Moving is one of the most stressful and challenging experiences most families can go through. It is a long, time-consuming, and, more often than not, expensive process. From trucks to packing material, gas, movers, deposits, and down payments, relocating your entire family can be costly. For many families, the cost can be a steep barrier to overcome, but it can be beyond their means to handle it for those families living paycheck to paycheck. Thankfully, charities, aid programs, support services, and grants exist to help people overcome these challenges while keeping their heads above water. 

To assist you in navigating the complex network of charities, their respective qualifications, and application processes, we’ve compiled a list of organizations that help with moving costs. 

Moving Grants That Help Low-Income Families 

One of the first things in-need families should look for if they require financial assistance during a move is grants. Grants can provide invaluable funds to help tackle the hefty financial costs of relocations. These grants can come from federal agencies, relief programs, or independent charity organizations.

Homelessness Prevention and Rehousing Grant

The Homelessness Prevention and Rehousing grant is provided by the U.S. government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This grant helps families and individuals at risk of homelessness or recently homeless. The grant’s funds aid in rental assistance, housing relocation, and stabilization services. 

Who Qualifies for This Grant

Your family must be at risk of homelessness or currently homeless to qualify for this grant. 

How to Apply for a Homelessness Prevention and Rehousing Grant 

HUD provides funds to local emergency shelters and housing facilities that help prevent or mitigate homelessness. To inquire about and apply for this grant, you will need to contact these local agencies. You can learn more about this grant through the following websites, HUD.gov or Ready.gov, or call the 211 hotline number.

Good Neighbor Next Door Grant 

The Good Neighbor Next Door Grant is another program offered by HUD. It helps provide funds to those who occupy professions that give back to the community. Qualifying persons agree to move into a revitalized area, and, in return, HUD agrees to pay for as much as 50% of the home’s market value. Eligible homes are listed exclusively for the Good Neighbor Next Door Program for a week when hitting the market, allowing applicants to bid first. 

Who Qualifies for This Grant

Individuals who work in fields that give back to the community are eligible to apply for this grant program. These professions include: 

  • Educators (Pre-K through 12th grade)
  • Firefighters 
  • Emergency medical technicians
  • Law enforcement officers

How to Apply for the Good Neighbor Next Door Grant

To apply, you will need to check local listings for HUD-qualifying homes associated with the grant program. You can use this site to search for homes in your area. Once you’ve located a house, and as long as you qualify, you can follow the specific application process associated with that home. 

Federal Relocation Assistance Program

This grant is administered and dispensed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, or FEMA. This grant helps families who have lost their homes to natural disasters. When a natural disaster sweeps through an area, homes can be destroyed or rendered completely unusable. This program gives homeowners or small business owners the needed funds to relocate and find a new home. The grant can help cover transportation costs, security deposits, or rent during relocation. In some instances, the funds from this program can aid in the reconstruction and repair of damaged property. 

Who Qualifies for This Grant

To qualify for this program, you will need to have suffered the effects of a natural disaster that 

rendered your home unlivable. 

How to Apply for the Federal Relocation Assistance Program Grant

To apply for this grant program, you can visit the government’s Disaster Assistance website and submit the appropriate application. In your application, you will need to detail which disaster has affected your home, elaborate on the extent of the damage, and potentially receive an inspection to determine which grants and assistance you currently qualify for. 

Emergency Solutions Grant

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a special fund created by the federal government as a resource for any family at risk of losing its home. This program helps shelters supply assistance to individuals and families suffering from homelessness and provides resources to those at risk of homelessness. The grant provides funds that can not only aid in moving expenses in the case of emergencies but also aid in: 

  • Rental assistance
  • Financial assistance including
    • Application fees 
    • Security deposits 
    • Utility deposits
    • Last month rent 
  • Housing placement
  • Landlord and tenant mediation 
  • And much more

Who Qualifies for This Grant

Individuals who qualify for this moving or housing grant must be homeless, residing in an emergency shelter or housing, or at risk of homelessness as defined by HUD. 

