Eligibility requirements

Financial assistance is provided for emergency rent, utilities, and car repair when funds are available. *Rent assistance is also provided for a room, basement, mobile home, or mobile home lot when the landlord owns the property, and the applicant is not subleasing or renting from a relative. For utility assistance the utility bill must be in the applicant’s name. 

Eligible applicants may receive assistance once in a 12-month period and up to two times in a 10-year cycle. Case managers will work with applicants via email and telephone using a virtual or face-to-face intake depending on the circumstances. Documents are sent through a Secure Dropbox Portal using Hello Sign to electronically sign their documents. A current copy of all documents and a signature acknowledgement of Catholic Charities forms are required within three days from initial contact, or the caller must re-apply for assistance. *Note: The Case Manager may request additional documents not included in the list below. 

Applicant must be a resident of the Diocese of Arlington. The demand for our services is very high and we have limited funds, so assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rental assistance for non-subsidized housing

Proof of income is required and must be enough to maintain the current monthly housing rent. Proof of income can include one or all of the following: 2 current pay stubs, a current benefits statement and proof of bank statement deposits for: court-ordered child support, pension, disability, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).  An employment offer letter is not acceptable proof of income. Applicants must demonstrate they have income that is sufficient to maintain their housing after they have received financial assistance.  

  • Photo ID - current (not expired), government-issued for each leaseholder.
  • Photo ID - current (not expired), government-issued for private landlords.
  • Signed Lease Agreement – written lease in caller’s name to include terms of lease clearly specified (i.e., leaseholder name/address, landlord name, monthly rent amount, etc.)
  • Rental Ledger – provided by the property manager or Landlord showing payments made AND the current balance. *If the balance due is above the amount to be eligible, callers should pay a portion of the bill and show pledge letters from other organizations and/or churhes (on  letterhead), or money orders to cover the difference.  Pledge payments must be shown on the rental ledger and Catholic Charities is the last payer on the bill.
  • 5-day pay or quit, or eviction notice (unlawful detainer) in their name.
  • Current IRS W-9 Tax Form (Virginia W-9 is acceptable) – completed by the Landlord with signature not older than 1 year and a contact phone number and email. 
  • Private Landlord must show proof of property ownership such as a Deed or Mortgage Statement in their name and they must sign a "Private Landlord Verification and Document Request" form.
  • Assistance is provided for a room or basement when the Landlord owns the property. The Client cannot be subleasing or renting from a relative. 
  • Assistance is provided for a mobile home rental or mobile home lot rent, but the Client cannot be subleasing, living with the landlord or renting from a relative.

Utility assistance (only electric, gas, water and propane are considered)

Proof of income is required and can include one or all of the following: 2 current pay stubs, a current benefits statement and proof of bank statement deposits for: court-ordered child support, pension, disability, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). An offer letter for employment is not acceptable proof of income.

  • Photo ID – current (not expired), government-issued of the person responsible for the utility.
  • Signed Lease Agreement or Mortgage Statement – in the caller’s name and to include terms of lease (i.e., leaseholder name/address, landlord name, monthly rent amount, etc.). Assistance is not provided to anyone who is sub-leasing or renting from a relative. *We assist with utilities for mortgages and mobile homes, but proof of ownership must be provided.
  • Past Due Bill – When there is more than one person’s name on the bill, all must provide a copy of their photo ID. *If the current balance listed is not at the required amount to be eligible, they should pay a portion of the bill and provide pledge letters from other organizations and/or churches (on letterhead), or money orders to cover the difference. The Case Manager will verify pledges and Catholic Charities is the last payer on the bill.

    Car repair assistance

    • Temporary or current Commonwealth of Virginia registration in your name
    • Unexpired driver’s license
    • Proof of current auto insurance
    • Proof of residency in the Diocese of Arlington: lease or mortgage statement and address must match ID or registration.
    • Pledge letters from other organizations/churches to cover the difference if the repair bill is more than Catholic Charities can pay. The applicant should pay a portion of the bill.

    Other

    • Catholic Charities is the last payer on any bill. Applicant must provide proof of other payments and/or pledges.
    • Documents must be sent via email and are not accepted by fax or mail.
    • Applicants must reapply if all document are not provided in the timeframe given by the case manager.
    • A current copy of all documents and a signature acknowledgement of Catholic Charities forms are required before a phone interview appointment is conducted. 
    • The applicant should, if possible, personally raise a portion of the amount due.