Emergency Assistance Guidelines: Financial Support for Utilities
Catholic Charities’ (CCDA) Emergency Assistance program helps people experiencing a temporary financial crisis with rent and/or utility assistance when there is a likelihood that this crisis will not repeat. We work to prevent evictions or the termination of essential utilities. Catholic Charities views an emergency as a crisis that deprives or threatens to deprive a person of basic human needs. Basic human needs include but are not limited to housing, essential utilities (i.e., gas, water, electric, oil/propane for heating).
Catholic Charities serves residents of the Diocese of Arlington regardless of their race, creed, religion, or national origin. The Counties and Cities of the Diocese include: Arlington County, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, City of Fredericksburg, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, Prince William County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, King George County, Lancaster County, Northumberland County, Richmond County, Westmoreland County, City of Winchester, Clarke County, Culpeper, Fauquier County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Madison County, Orange County, Page County, Rappahannock County, Shenandoah County and Warren County.
Before applying for assistance, please read all eligibility guidelines.
Eligibility
Eligible clients may receive Emergency Assistance once in a 12-month period and up to two times in a 10-year period. To be eligible, the client must be seeking late rent for an established household or past due utility (gas, water, electricity, or oil/propane with an invoice for refilling the tank) assistance. Client must be able to communicate by email and phone and attend a Zoom video appointment with the Case Coordinator. The client will receive the Emergency Assistance Guidelines, Client Rights and Responsibilities, and Consent to Exchange Information forms electronically. These forms must be signed and returned within 24 hours to begin the process. The client must also attach a copy of their current photo ID and the late or
disconnect notice for the documents to be validated. Important: The printed name on all submitted documents must match the name on the photo ID. If the required documents are not received within 24 hours, the application will be automatically closed. The client may reapply after 60 days.
We regret that we cannot help if you are living in Section 8 Housing, public housing, or subsidized housing of any type (this does not include Tax Exempt or Affordable Dwelling Unit housing). Clients receiving a county housing grant or housing voucher are not eligible for assistance. The client cannot be subleasing or renting from a relative. We are unable to assist individuals who: serve as the property manager of the property where they live; work in the leasing office of the property where they live; or are employed by their private landlord. We do not assist with mortgage payments, but we do assist with utility payments for mortgages and mobile homes.
The demand for our services is extremely high and we have limited funds, so assistance is given on a first-come first-served basis. Catholic Charities forms must be signed and returned within 24 hours, or client must wait 60 days to reapply. All requested documents must be provided within three days from initial contact, or the client may reapply for assistance after 30 days.
Note: The Case Coordinator may request additional documents not included in the list below. In addition, should the Case Coordinator determine that there are irregularities in the client documents, they may request an in-person interview with the client at the CCDA office and may request a Zoom call with the landlord.
Utility Assistance (Only Electric, Gas, Water and Oil/Propane and/or wood are considered)
Utility Assistance (Only Electric, Gas,Water and Oil/Propane are considered):
Proof of income (see rental assistance above).
- Photo ID – current (not expired), government-issued, with date of birth listed, of the person(s) responsible for the utility.
- Signed Lease Agreement or Mortgage Statement –in the client’s name and to include terms of lease (i.e., leaseholder name/address, landlord name, monthly rent amount, etc.). We assist with utilities for mortgage holders and mobile homes; however, proof of ownership must be provided. Assistance is not provided to anyone who is in subsidized housing, subleasing or renting from a relative. Assistance is not provided to those who serve as the property manager of the property where they live; work in the leasing office of the property where they live; or are employed by their private landlord.
- Past Due Bill – Natural gas, electric, water, oil/propane, and/or wood only. Must provide a copy of the entire page of the most recent billing statement(s). We cannot accept a screenshot from an online portal of the amount due. Name and address on the bill must match the name and address on the lease/mortgage statement. If the balance due is above our assistance amount, client must show pledge letters from other organizations and/or churches or payment receipts that cover the difference. The Case Manager will verify pledges and Catholic Charities is the last payer on the bill.
Find Help
If you’re struggling or in need, you are not alone—compassionate help is here. The Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington is ready to listen, support, and walk beside you with care and dignity.
Give Help
Ready to make a difference? Your compassion can bring hope, healing, and dignity to those in need—join us in serving others through the Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington.
