To apply for HIP funding,
please call (540) 432-1812
9AM to 5PM 
1st through the 9th of each month

The Homeless Intervention Program (HIP)

The Homeless Intervention Program (HIP) provides temporary rental and mortgage assistance to low-income households. These are people at imminent risk of homelessness due to an unavoidable crisis through no fault of their own.

After we collect applications on the first week in the month, a committee of community agency personnel and 3 to 4 social workers review applications and make final decisions on acceptance into the HIP Program based on the grant criteria. All accepted parties will be notified in writing. This process can take 7 to 15 days for rental assistance and 7 to 30 days for mortgage assistance.

HIP also provides security deposits and temporary rental assistance to homeless families and individuals in some situations.

Qualifications

In order to be granted assistance, applicants must be late on their rent or mortage (with a late notice from landlord/bank) and:

  • Be experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to an unforeseen crisis
  • Be in imminent danger of losing their home or are currently homeless
  • Meet income limits
  • Be willing to fulfill the expectations of the program
  • Have used all other resources available to attempt to remedy the crisis
  • Have rent or mortgage fees that meet fair market rent guidelines
  • Never have received HIP funding before
  • Be able to be self-sufficient after the assistance from HIP has ended
  • Have a history of self-sufficiency prior to the crisis

 

How can I apply?

Mercy House accepts phone calls for HIP pre-screenings in the first week (1st through 9th) of each month from 9AM to 5PM. If you are found eligible to apply during the pre-screening, you will be given an appointment with the Housing Counselor to finish your application.

All applicants over 18 in a household must be able to submit proof of:

  • Housing eligibility (lease, mortgage documents, homeless verification, landlord letter)
  • Signed lease (if renting or planning to rent)
  • Financial eligibility (pay stubs, bank account information, SSI/SSDI, child support, etc.)
  • Resources
  • Current expenses
  • Employment history for past 3 years
  • Photo ID
  • Verification of the crisis


For more information, please contact Housing Counselor at 540 432-1812