How To Get Rental Assistance For Cancer Patients – Cancer diagnosis not only impacts the person’s health but also puts significant financial stress on the patient and their families. Housing expenses including rent and utilities can become increasingly burdened especially when coupled with loss of income due to treatment or incapacity to work.
Rental assistance programs for cancer patients play a significant role in addressing the financial challenges and aim to ensure housing stability during the treatment and recovery phase. Fortunately, there are a variety of charities and organizations that assist cancer patients financially. In this comprehensive guide, we have compiled a list of resources and organizations that offer essential rental and housing assistance for cancer-affected individuals and their family members.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Various rental assistance programs are available for cancer patients, ensuring housing stability during treatment and recovery.
- Common eligibility requirements include proof of income, residency, financial need, medical verification, and completion of an application process.
- Applicants typically need to provide identification, proof of housing need, income verification, medical records, residency documents, and sometimes reference letters.
- Numerous federal programs like HUD, as well as nonprofit organizations and charities, offer financial aid and housing support specifically for cancer patients.
- Local cancer support organizations, social service agencies, and healthcare institutions can guide patients through the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application processes for rental assistance.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Get Rental Assistance For Cancer Patients?
The eligibility criteria for rental assistance programs for cancer patients may vary depending on the program or organization you are considering. Generally, the eligibility criteria for rental assistance programs for cancer patients are as follows:
- Income Level: Individuals must fall below a specific income threshold to qualify for rental assistance. The income threshold may vary by program and location.
- Residency: A few assistance programs require candidates to be a resident of a specific jurisdiction or area.
- Financial Need: Cancer patients have to demonstrate a strong financial hardship or inability to afford rent due to their cancer treatment or other medical expenses related to the treatment.
- Medical Verification: You may need to provide proof of cancer diagnosis or treatment through official documents like a doctor’s statement or medical records.
- Application Process: Cancer patients or their caregivers need to follow a specific procedure like filling out the application form, providing proof of documents and attending interviews or assessments.
To find specific rental or housing assistance programs for cancer patients applicants must contact the local cancer support organization covering social service agencies, nonprofit organizations or hospitals. They have tons of information about the availability of the resource and guide applicants for the eligibility criteria, the documentation requirements and the application process.
What Are The Documentation Criteria To Get Rental Assistance For Cancer Patients?
The specific type of documents required to get rental assistance for cancer patients may vary however following are the commonly requested documents:
- Proof of Identity: Applicants need to provide proof of their identity in the form of a passport, state ID, driver’s license or government-issued identification documents.
- Proof of Housing Need: Individuals are required to provide documents in the form of letters from shelters, eviction notices, and statements from social workers to demonstrate their housing instability or crisis. This also includes documents showing inability to stay in your current home because of safety, health or other reasons.
- Proof of Income: Applicants need to provide proof of household income in the form of pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns or other documents that verify their financial position.
- Proof of Cancer Diagnosis: Applicants must provide medical records, medical bills, a certificate confirming your cancer diagnosis or doctor’s letters as proof of your cancer diagnosis
- Residency Documents: You need to provide proof of address in the form of lease agreements, utility bills or mortgage payments.
- Citizenship or Immigration Documents: At least one member of the house must have an eligible immigration status for instance a US-issued passport, or green card.
- Proof of your Age: In some cases, you may need to provide proof of your age set by the organization in the form of utility bills, mortgage or lease agreements.
- Proof of Treatment: Documents showing your medical conditions, chemotherapy, prescriptions or radiation therapy schedules as proof of cancer treatment.
- Reference Letters: Even though it is optional, sometimes organizations request letters from social workers, health care providers or employers confirming your circumstance or need for assistance.
If you are looking for free government grants for breast cancer patients then head to our next guide.
How To Find Rental/ Housing Assistance For Cancer Patients?
Lodging is a general expense that comes with cancer treatments. Inappropriate housing or lodging add financial stress to the lives of cancer patients. Fortunately, there are a variety of rental and housing assistance programs available to cancer patients and their family members so that they can afford housing costs while receiving active treatment. In the below section of the guide, we have covered different avenues for you to explore rental and housing assistance for cancer patients.
Federal HUD Housing Assistance Programs
There are a lot of housing assistance programs designed by HUD for low-income families and cancer-affected individuals can participate in the programs to mitigate their housing burden. Cancer patients navigate housing-associated financial challenges during their treatment process:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: The Section 8 HCV Program covers low-income families who are financially challenged and are unable to pay their rent. The program offers rental vouchers and is administered by public housing authorities.
- Home Investment Partnership Program: HOME program assists people in the form of affordable loans, grants, and credit assistance.
