Need Help Paying Rent in St. Louis?
The City of St. Louis has launched a $3.3 million rental assistance program to help residents avoid eviction. Eligible renters can receive up to six months of rent paid, but the application window runs from December 3 through December 16, and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Introduction
With housing costs climbing and wages often lagging, thousands of St. Louis residents are behind on rent. In response, the city created an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to stabilize housing for renters at risk of eviction. This limited-time program offers up to six months of rent coverage.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot:
- Must currently live in the rental unit
- Must be behind on rent or at risk of eviction
- Landlord must agree to participate
- Income must meet Area Median Income (AMI) limits
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
- Landlord Cooperation Required: Your landlord must participate.
- Covers Rent Only: Utilities and moving expenses are not covered.
- Must Still Live in Unit: Not available for already-evicted tenants.
- Apply Online: Submit via the FORWARD Platform between December 3–16.
Need utility help? Contact Heat Up St. Louis or Community Action agencies.
City of St. Louis Programs
- Eligibility: All adults on lease must qualify.
- Multilingual Access: Portal available in 68 languages.
- Rent Only: Separate applications required for utility aid.
St. Louis County Programs
- Timeline: December 3–16.
- Fees Included: Covers arrears and late fees (not utilities).
- Landlord Required: Participation mandatory.
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)
Statewide housing assistance is coordinated through
MHDC.
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding
- Housing stabilization services
- Mental health and housing partnerships
Resources Beyond Rental Assistance
Legal Support
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
- St. Francis Community Services
- Volunteer Lawyers Program – Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Food Assistance
- St. Louis Area Foodbank
- Operation Food Search
- Missouri Department of Social Services – SNAP
St. Patrick Center’s Housing First Initiative
St. Patrick Center
offers wraparound housing and employment support services.
- Behavioral health services
- Job readiness and placement
- In-person intake required
Eviction Protections & Program Details
- Up to 18 months total rent coverage (within FMR limits)
- Priority for households under 80% AMI
- Funded via federal grants and CARES Act support
What’s Next?
- Apply early through the FORWARD portal starting December 3.
- Check your income against AMI limits.
- Gather lease, ID, income documents.
- Confirm landlord participation.
- Seek utility aid if needed.
- Reach out to housing or legal support if at risk of eviction.
Final Reminder
Funding is limited, and applications are processed in the order received. If you are behind on rent in St. Louis, apply as soon as possible.
