We understand that financial hardships happen. A job loss, a medical emergency, an unexpected car repair — life doesn't always go according to plan. If you're struggling to make rent, the most important thing you can do is communicate with us early. We'd rather work with you on a plan than have you go silent and fall further behind.

Below are local and state resources that may be able to help with rent, utilities, and other essential expenses in the Montgomery area.

Talk to Us First

Before anything else, reach out to our team. We can't help if we don't know there's a problem. Contact us at info@james-hawkins.com or (972) 833-1261 as soon as you know you may be late on rent. In many cases, we can work out a short-term payment plan or connect you with resources that can help.

Waiting until after you've missed a payment — or worse, after an eviction notice — makes things much harder for everyone. Early communication is always the best path forward.

Montgomery-Area Rental Assistance Programs

These organizations serve the Montgomery and River Region area and may be able to provide emergency rental assistance:

• Montgomery Community Action Committee — offers emergency rent and utility assistance for qualifying low-income residents. Call (334) 240-3400 or visit their office at 828 Forest Avenue, Montgomery.
• Salvation Army — Montgomery — provides emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities on a case-by-case basis. Contact them at (334) 263-0649.
• Catholic Social Services of Montgomery — offers emergency rent assistance regardless of religious affiliation. Call (334) 288-2100.
• Central Alabama Community Foundation — connects residents with a network of charitable organizations that provide financial assistance. Visit cacfinfo.org.
• Family Sunshine Center — provides housing assistance for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 24-hour hotline: (334) 206-6100.

Alabama State Programs

• Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) — administers the Emergency Assistance (EA) program for families with children who face eviction or utility shutoff. Apply at your local DHR office or online at dhr.alabama.gov.
• Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) — administers federally funded rental assistance programs when available. Visit ahfa.com for current program availability.
• 211 Connects Alabama — dial 2-1-1 from any phone for a free referral to local assistance programs including rent, utilities, food, and healthcare. Available 24/7.

Federal Resources

• HUD Resource Locator — the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a searchable database of assistance programs by zip code at resources.hud.gov.
• Benefits.gov — check your eligibility for federal assistance programs including housing, food, and healthcare at benefits.gov.

For Section 8 Voucher Holders

If you hold a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), your tenant portion of rent is calculated based on your income. If your income has changed — due to job loss, reduced hours, or other factors — you may qualify for a rent reduction. Contact the Montgomery Housing Authority at (334) 241-2160 to report your income change and request a re-determination of your rent portion.

This is a critical step that many voucher holders don't know about. A decrease in income can lead to a lower tenant portion, sometimes within 30 days of reporting the change.

Utility Assistance

If utility bills are part of the problem, these programs can help:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — administered through local community action agencies, LIHEAP helps with heating and cooling bills. Apply through the Montgomery Community Action Committee.
• Alabama Power's Project SHARE — provides one-time grants to help pay electric bills for customers facing financial hardship. Call 1-800-245-4545.
• Spire Energy Assistance — offers payment plans and connects customers with assistance programs for natural gas bills.

What to Do Right Now

If you're reading this because you're worried about making rent, here are the steps to take today:

1. Contact us — email info@james-hawkins.com or call (972) 833-1261. Let us know your situation.
2. Call 2-1-1 — this free service will connect you with every assistance program you may qualify for in your area.
3. Apply for assistance early — many programs have waiting lists or limited funding. The sooner you apply, the better your chances.
4. Document everything — keep records of applications, phone calls, and any correspondence. This helps if you need to demonstrate good-faith effort.

We're not here to judge — we're here to help you keep your home. The worst thing you can do is nothing. Reach out, and we'll figure it out together.