- Section 811 Supportive Housing For Persons With Disabilities : This HUD program enables individuals with disabilities to live independent lives in the community by subsidizing rental housing opportunities and helping them access better supportive services.
- Section 202 Supportive Housing For The Elderly Program: Section 202 program was designed specifically to help households with older residents (62 years or above) so that they can access decent and affordable housing.
Home Energy Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program offers money to states, US territories and tribal agencies to enable low-income families to afford heating and cooling expenses as well as cover the home weatherization cost.
The program has assisted 5.4 million American households in 2017 with energy costs. Cancer patients who are unable to pay for their rent or utilities or need help with home repairs can consider applying for this program.
Weatherization Assistance Grant
The US Department of Energy provides a Weatherization Assistance Grant that makes energy-efficiency repairs for low-income renters and homeowners in America. The grant assists up to $8000 for housing repairs.
Households who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of the state median income can qualify for assistance. The grant helps self-affected families and patients upgrade their houses and make necessary repairs by applying for this program.
U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services
The US Department of Health and Human Services offers educational resources about cancer that are diagnosed to help survivors and their family members. You can get the right financial aid from the Health and Human service department that provides helpful services for those who are navigating financial difficulties and unable to pay for their rent due to cancer or other hardship. The website is helpful for cancer-affected individuals to find local social workers and apply for other federal housing assistance programs.
Read our next guide on Travel assistance grants for cancer patients
Nonprofit Organizations And Charities That Provide Rental and Housing Assistance For Cancer Patients
Hospitality Homes
Hospitality Homes offers free temporary housing for those who are affected by cancer and are receiving active treatment at least 50 miles away from home. The arrangements require advanced notice so it is always best to plan and get an application before starting the treatment. To know about the current capability and the application of the program you can visit the official website of the organization or contact them at 888-595-4678.
211
211 is the national hotline number that provides tons of information and reference to Health and Human Services for everyday needs, especially for those who are navigating a crisis.
Cancer patients can get tons of resources regarding food, clothing, utility, rental assistance, etc. Besides you can also find physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for children, youth and families and support for older adults and persons with disabilities.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC)
People who are diagnosed with cancer in America can turn to Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition that offers financial resources and helps cancer patients get overall better health and promote well-being while meeting the financial challenges. The organization advocates on behalf of cancer patients’ well-being and financial burden associated with the cost of cancer treatment and can also help you with rental assistance.
Community Action Partnership
Individuals in America looking for assistance including rental assistance for cancer patients can contact their local Community Action agency. Community Action agencies and local nonprofit organizations that promote self-sufficiency are mainly funded through the federal government.
The programs administered include LIHEAP, Head Start, utility grants and emergency housing and financial assistance programs. You can use the website to search by zip code or contact your local agency to find resources for cancer patients.
Hosts For Humanity Housing Program
The Hosts For Humanity Housing Program is a popular national temporary housing program in America designed for cancer patients who are undergoing active cancer treatment.
To receive rental and housing assistance from this program you need to be over 30 miles from the care center. However, transportation and meals assistance are not provided. Recommendations include one caregiver and eliminate the need for family members to stay and take care of the cancer patient.
Sisters Network Inc.
The only African American breast cancer survivorship organization in America, Sisters Network Inc. provides Breast Cancer Aid in America through which it offers financial assistance, rental assistance, resources for accommodation, co-pays and office visits.
Ronald Mcdonald House Charities
With nearly 375 worldwide Ronald McDonald House programs this popular nonprofit organization provides 2.5 million+ overnight visits every year.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities aims to reduce the financial burden as well as the financial stress of helping children with cancer care and treatment. The official website of the organization provides rental assistance for cancer patients for just $25 per night and can also help with financial support for those who are unable to pay .
Joe’s House
The co-founder of Joe’s House Ann W. Calahan knew how difficult it was to locate a place to stay after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. This is the reason why Joe’s House was formed to simplify the reservation process and make it easier and simpler to locate homes near cancer treatment hospitals.
The housing assistance is accomplished through existing agreements with accommodation establishments and hotels across America. It is important to keep in mind that Joe’s House does not provide financial assistance or free cancer treatment services. A lot of its partners offer financial support and discounts for cancer patients as well.
American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge is a popular free housing service for those diagnosed with cancer who are getting their medical care and treatment in another state.
There are more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout America and Puerto Rico. The mission of the organization is to promote a healthy living environment where cancer patients can focus only on their treatment needs.
Healthcare Hospitality Network
The Healthcare Hospitality Network is a community of more than 200 nonprofit organizations that assist cancer patient members in finding suitable lodging.
The organization through its hospital hospitality houses takes pleasure in promoting supportive communities for cancer patients. These resources are for free or at large discounts to eliminate the financial burden and life risk of cancer patients.
