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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Housing Support
Also: Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
Housing Support helps some low-income older adults and adults with disabilities pay for room and board.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Homelessness assistance
Minnesota Housing funds housing programs and connects residents experiencing homelessness with local assistance providers.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Energy Assistance Program
In Minnesota, LIHEAP is called EAP.
The Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating bills and repair or replace heating systems.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Family Investment Program
In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.
MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
General Assistance
General Assistance provides monthly cash support to eligible adults with little or no income.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- United Way 211
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