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

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). Applicants must demonstrate they have income that is sufficient to maintain their housing after they have received financial assistance.

  • Market rent (unable to assist anyone living in Section 8 Housing, public housing, or subsidized housing of any type)
  • Written lease in your name with terms of lease clearly specified
  • 5-day pay or quit notice, or eviction notice (unlawful detainer) in their name
  • Official rental ledger provided by the property manager or landlord showing payments made AND the current balance
  • Pledge letters from other organizations/churches to cover the difference if the current balance listed is not the required amount to be eligible. The applicant should pay a portion of the bill and Catholic Charities is always the last payer on the bill.
  • Current IRS W-9 tax form (completed by landlord/property manager) with signature not older than one year and a contact phone number and email. *Virginia W-9 is acceptable.
  • For private landlords, an unexpired government-issued photo ID and 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.

Utility assistance

Proof of income is required and can include one or all of the following: two 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).

  • Market rent (unable to assist anyone living in Section 8 Housing, public housing, or subsidized housing of any type)
  • Written lease or mortgage statement in your name with terms of lease clearly specified
  • Past due bill in your name
  • Pledge letters from other organizations/churches to cover the difference if the current balance listed is not the required amount to be eligible. The applicant should pay a portion of the bill and Catholic Charities is always 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.