Extended Stay Housing Program
Extended Stay Housing Program is a free nationwide housing initiative that extends its supportive services to cancer patients in America who reside 40 miles from their cancer treatments. Moreover, the organization also offers free transportation to and from the cancer treatment center.
One of the main eligibility criteria of the cancer assistance grants include a strong financial need. The extended stay agreement with the American Cancer Society determines the eligibility of the patient and as soon as the American Cancer Society verifies eligibility reservations can be made through the dedicated website.
CSC Airbnb Housing Program
A national nonprofit organization Cancer Support Community in partnership with Airbnb offers free temporary accommodation as well as supportive services to cancer patients in America who have traveled at least 100 miles for treatment and have a strong financial need. Any person who is diagnosed with cancer and needs immediate medical care from their home can consider applying for the CDC Airbnb Housing Program.
Financial Assistance For Patients With Cancer
Coping with cancer diagnosis can be an ongoing process or may take time. In the meantime, bills are required to be paid and if you need assistance you are not alone. In the below section of the guide, we have covered different organizations that provide financial assistance for cancer patients and their family members that help them pay for rent, utilities, medical bills, travel expenses, gas cards, healthy meals, cleaning services and many more needs.
The Cancer Foundation
The Cancer Foundation serves families with cancer patients in the household within six months of active treatment or on hospice care.
Qualified patients can get financial assurance that they can pay towards their greatest need for instance housing, rent, utilities, transportation expenses or other important financial needs unique to their cancer journey.
The foundation relies on private donations, businesses, foundations and individuals. To qualify for assistance applicants need to be in inactive treatment, meet the income criterion and must live within the TCF 25 County Service Area.
Pinky Swear Foundation
The Pinky Swear Foundation assists children who are 21 years old and young girls and are living with cancer. The foundation provides several financial resources including help with rent, mortgage financial support, transportation payments, gas cards, grocery cards and so on.
Angel Foundation
Angel Foundation provides emergency grants and financial management assistance for those living with cancer in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The foundation also provides guiding resources and programs for families who have been affected by cancer.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society helps affected individuals and their family members get connected to financial resources including help with rent and utilities from other organizations. It is one of the most famous organizations and is renowned for helping those who are struggling with cancer. You can get low-cost lodging options near your cancer treatment center with the assistance of the American Cancer Society.
The Pink Fund
The Pink Fund is a short-term and limited financial assistance for those who are in active cancer treatment and have lost all or part of their income after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Pay It Forward Fund
Pay it Forward Fund assists those who are affected with breast, uterine ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer. The fund covers basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, mortgage, car payments and medical bills as well.
Hope Chest
Hope Chest supports women who are in active treatment for breast cancer in Minnesota by contributing funds towards bills like rent, car payments, utilities and so on.
Help Now Fund offers grants to offset living expenses for patients who are receiving active treatment for breast cancer in America. To know more details about how to receive this financial assistance and contribute towards rent or other needs you can contact the organization by visiting its official website.
Faith-Based Organizations
A lot of communities have faith-based organizations that assist cancer patients and help them with rent assistance, utility bills, grocery money and other associated costs. There are nationwide non profit organizations that can be of great help for cancer patients and their family members such as:
You can also contact your local church or faith-based organization and learn about the eligibility requirements of housing assistance programs.
Additional Housing & Financial Assistance Programs For Cancer Patients
Expect Miracles Foundation’s Samfund Grants Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Contact: Website,
mail: [email protected] or 617-938-3484
Family Reach
Contact: Website
Headstrong Foundation
Contact: Website or [email protected]
Homeownership Preservation Foundation
Contact: Website
888-995-HOPE (4673)
NetWish
Contact: Website Only
Rally Foundation
Contact: Website or 404-847-1270
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation
Contact: Website or 302-563-8389
The Barbara Knight Foundation
Contact: Website or [email protected]
The National Children’s Cancer Society
Contact: Website or 314-241-1600
Triage Cancer
Contact: Website
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
Contact: Website
Findhelp.org
Contact: Website
The Salvation Army
Contact: Website
Charitable Lodging in Rochester, Minnesota
Contact: Website
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are tons of rental assistance programs for cancer patients that address the financial challenges of cancer-affected individuals, represent a significant component of comprehensive cancer care and promote housing stability during the critical period of cancer treatment and recovery. The aforementioned programs and organizations aim to reduce cancer-related expenses of needy patients and families and make sure they get affordable and safe housing environments. If you are diagnosed with cancer and in need of rental or housing assistance you can contact your local government agency, health care institution or non-profit organization to ensure housing stability and promote your overall well-being.
Head to our blog at Get Government Grants to avail free resources and government programs for low-income families. Our guide has numerous supportive programs and names of organizations that help people in times of need.