How to Apply for the Emergency Solutions Grant

The administration and processing of ESG grants go through each state’s department of commerce. The application process varies from state to state, so you must visit your state’s department of commerce website and search ESG to find the application process. 

Charity Organizations that Help With Moving Expenses

There are countless charity organizations online that offer moving and relocation assistance programs. Each organization has specific requirements and conditions applicants must meet to be considered eligible for aid. Before applying, check the website and thoroughly read the eligibility requirements for each charity.  

Catholic Charities USA

Founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities, this nonprofit organization is now known as Catholic Charities USA. It is a religiously focused not-for-profit group whose goal is to reduce poverty, evictions, and homelessness by providing financial aid through moving grants and stable housing programs. It’s one of the nation’s largest charitable housing organizations, which has established over 35,000 units and provided over 115,000 individuals with emergency housing. 

Who Qualifies 

Catholic Charities USA provides affordable housing assistance to those who are homeless or of low-income status. It also offers valuable services to individuals escaping or who have escaped domestic abuse situations. 

How to Apply for Catholic Charities USA Aid

To apply for its affordable housing programs, you will need to find a local Catholic Charities USA branch and contact it for application details. Thankfully, local chapters are present in most states, and you can find one through the organization’s branch locator tool. 

Modest Needs 

Modest Needs was founded in 2002 with the goal of providing short-term financial assistance for families at the poverty line, just above the poverty line, or who are suffering from a temporary crisis. It offers financial assistance grants. These one-time grants range up to $1,000 and can cover the cost of moving vans, trucks, or other expenditures.

Who Qualifies 

Modest Needs aims to help those who require financial assistance during dire times. Generally speaking, there are two situations where individuals may qualify for its self-sufficiency grants. One, it will help individuals at or just above the poverty line – in this case, they will have to provide documentation to show their current financial status. Two, it aids individuals or families undergoing an unforeseeable event that requires immediate financial assistance, such as an emergency move.  

How to Apply for Modest Needs Aid

Modest Needs has one of the most straightforward application processes of the groups and organizations on this list. To do so, go onto its website, create an account, and fill out the appropriate application form to apply for aid. The company also recommends thoroughly reading through the site’s FAQ section to ensure you qualify before filling out the application. 

YWCA 

The oldest charity on this list, the Young Women’s Christian Association, or YWCA, has been combating discrimination and providing invaluable aid to women since 1850. The YWCA’s mission is to “eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities.” It does this by providing a number of services aimed at women, particularly women from low-income backgrounds or women struggling with domestic abuse situations. Its services include aid in moving and travel along with:

  • Counseling
  • Medical advocacy
  • Legal advocacy 
  • Crisis hotlines
  • Housing
  • Childcare
  • And a host of other services

Who Qualifies

To qualify, you will need to be near a YWCA location and meet that location’s specific requirements. You can search for a nearby YWCA branch with its official tool here. Different locations offer varying options for relocation assistance, some with specific preliminary requirements, such as fleeing from domestic abuse situations. 

How to Apply for YWCA Aid

To apply, contact your local YWCA branch and inquire about relocation assistance. 

211.org

211 is a hotline phone number and network dedicated to connecting individuals and families with local charities, assistance programs, and services while also providing them with information. 211 does not offer grants or assistance programs. Instead, when you call in or use the website, it connects you to local and federal assistance services and assists you in finding the right program. 

Who Qualifies 

Anyone can call 211 at any time. However, your available assistance and qualification will vary depending on your location. The 211 staff will help you find the best options and direct you to available moving assistance grants and programs. 

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an Evangelical Protestant Church and a long-standing charitable organization. Founded in 1865 by William and Mary Booth, The Salvation Army has grown to be one of the largest charitable organizations. Today, it possesses over 1.7 million members and operates in over 130 countries, with over 8,000 branches in the U.S. alone. It offers numerous relief, aid, and assistance programs, including moving and relocation assistance. 

Who Qualifies 

The Salvation Army offers several housing and relocation programs, most requiring candidates to be low-income, at-risk of homelessness, or currently homeless. The specifics will vary depending on the type of aid you’re requesting and your location.  

