As winter deepens, the risk of housing loss hits families and individuals especially hard. Evictions can happen quickly — sometimes within weeks of missed rent payments — and being forced out of your home in freezing weather can be traumatic and dangerous. Winter eviction prevention programs aim to stop eviction before it happens by connecting renters to financial help, legal support, and housing resources that keep people in their homes through the cold months and beyond.
What Are Winter Eviction Prevention Programs?
Winter eviction prevention programs are emergency and ongoing services offered by federal, state, and local governments as well as nonprofits. They help tenants:
- Pay overdue rent so they can avoid eviction.
- Get legal support to defend against eviction filings.
- Negotiate payment plans or mediation with landlords.
- Access rental assistance funds and housing counseling.
These programs can be especially vital in winter, when the consequences of homelessness are more severe.
Federal Support You May Qualify For
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
The U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) offers funds to help renters pay rent, rental arrears, and related housing costs, including utilities. It was established under federal pandemic relief, but continues to operate in many states and local areas to prevent eviction.
➡️ Apply / Learn more:
🔗 U.S. Department of the Treasury ERA information — home.treasury.gov
How it works: ERA funds are administered by states and local governments. They may cover past due rent, future rent for a limited time, utility costs, and sometimes relocation help.
Tip: Apply before an eviction judgment — it can take weeks for payments to be processed. Many landlords want to be paid directly from these funds, which can help slow or stop eviction proceedings.
Eviction Protection Grant Program
This federal program, run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), funds legal services for low-income tenants at risk of eviction. Services can include representation in court, mediation, and advice to prevent eviction filings.
➡️ More info: HUD Eviction Protection Grant Program — huduser.gov
Legal assistance — especially in eviction cases — can be crucial for preserving housing during the winter months, when tenants often have fewer options.
Local and State-Level Eviction Prevention Programs
Call 211 First (U.S.)
📞 Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211.org to be connected with local resources for rental assistance and eviction prevention services in your community.
211 specialists can point you toward emergency funds, rent help, legal services, and housing counselors near you.
Examples of Local Programs
New York City — Tenant Assistance and Rental Supplements
The NYC Human Resources Administration offers programs like CityFHEPS and FHEPS which provide rent assistance and help tenants stay housed. These programs also include legal and housing support services for those facing eviction.
➡️ Learn more: Facing Eviction — NYC HRA — nyc.gov/site/hra/help/facing-eviction.page
Maine Eviction Prevention Program
In Maine, the Eviction Prevention Program through MaineHousing helps tenants who have received an eviction notice stay in their homes. The program provides funds directly to landlords to cover rent owed if eligible.
➡️ Apply / Info: mainehousing.org/programs-services/rental/eviction-prevention-program
Note: Some programs may have waitlists or caps on new applications, so apply early.
Statewide and County Rental Assistance (Example: Arizona)
States like Arizona offer statewide rental assistance and eviction prevention resources through departments such as the Department of Economic Security (DES). These programs help renters and landlords access emergency payment assistance and prevent eviction.
➡️ Find assistance: Arizona Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention Programs — housing.az.gov
Legal Support and Tenant Rights
Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid
Organizations such as community legal aid offices and tenant advocacy groups provide critical legal help during eviction proceedings. Examples include:
- Community Legal Services — offers free legal advice in eviction cases and helps tenants navigate court notices and hearings.
- Local tenant unions and advocacy groups often assist renters with rights, mediation, and representation.
Why legal help matters: Tenants with legal representation are often far more likely to avoid eviction and reach agreements with landlords.
Additional Tips to Prevent Eviction This Winter
✔ Communicate Early with Your Landlord: Let them know if you’re having trouble paying rent — sometimes landlords agree to payment plans.
✔ Gather Documentation: Have pay stubs, eviction notices, proof of hardship, and lease agreements ready when you apply for assistance.
✔ Reach Out to Housing Counselors: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies help tenants understand options and avoid eviction.
➡️ Find a counselor: https://www.hud.gov/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor
✔ Know Your Rights: Tenant rights vary by state — in some places tenants have rights to advance notice, legal counsel, or mediation before eviction.
Important Websites and Links
- 📞 211 Helpline (U.S.): https://www.211.org — Connects you with local eviction prevention services.
- 🏠 Emergency Rental Assistance Info: home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/emergency-rental-assistance
- ⚖️ HUD Eviction Protection Grants: huduser.gov/portal/eviction-protection-grant.html
- 📍 NYC Facing Eviction Resources: nyc.gov/site/hra/help/facing-eviction.page
Final Word
Winter eviction prevention programs can be lifesaving for families and individuals struggling with rent. The key is to act early, connect with support services, and apply for every program for which you qualify. Even if one program is closed or has a waitlist, others may still help you stay housed through the colder months and beyond.
