Alabama Rental Assistance Programs

As of August 2025, rental assistance in Alabama remains limited following the closure of the statewide Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA Alabama) program. While some local initiatives like Huntsville Housing Helps remain active, most other programs have exhausted their funds. Below is a detailed overview of statewide closures, ongoing city-level support, and alternative housing-related resources for those facing eviction or rental hardship.

1. Statewide Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA Alabama)

The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA Alabama) program, managed by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA), was originally launched in early 2021 to distribute federal ERA 1 funds to struggling renters statewide.

Program Summary

• Administered by: Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)
• Status:
  Closed to new applications since December 15, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. AHFA continues processing only previously submitted applications while remaining funds last.
• Coverage:
  Provides up to 15 months of rent and utility payments for households with pandemic-related hardship since March 13, 2020.
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Household income 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Proof of financial hardship related to COVID-19
  • Valid lease or housing agreement
• Contact: ERA Call Center at 1?833?620?2434

Key Update: Even though no new ERA Alabama applications are accepted, the call center remains open for applicants awaiting case updates.

2. Local County & City Rental Relief Programs

While ERA Alabama is closed, several cities and counties initially managed their own ERA funding allocations. Here’s the current status:

Action Tip: Always check municipal and county housing portals for the latest updates, as some programs occasionally reopen with new funding cycles.

3. Huntsville Housing Helps – Still Active Through 2025

The City of Huntsville launched Housing Helps as a successor to its ERA program.

Program Details:

• Launch Date: December 19, 2022
• Scheduled End Date: September 30, 2025 (or until funding is depleted)
• Assistance Provided:
  • Up to 3 months of rent or utility payments
  • Strict income limit: 50% AMI
  • Must be a resident within Huntsville city limits

Required Documentation:

• Valid lease or rental agreement
• Photo ID for all household members
• Proof of income or employment
• Past-due rent or utility bills

Contact: Call 256-427-4584 or visit Huntsville Housing Helps.

4. Other Housing Assistance & Eviction Resources

Even if ERA funding is no longer available in your area, the following programs may help:

Eviction Diversion & Legal Aid

Funded by Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) or the Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP). Services include mediation in eviction court, legal representation, and housing case management. Ask your county court clerk or legal aid office about diversion programs.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

Managed through local housing authorities. Waitlists are often long (1–3+ years), but if accepted, vouchers cover up to 70% of rent.

Community Action Agencies (CAAs)

Nearly every Alabama county has a CAA offering rent, mortgage, and utility relief via CSBG and LIHEAP. Dial 211 (United Way Alabama) for referrals to your nearest CAA.

HUD Housing Counseling

HUD-approved housing counselors help with eviction prevention, budgeting, and voucher applications.

5. If You’re Facing Imminent Eviction

If you are at risk of eviction:

1. Dial 211 (United Way Alabama) for shelter referrals and local assistance programs.
2. Request eviction diversion during court hearings—some courts have on-site mediators who can help avoid eviction without immediate payment.
3. Apply for no-cost legal representation through the Eviction Protection Grant Program.
4. Gather required documents (lease, ID, proof of hardship) before seeking help.

Checklist Before Applying for Rental Assistance

Before contacting an agency or applying for any housing aid program, prepare:

• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, unemployment, SSI/SSDI)
• Valid lease or rental agreement
• Government-issued photo ID
• Documentation of past-due rent or eviction notices
• Utility bills (if seeking utility assistance)

Reminder: Rental funds are typically paid directly to landlords or utility companies, not to tenants.

Key Contacts

• ERA Alabama (pending applications): eraalabama.com
• ERA Call Center (AHFA): 1-833-620-2434
• Huntsville Housing Helps Hotline: 256-427-4584
• United Way Alabama (211): Dial 211 or visit 211.org
• HUD-Approved Housing Counseling: Find local counselors here

What Renters in Alabama Should Know

ERA Alabama is permanently closed to new applications.
Local relief programs are mostly depleted, except Huntsville Housing Helps (active through Sept. 2025).
Your best options now:

• Call 211 for local referrals.
• Seek eviction diversion or legal aid if facing court eviction.
• Contact Community Action Agencies for LIHEAP and CSBG rental support.
• Explore Section 8 and HUD housing programs, even if waitlists are long.

Next Steps

If you’re struggling with rent or eviction risk in Alabama, here’s what to do next:

1. Contact Huntsville Housing Helps (if you live in Huntsville) before September 30, 2025.
2. Dial 211 to connect with local housing and utility relief agencies.
3. Ask about eviction diversion programs if you’ve been served a court notice.
4. Apply for HUD housing counseling to plan for long-term stability.
5. Gather your documents (lease, ID, proof of hardship) now to avoid delays in aid processing.