ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis will soon launch an emergency rental assistance program to help residents navigate challenges from overdue rental payments.

St. Louis city leaders announced a new emergency rental assistance program on Wednesday to support St. Louisans who are struggling with past-due rental payments and were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will offer eligible residents a one-time payment to cover overdue rent expenses and prevent evictions. Funding is available to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.


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The application process begins on Dec. 3 online through this web resource.

“The launch of the St. Louis Emergency Rental Assistance Program marks a significant step forward in supporting our St. Louis residents who have been hardest hit by the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Adam Pearson, director of the Department of Human Services. “This program is designed to provide immediate relief to low-income families facing eviction, giving them the stability they need to recover and rebuild.”

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to stay in their home. By delivering targeted assistance where it’s needed most, we’re not only protecting individuals but strengthening the fabric of our city as we move toward a more resilient and equitable future.”

The City has made $3.3 million available for emergency rental assistance through federal grants and CARES Act funds.

To be eligible for emergency rental assistance, St. Louis residents must meet the eligibility criteria:

One or more individuals in the household are facing a challenge that prevents them from paying their rent on time;

One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability;

Income of 80% and below the Area Median Income (AMI) with priority for households with 50% or less AMI; 

Applicants must be 18+ or an emancipated 15+ adult (with documentation); and

Applicants must reside within the city of St. Louis.

To learn more about the program, eligibility, or application process, click here.