How to Apply for Salvation Army Aid

These programs usually provide aid in the form of a moving or relocation grant. To qualify, you will have to contact a local branch, which you can find with the official website’s tool. Once you get ahold of the chapter and find the appropriate application form, you will have to fill it out and provide documentation indicating your current financial status. 

Other Resources

One of the most common causes of immediate and unplanned moves is employment. Often, a household member will acquire a job that requires them to relocate, sometimes to a new state or even country. These moves can be particularly stressful because the family will have to move within a short time frame. Some jobs may offer relocation reimbursement as a part of a hiring package, but many do not. If this is the case, a person can always try to arrange for moving stipends or relocation reimbursement during the compensation negotiation. 

V.A. Relocation or Housing Assistance

Numerous veterans assistance programs exist to give aid to veterans in need. For example, the Department of Veteran Affairs, or V.A., offers veterans a complete relocation assistance program. It can also get you in contact with associated local organizations or branch agencies to provide the best program for your specific situation. 

Local Churches

One of the most effective ways of obtaining moving assistance is through local church programs and religious organizations. This will, of course, vary depending on your location and the availability of nearby congregations. You may also need to be a member of that church or community for it to be willing to render aid. However, most churches value helping others along with supporting their neighbors and are usually more than willing to offer assistance. Some may not be able to offer financial support but will instead pull together volunteer efforts to help with elements of your move.  

Assistance With Moving Expenses for People with Disabilities

Moving can be an extraordinarily difficult obstacle for people with disabilities, especially those with physical limitations. Furthermore, it can be outright impossible to handle some aspects of relocation for individuals who lack support networks. Thankfully, numerous assistance and aid programs, both locally and federally, are available to help overcome these situations. Most assistance programs are available through either HUD or the Administration for Community Living (ACL). To obtain HUD assistance, you will need to contact your local Public Housing Agency or PHA, which you can find through this tool. For ACL assistance, you can browse its grant program.

Final Thoughts

According to University Hospitals, moving is one of the top five most stressful events you can go through. Moving and relocation require months of planning and weeks of hard work, including coordinating moving companies, managing trucks, packing, and countless other headaches you have to handle. The worst part about moving, however, is the cost. Every step of the way has a dollar sign tied to it, and for many families, this can be overwhelming or downright impossible. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to obtain the necessary financial help throughout this challenging process, from federal moving assistance programs like the Emergency Solutions Grant to amazing charities like Modest Needs or Catholic Charities USA. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get help with rent?

Sometimes we need help making it through the first of the month until that next paycheck can roll in, or emergencies pop up that drain us of funds at the worst possible time. When this happens, you may need assistance in covering rent. Thankfully, many of the programs listed here that offer moving and housing assistance also have programs that cover rent assistance. If you’re interested in specific rent programs or grants, 211 has an excellent section on rent assistance, and HUD offers numerous programs for rent assistance.


Where can I get help with my security deposit?

Once you’ve found a home and relocated, the next challenge is covering the hefty upfront costs of moving in. Typically, you’ll have to pay the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit simultaneously before moving in. Depending on the type of home, location, and specific circumstances of your situation, these deposits can be extremely costly. Of the programs on this list, the ESG offers security deposit support; otherwise, The Salvation Army also has programs to help with paying deposits.


Do you have to pay back relocation aid?

For aid and reimbursement offered through employers, some may require you to pay specific elements of your relocation. Many companies also require a minimum amount of time to work at the company as a part of your reimbursement contract. If you leave the company before this time frame is up, you may be required to pay back part of or the entirety of your relocation expenses. Most federal, state, and local programs determine eligibility based on income. Once you go over their respective income threshold, the funds cease.


Editorial Contributors
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Sam Wasson

Staff Writer

Sam Wasson graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Film and Media Arts with an Emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering. Sam brings over four years of content writing and media production experience to the Today’s Homeowner content team. He specializes in the pest control, landscaping, and moving categories. Sam aims to answer homeowners’ difficult questions by providing well-researched, accurate, transparent, and entertaining content to Today’s Homeowner readers.

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Lora Novak

Senior Editor

Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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