Alabama Emergency Rental Assistance: How to Get Help Now

Last updated: July 4, 2026

What Happened to ERA Alabama and Where Things Stand Now

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) launched the ERA Alabama program in early 2021 using federal Treasury funds to help renters hit hardest by COVID-19. At its peak, the program covered up to 15 months of combined rent and utility payments for households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The statewide portal accepted its last new applications on December 15, 2022, and has been closed to new applicants since. For a full picture of what the Alabama program covered and how it functioned, the Alabama Utility Assistance Program guide explains the ERA framework alongside ongoing energy assistance options.

One important note for anyone who applied before the cutoff: the AHFA call center remains reachable at 1-833-620-2434 for applicants with a pending case file. If you submitted before the deadline and have not received a resolution, maintaining contact with your assigned case manager is your best path forward.

Where Alabama Renters Can Still Get Help With Rent

Although the statewide portal is closed, several local and nonprofit avenues remain active. Your best first move is to dial 2-1-1 — Alabama’s free 24/7 helpline — which connects you to your county’s active programs in real time. Availability of funds varies significantly by location, so a live referral is more reliable than any static list.

Additional options to pursue immediately:

• Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — Every Alabama county is served by a local CAA that distributes emergency rent and utility aid using a combination of federal ESG funds, state allocations, and private grants. Use the ADECA directory to locate your county’s office.
• Legal Services Alabama — If an eviction has been filed or is imminent, call 1-205-600-1045 for free legal representation. The Eviction Protection Grant Program funds tenant defense specifically for income-qualified households facing court proceedings.
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs — ESG funds flow through local nonprofits and housing authorities for rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention. Contact your city or county housing office to check current availability.
• Salvation Army — Local Alabama chapters offer one-time emergency rent assistance alongside utility relief through Project SHARE. Eligibility is typically limited to seniors (60+) or individuals with documented disabilities.

The City of Huntsville launched Housing Helps as a successor to its ERA program, serving city-limits residents below 50% AMI. As of the time of writing, the September 30, 2025 deadline for that funding cycle has passed — check Huntsville’s housing portal for any new funding cycles that may have opened.

LIHEAP and Utility Bill Help Still Available Statewide

While ERA Alabama is closed, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains open on an annual cycle through ADECA and local Community Action Agencies. LIHEAP covers heating and cooling bills — not rent — but covering those costs can free up income that would otherwise go toward utilities, reducing overall housing pressure. In 2023 alone, over 200,000 Alabama households received LIHEAP support. For a broader look at what a utility assistance program covers, LIHEAP is just one of several federal tools available to Alabama families.

To apply for LIHEAP in Alabama:

• Use ADECA’s locator to find the Community Action Agency serving your county.
• Call or visit your local agency to request an intake appointment.
• Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent utility bill, and proof of income.
• Crisis assistance — for households already disconnected or facing imminent shutoff — is typically processed within 72 hours.

Alabama Power customers can also access Project SHARE, Budget Billing, and flexible payment arrangements directly through the utility — call 1-800-245-2244 or log in at alabamapower.com. For residents in Birmingham specifically, the utility bill assistance options in Birmingham include programs through Greater Birmingham Ministries and the Community Action Agency of Jefferson County. Spire natural gas customers can reach their assistance programs at 1-866-600-8878.

What Documents You’ll Need to Apply

Most active Alabama programs — whether through a CAA, nonprofit, or municipal housing office — require the same core set of documents. Preparing these before you call or visit significantly speeds up your intake appointment. To fully understand how to get help paying power, gas, and water bills in Alabama, document preparation is consistently the step that separates fast approvals from delayed ones.

• Photo ID for all adult household members (government-issued).
• Social Security numbers for every person in the household.
• Proof of income — pay stubs, tax return, unemployment award letter, or benefit statement for all adults.
• Current lease or rental agreement listing your name, address, and monthly rent.
• Recent utility bills showing the account number and any past-due balance.
• Eviction notice or past-due rent notice, if applicable — this often moves your application to a higher priority tier.