Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Vermont
Vermont programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Opportunity Program
The Housing Opportunity Program funds local partners that provide homelessness prevention and rental assistance.
Department for Children and Families and Department of Housing and Community Development
Emergency Housing
Also: Homelessness and Housing Stability
Emergency Housing can provide temporary lodging to eligible households in an emergency.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Fuel Assistance
In Vermont, LIHEAP is called Fuel Assistance.
Fuel Assistance helps eligible households pay part of their home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
3SquaresVT
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Reach Up
In Vermont, TANF is called Reach Up.
Reach Up provides cash and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Emergency General Assistance
Emergency General Assistance helps eligible residents meet urgent basic needs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Vermont 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988