If you are searching for emergency rent help in Greensboro and your first stop was Greensboro Urban Ministry — stop and read this first.
Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM) stopped providing rent assistance effective July 1, 2025. Their official website states directly: “As of July 1, 2025, we will no longer provide assistance for Rent or Water.” Most articles about rent help in Greensboro have not been updated to reflect this and still list GUM as a rent resource. GUM continues to provide food assistance and utility help for Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas customers facing disconnection, but they are no longer a rent assistance option.
This is the updated guide for 2026 — with the organizations that currently help with rent in Greensboro and Guilford County.
Start by dialing 2-1-1 — United Way of Greater Greensboro’s helpline, available 24/7. Specialists know which programs have current funding in your zip code and can make direct referrals.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Greensboro
- Payments go directly to landlords — organizations pay your landlord directly, not you in cash
- Documentation required — photo ID, lease, past-due notice or eviction notice, proof of income, proof of hardship
- Must rent within city or county limits — most programs restrict assistance to Greensboro city limits or Guilford County
- Funding fluctuates — always call ahead to confirm a program has current funds before visiting
- Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — do not wait for one to respond before contacting others
1. Salvation Army of Greensboro — Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The primary active church-based emergency rent assistance program in Greensboro as of 2026.
The Salvation Army of Greensboro provides emergency rent and utility payment assistance to qualifying households renting within Greensboro city limits. Both past-due and current or future payments can be covered. Landlords and tenants may both apply.
Eligibility:
- Must rent within Greensboro city limits
- Must demonstrate financial hardship
How to apply:
- Register online and submit application with documents at the Salvation Army ERAP portal — call first to confirm current funding status since assistance is only available when funds are available
- Download the application and mail to the Salvation Army with documentation
- Walk in to the office at 1311 S. Eugene Street
Address: 1311 S. Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27406 Phone: (336) 235-0368 Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org/greensboro/emergency-financial-assistance/
Documents needed:
- Valid photo ID or Social Security card
- Proof of Greensboro residence (driver’s license or official document with address)
- Copy of rent statement or lease agreement and/or utility bills showing amount owed
- Letter of termination or furlough from an employer, or documentation of unemployment benefits, or other proof of financial hardship
For a full overview of how Salvation Army emergency assistance programs work nationally, including what to expect at intake appointments, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
2. Guilford County Department of Social Services (DSS)
County-administered emergency rental assistance for Guilford County residents.
The Guilford County DSS administers emergency financial assistance programs for qualifying low-income households, including emergency rental assistance. This is the primary government pathway for rent help in Greensboro and surrounding Guilford County communities.
Greensboro office: Address: 1203 Maple Street, Greensboro, NC 27405 Phone: (336) 641-3000 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm Website: guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/human-services/social-services
High Point office (also serves Guilford County): Address: 325 East Russell Avenue, High Point, NC Phone: (336) 641-3000
Contact DSS early — government programs often have processing times and waitlists, but they carry larger pools of funds than most faith-based programs. If you also receive SNAP or are unsure whether you qualify, our North Carolina SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply.
3. City of Greensboro — Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Municipally funded rent assistance for Greensboro residents.
The City of Greensboro Housing and Neighborhood Development Department administers emergency rental assistance programs for city residents. Contact the office directly for current program availability and eligibility requirements.
Address: 300 W Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 Phone: (336) 373-2489 Emergency assistance resources page: greensboro-nc.gov/departments/housing-neighborhood-development/housing-services/resources-for-emergency-assistance
4. Greensboro Housing Coalition (GHC)
Rent and utility assistance plus HUD-certified housing counseling.
The Greensboro Housing Coalition is a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency that provides rent and utility assistance, housing counseling, help locating rental options, and a range of housing stability services for individuals and families at any stage from homelessness to homeownership.
Address: 1031 Summit Avenue, Suite 1E-2, Greensboro, NC 27405 Phone: (336) 691-9521 Website: greensborohousingcoalition.org
If you need housing counseling alongside immediate rent help — or if you are trying to find affordable housing rather than paying back rent — the GHC is particularly strong. For seniors in Guilford County looking at longer-term housing stability, our guide to low-income senior housing with no waiting list covers programs available in North Carolina.
5. Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA)
Public housing and Section 8 vouchers for long-term housing stability.
The Greensboro Housing Authority administers public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for qualifying low-income residents of Guilford County.
