If you are reading this right now, take a deep breath. We know how heavy it feels when the rent is due and the numbers just aren't adding up. Whether you’ve hit a temporary rough patch, dealt with an unexpected medical bill, or are recovering from a disaster, please know one thing: you are not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for a helping hand.

At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we believe that every family in South Jersey deserves to live with dignity and security. We’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of support can be the bridge that helps a family move from crisis to stability. Burlington County has resources available, but we know the system can feel like a maze when you’re already stressed.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We want to clear the fog and give you the confidence you need to get the help you deserve. Here are seven essential things you should know before you apply for rent assistance in Burlington County.

1. Multiple Programs Exist to Help, You Have Options

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that there is only "one" place to go for help. In reality, Burlington County has a network of both government agencies and dedicated nonprofits working together.

If you apply to one program and find out their funds are temporarily tapped out or you don’t quite fit their specific criteria, don’t give up hope! We encourage you to look into several different avenues. The Burlington County Board of Social Services is a major hub, but nonprofit organizations like Catholic Charities, BCAP (Burlington County Action Program), and the Salvation Army are also incredible pillars in our community.

At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we are also here to support our neighbors. We believe in a "no wrong door" approach, if we can’t help you directly with a specific fund, we will do our best to point you toward someone who can. You can always check our latest news for updates on local resources and community events.

2. You Can Get Help with More Than Just Back Rent

When people think of "rent assistance," they usually think of a check for the current month’s rent. However, the programs in Burlington County are often much more comprehensive than that. We know that "rebuilding" takes more than just one month of stability.

Many assistance programs can help you with:

• Security Deposits: This is often the biggest barrier to getting into a safe, new home.
• Utility Bills: It’s hard to stay focused on rent when the lights or heat are at risk of being turned off.
• Moving Costs: Sometimes getting to a more affordable location is the best long-term solution.
• Motel Vouchers: If you are currently displaced, emergency shelter is a priority.

Don't be afraid to ask for exactly what you need. Whether it’s help with a security deposit to get a fresh start or a motel voucher while you wait for a permanent spot, these resources are designed to cover the full spectrum of housing stability.

3. Income Requirements Apply, but They Are Fair

We know talking about finances can feel intrusive, but income requirements are simply a tool to make sure help goes to those who need it most. Many people assume they "make too much" to qualify, but you might be surprised.

Programs are specifically designed to support:

• Low-income families and individuals
• Seniors on fixed incomes
• Individuals living with disabilities
• Single parents trying to balance it all
• Veterans who have served our country
• The "working poor", those who are working hard but still can't keep up with the rising cost of living in South Jersey.

While the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) often uses a lottery system because demand is so high, local Burlington County programs often have more flexibility. We always tell our neighbors: let the program coordinators tell you "no", don't tell yourself "no" before you even try.

4. You Must Be a New Jersey Resident

To qualify for the majority of these programs, including state-level help like SRAP, you must be a resident of New Jersey and at least 18 years old. If you are a Burlington County resident specifically, you’ll have access to local funds that aren’t available to people in other parts of the state.

When you apply, try to have your documents ready. Things like a New Jersey ID, a current lease, or even mail with your Burlington County address can help speed up the process. We want to get you through the system as quickly as possible so you can focus on your family.

5. Your Landlord Is Required to Cooperate

This is a point of confusion for so many of the families we work with. You might worry that your landlord won't "accept" assistance or that they’ll try to evict you the moment they hear you’re applying for help.

Here is the good news: Under the Truth in Renting Act, landlords in New Jersey are generally required to cooperate with federal, state, or local rental assistance programs that commit to paying your rent. If a landlord refuses to work with an assistance program that is ready to cut them a check, they may be breaking the law.

Knowing your rights gives you confidence. If you’re feeling pushed around by a landlord, reach out to local legal aid or a housing advocate. You have the right to seek help to keep a roof over your head.

6. Knowing Who to Call Is Half the Battle

The hardest part of getting help is often just finding the right phone number. We want to make that easier for you. If you are in Burlington County and need to start the conversation today, here are the key numbers to keep on your fridge:

• NJ 211: This is the best place to start. Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone. It’s a 24/7 resource referral service that can give you the most up-to-date info on who has funding.
• Burlington County Housing Hub: (609) 265-5185. They are dedicated to helping residents navigate housing crises.
• BCAP (Burlington County Action Program): (609) 386-5800.
• Burlington County Board of Social Services: (609) 518-4871.

We are all in this together. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the list, just start with one. One phone call can change the entire trajectory of your week.

7. Case Managers Are Your Greatest Allies

Many people think applying for rent assistance is just about filling out a form and waiting. But many of the best programs in Burlington County provide you with a Case Manager.

A case manager isn’t there to judge you; they are there to be your advocate. They can help you:

• Navigate complex application requirements.
• Connect you with other resources like food pantries or job training.
• Work toward long-term housing stability so you don’t find yourself in the same position a few months from now.

At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we believe in this holistic approach. It’s not just about the check: it’s about the person. We want to help you rebuild with dignity, and having a supportive person in your corner makes all the difference in the world.

We’re Here to Rebuild Together

Burlington County is a beautiful place to live, but it’s the people who make it home. When one of our neighbors is struggling, it affects all of us. We want you to feel empowered to take the next step. You’ve already done the hard work of seeking out information: now it’s time to take action.

If you aren't in need of assistance but are looking for a way to give back to your South Jersey community, we invite you to get involved. Whether it’s through a donation or volunteering your time, you can help us ensure that no family in our county has to face a housing crisis alone.

We are so grateful for the support of our volunteers and donors who make this work possible. Because of you, we can continue to offer hope and real solutions to families in need.

Take the next step today:

• If you need help, call 211 or reach out to the Housing Hub.
• If you want to help us make a difference, consider making a donation or joining us at our next community event. Check out our sitemap to explore all the ways we serve the community.

You have the strength to get through this, and we are right here beside you. Let’s rebuild Burlington County, one family at a time.