The Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP)—also known as the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program)—was a lifeline for thousands of Mississippi renters during the pandemic. If you ever felt the relief of knowing a past-due notice could be paid or a utility wouldn’t get shut off, you understand how much programs like this matter.
Need Rental Help in Mississippi?
Although the Mississippi RAMP program has ended, new assistance is available through local Community Action Agencies and the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).
Don’t wait—apply for rent or utility help today to stay housed and avoid eviction.
Even though RAMP officially ended in August 2022, many Mississippians are still trying to figure out where to turn for rental help today. If that’s you, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
Here’s what you need to know: what RAMP was, why it ended, and exactly where to go now for rental assistance, including a county-by-county resource table so you can connect with help right where you live.
✅ What Was Mississippi RAMP?
RAMP was created and run by the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) using federal Emergency Rental Assistance funds during COVID-19.
It was meant to keep families in their homes and the lights on when everything else felt uncertain. Between 2020 and 2022, the program distributed nearly $200 million in aid from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan.
What Did It Cover?
- Up to 15 months of rent (past-due and future payments)
- Utility bills (except internet, cable, or phone)
- Direct payments sent straight to landlords and utility companies
Applications were filed through the now-closed ms-ramp.com portal, and both tenants and landlords could apply.
Who Qualified for RAMP?
Eligibility focused on renters who were directly impacted by COVID-19. To qualify, you had to:
- Rent a home or apartment in Mississippi (homeowners weren’t eligible).
- Show proof of COVID-related hardship like job loss, reduced work hours, or unexpected medical bills.
- Earn 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) (priority was given to households earning 50% or less or those unemployed 90+ days).
- Provide documentation such as your lease, income proof, eviction notices, or utility shut-off warnings.
- Show proof of housing instability or eviction risk.
💡 A note for subsidized housing residents: If you already received housing help (like Section 8), you could only get aid for the tenant-paid portion of rent.
Why Did RAMP End?
On August 3, 2022, Governor Tate Reeves ended RAMP early, sending more than $100 million in unspent federal funds back to Washington.
Critics argued this decision left many renters vulnerable at a time when affordable housing was already scarce (MPB Online).
Watch Out for Scams
Sadly, when programs like this pop up—or end—scammers follow. One example? A Clarksdale woman admitted to stealing $80,000 using fake landlord claims (DOJ report).
To protect yourself:
- Never pay for help applying—legitimate programs are always free.
- Stick to official state or nonprofit websites.
- Call 1‑800‑421‑0762 if you’re ever unsure whether an agency is real.
Where to Get Rental Help Now (2025)
Since RAMP closed, Mississippi shifted rental help into its CSBG (Community Services Block Grant) program, managed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).
How CSBG Rental Assistance Works
- Aid is handled locally through Community Action Agencies (CAAs).
- Help includes past-due rent, utilities, and emergency housing costs.
- Eligibility: Income must be 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (roughly $31,000/year for a family of 4 in 2025).
👉 Start by applying online through the Access MS Portal, then follow up with your local CAA.
Mississippi’s Community Action Agencies (CAA) by County
Here’s your go-to list of every CAA in Mississippi, what counties they cover, and how to reach them:
| Agency Name | Counties Served | Phone | Website / Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJFC Community Action Agency | Adams, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln | (601) 442‑8681 | ajfccaa.org |
| Bolivar County CAA | Bolivar | (662) 846‑1491 | Email: [email protected] |
| Central Mississippi, Inc. | Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Leflore, Montgomery, Yalobusha | (662) 792‑4033 (Attala) | Email: [email protected] |
| Coahoma Opportunities, Inc. | Coahoma | (662) 624‑4887 | Email: [email protected] |
| Community Action of South MS (CASOMS) | Jackson, George, Harrison | (228) 471‑1243 | casoms.org |
| Hinds County HRA | Hinds | (601) 923‑3950 | Email: [email protected] |
| LIFT, Inc. | Calhoun, Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Union | (662) 842‑9511 (Lee) | Email: [email protected] |
| Mid-State Opportunity, Inc. | DeSoto, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica | (662) 895‑4153 | Email: [email protected] |
| Multi-County CSA | Clarke, Jasper, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Scott, Smith, Wayne, Newton | (601) 483‑4838 | Email: [email protected] |
| NE MS Community Services | Alcorn, Benton, Marshall, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo | (662) 286‑9263 | Email: [email protected] |
| Pearl River Valley Opportunity (PRVO) | Covington, Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Greene, Hancock, Stone | (601) 545‑8110 | Email: [email protected] |
| Prairie Opportunity, Inc. | Choctaw, Clay, Leake, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, Winston | (662) 323‑3397 | prairieopp.dudaone.com |
| South Central CAA | Madison, Rankin, Simpson | (769) 235‑8224 | Email: [email protected] |
| SW Mississippi Opportunity (SWMO) | Amite, Pike, Walthall, Wilkinson | (601) 684‑5593 | Email: [email protected] |
| Sunflower-Humphreys Progress | Humphreys, Sunflower | (662) 887‑1431 | Email: [email protected] |
| Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey CAA | Issaquena, Sharkey, Warren, Washington, Yazoo | (601) 638‑2474 (Warren) | Email: [email protected] |
State CSBG Hotline (MDHS): 1‑800‑421‑0762 – call if you are unsure which agency serves your county.
Common Questions About Rental Help in Mississippi
Can I still apply for RAMP?
No. RAMP closed on August 3, 2022, and leftover funds were returned.
How is rental help handled now?
Through CSBG programs at your local Community Action Agency.
What documents will I need?
Your lease, ID, proof of income, and any eviction or utility shut-off notices.
The Bottom Line
- RAMP is closed for good.
- Rental help now runs through CSBG and your local CAA.
- If you’re unsure where to start, call 1‑800‑421‑0762 or contact your county’s agency from the table.
Ready to Apply?
- Find your CAA in the table based on your county.
- Call or email to set up an appointment.
- Apply online through the Access MS Portal.
- Gather your documents early so you’re ready when they ask.
- If you need extra help, call 211 Mississippi for emergency housing referrals.
