If you are having trouble paying rent in Arkansas, assistance options are available through state programs, community action networks, and charitable organizations; however, the Arkansas Rent Relief Program, created during the pandemic, has permanently closed.
State and government housing programs
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The Arkansas Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a federally funded program allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered primarily by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA). Instead of providing cash directly to individuals, the state distributes these funds to local non-profits, community action agencies, and municipal governments (known as subrecipients).
Services provided by ESG
If you are facing a housing crisis, local ESG-funded programs can assist you through four distinct pillars:
Homelessness prevention: Direct financial assistance to cover past-due rent, late fees, and utility bills in order to prevent eviction.
Rapid re-housing: Funds for security deposits, first month’s rent, moving expenses, and short- to medium-term rental subsidies to facilitate a quick move from a shelter into housing.
Emergency shelters: Operational support for local shelters, including essential services such as case management, childcare, job training, and referrals to medical services.
Street outreach: Essential supplies, urgent medical care, and guidance on accessing housing, provided directly to individuals living unsheltered.
How to Access ESG Funds in Arkansas
Since funds are managed regionally through specific Continuum of Care (CoC) networks, you must submit your application to the local agency serving your county:
Central Arkansas: Agencies such as the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) administer local funds designated for prevention.
Western and Northwest Arkansas: Organizations such as the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council administer ESG funds in the Fort Smith area, though availability varies based on current funding cycles.
Statewide Coordinated Entry System: The fastest way to find out which specific agency currently has ESG funding allocations for your zip code is to call 211 or visit Arkansas 211. They can assess your situation and refer you directly to an available intake specialist.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is a flexible housing subsidy program funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships program. Administered at the state level by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), the TBRA program is designed specifically to follow the tenant, rather than being tied to a particular building or property. If you receive TBRA and subsequently decide to move, your rental assistance moves with you to your new home.
What does the TBRA program cover?
Unlike standalone emergency grants, TBRA offers structured, multi-component financial assistance:
Monthly rental subsidies: The program covers the difference between what your household can afford (generally capped at 30% of your adjusted monthly income) and the actual market rent for the housing unit. These contracts can last for up to two years.
Security deposits: Initial funds to cover security deposit requirements set by the landlord.
Utility deposits: Financial assistance for utility connection costs (available only when combined with a rental assistance or security deposit plan; it cannot be requested separately).
How to apply in Arkansas
Since the ADFA manages the funds but does not work directly with individual tenants, you must apply through a local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or a non-profit organization designated as a sub-recipient:
Check local housing waiting lists: Look for regional organizations such as the White River Regional Housing Authority or your county’s specific housing agency. Waiting lists across Arkansas open and close dynamically based on remaining funding.
Specialized programs (HOPWA): If you live in Arkansas and have an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, you can access specialized TBRA funds through the state’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. You can request a direct local referral via the Arkansas 211 portal.
Contact a HUD counselor: If you are unsure which community action agency covers your rural jurisdiction, call the state’s central housing information line at (501) 372-0807 to locate active local administrators.
Public Housing Authorities
Arkansas has 127 local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) that administer housing options for low-income individuals, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and local public housing complexes. These authorities determine eligibility based on gross annual income and household size.
Waiting lists for vouchers are managed locally, but approximately 44% to 49% of all housing lists in Arkansas are currently open and accepting applications.
How to Apply
Locate your regional office: Use HUD’s central public housing contact directory to find the specific administrative office serving your city or county.
Submit pre-application forms: Most agencies with open lists allow you to register and track your status online. For example, residents of Pulaski County or central Little Rock can submit documentation directly through platforms such as the Little Rock Housing Authority portal.
Check for preferences: Ask if the agency applies local preferences. Many Arkansas PHAs move applicants up the waiting list if they are elderly, have a disability, are veterans, or are experiencing homelessness.
Community Action Agencies
Local Community Action Agencies receive federal funding to distribute local emergency rental assistance. Program availability depends on your county:
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA)
CAPCA serves Faulkner, Cleburne, and White counties. They offer direct emergency financial assistance for past-due rent, first month’s rent, and temporary emergency motel vouchers.
Counties served: Faulkner, Cleburne, White
How to apply: You must call on the first business day of the month between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Phone lines close as soon as the month’s appointments are filled. Main offices:
Conway (Faulkner County): 707 Robins St, Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 329-3891
Searcy (White County): 105 S. State St, Searcy, AR 72143 | (501) 268-2233
Heber Springs (Cleburne County): 101 W. Main St, Heber Springs, AR 72543 | (501) 362-8231
Central Delta Community Action Agency (CDCAA)
CDCAA serves the Pine Bluff region and southeast Arkansas. They administer crisis intervention programs designed to assist low-income households facing imminent utility shutoffs or eviction from rental housing.
Counties served: Jefferson, Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Lincoln.
How to apply for help: Assistance requires an intake interview. You can contact their main office or check the CDCAA Facebook page, where they post real-time alerts regarding the opening of application portals for emergency rental assistance.
Main office:
Pine Bluff: 1900 W 6th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | (870) 536-0046
Arkansas River Valley Area Council (ARVAC)
ARVAC serves a large 9-county region in west-central Arkansas. They manage specific Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs focused primarily on case management for rapid re-housing and local eviction prevention.
Counties served: Pope, Yell, Conway, Perry, Johnson, Franklin, Logan, Scott, Polk.
How to apply for help: You can start the application process by calling their local community centers or by completing a preliminary assessment form online via the ARVAC community programs portal.
Main office:
Dardanelle: 613 N 5th St, Dardanelle, AR 72834 | (479) 229-4861
Faith-based and charitable organizations
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Local church chapters offer emergency funds for rent and utilities. This includes the Mother Teresa Conference in Rogers, the St. Anne’s Conference in North Little Rock, and the St. Stephen Benevolent Conference in Bentonville.
The Salvation Army: Provides assistance with housing and utilities, as well as personalized support for specific cases, through physical centers in cities such as Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale.
Hark Northwest Arkansas: A navigation platform dedicated to connecting Northwest Arkansas residents with housing support maps and community resources updated in real time.
How to find local resources
Since the availability of local funds changes frequently, you can quickly find current opportunities by contacting statewide navigation services:
Dial 211: Call Arkansas 211 directly or text your zip code to get information on active rental programs in your specific area.
Free legal assistance for eviction cases: If you are currently facing eviction due to administrative processing delays, you can request free representation from Legal Aid of Arkansas by calling (800) 952-9243.