Address: 450 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 Phone: (336) 275-8501 Website: gha-nc.org
While GHA is not a source of one-time emergency rent assistance, it is the primary resource for longer-term subsidized housing. If you are not already on the Section 8 waitlist, apply immediately — waiting periods can be long, but applying sooner is always better than later. Our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains the full application process.
6. St. Mary’s Catholic Church — St. Vincent de Paul Conference
Parish-based emergency rent assistance for Greensboro area residents.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensboro operates a Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference providing financial assistance to families in crisis, including temporary or short-term rent relief to prevent eviction.
Address: 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410 Contact: Call the parish office to reach the SVdP conference
SVdP conferences serve residents within the geographic area surrounding each parish. If your address is outside St. Mary’s service area, ask them to refer you to the nearest active SVdP conference for your zip code.
7. First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro
Community assistance programs for struggling families, including rent help.
First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro provides financial assistance programs through its community outreach ministry. The church collaborates with local charities to provide emergency assistance, including help stabilizing families facing eviction.
Address: 617 N Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 Contact: Call the church office directly to inquire about current availability and eligibility
8. Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Rent assistance and utility help as part of a broad community mission.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church provides emergency rent assistance as part of its community outreach programs, including utility bill assistance and food programs for Greensboro area residents.
Address: 1301 Alamance Church Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406 Contact: Call the church office to ask about current assistance availability
What Greensboro Urban Ministry Provides NOW (Updated July 2025)
Many searches will direct you to Greensboro Urban Ministry (305 W Gate City Blvd; 336-271-5959). GUM is still active and still serves the community — but its current services are:
- Utility assistance only — Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas customers within 5 days of disconnect date; call (336) 271-5959 ext. 314 for the utility hotline
- Food assistance — available every 14 days per household with valid ID and Greensboro/Guilford County address
- No rent assistance as of July 1, 2025
If you need utility help on top of rent assistance, GUM’s utility program (ext. 314) is still the best call in Greensboro for Duke Energy or Piedmont Natural Gas shutoff emergencies.
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Greensboro
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security card if photo ID is unavailable
- Proof of Greensboro or Guilford County residency (official document showing your address)
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, court summons, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters, unemployment documentation)
- Documentation of financial hardship (termination letter, medical bills, etc.)
- Utility bills if requesting combined rent and utility help
- Landlord’s full name, address, and phone number
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Greensboro
Dial 2-1-1: United Way of Greater Greensboro — 24/7 helpline connecting you to current available programs in your zip code.
Guilford County Emergency Assistance (ERUA): (336) 641-2517 — the county administers several emergency assistance programs; call for current availability.
Legal Aid of North Carolina: Free legal representation for tenants facing eviction in Guilford County. Call 1-866-219-5262 or visit legalaidnc.org.
Homeless prevention (within 72 hours of homelessness): If you will be homeless within 72 hours, contact Greensboro Housing Coalition at 336-691-9521 immediately. The City of Greensboro’s emergency assistance page also lists homelessness prevention services at greensboro-nc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Greensboro, NC?
The active faith-based organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Greensboro in 2026 include the Salvation Army of Greensboro ERAP program (336-235-0368; must rent within Greensboro city limits), St. Mary’s Catholic Church SVdP conference (2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd), First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro (617 N Elm St), and Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1301 Alamance Church Rd). Guilford County DSS (336-641-3000) and the City of Greensboro (336-373-2489) also administer rental assistance funds.
Does Greensboro Urban Ministry still help with rent?
No. Greensboro Urban Ministry stopped providing rent assistance effective July 1, 2025. Their official website confirms they no longer provide assistance for rent or water. GUM still provides food assistance and utility help for Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas customers facing disconnection — call (336) 271-5959 ext. 314 for utility emergencies only.
How do I get emergency rent help in Greensboro fast?
Dial 2-1-1 immediately for a referral to currently funded programs in your zip code. Then contact the Salvation Army ERAP at (336) 235-0368 (confirm funding first — call before visiting), Guilford County DSS at (336) 641-3000, and the City of Greensboro at (336) 373-2489 simultaneously. Apply to multiple programs at once — funds at each location are limited.
Who qualifies for Salvation Army rent help in Greensboro?
The Salvation Army ERAP serves households that rent within Greensboro city limits and can demonstrate financial hardship. Documentation required includes a valid photo ID or Social Security card, proof of Greensboro residency, a rent statement or lease, and proof of financial hardship (termination letter, unemployment documentation, or equivalent).
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Greensboro Urban Ministry ended rent assistance effective July 1, 2025 per their official website — this change is reflected in this article but may not be reflected in other online sources. Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Always call ahead before visiting. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.