Even with assistance, if permanent affordable housing is not available, you may still face instability.

Stay informed: Program rules and available funding change. Check the official websites of state and local housing agencies.

Conclusion

State temporary housing assistance programs are an important bridge in the housing safety net. They offer real help to households during the crisis: they help them pay rent or utilities, avoid eviction, find short-term shelter, and access services. However, these programs are not a long-term solution: they are often limited in duration, underfunded, and depend on a greater availability of affordable housing to ensure long-term stability.

To achieve meaningful progress, temporary relief must be accompanied by structural reforms: increasing the supply of affordable housing, addressing the root causes of homelessness, and ensuring that, once the immediate crisis has passed, households can access stable and sustainable housing.

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