Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention
Housing stability is the foundation of community stability.
Every eviction prevented is more than a number — it’s a child staying in their school, a worker keeping their job, and a family holding on to dignity.
At Africatown International, our Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention program is built to do just that: stop displacement before it happens and create pathways to lasting housing security.
Eviction Prevention & Mediation
Emergency Rent Support
Move-In Assistance
For families ready to transition from crisis to stability, we help cover security deposits, first/last month’s rent, and move-in costs.
Wraparound Services
Why It Matters
Seattle is one of the most expensive rental markets in the nation. A single late payment can trigger a chain reaction — late fees, eviction notices, court filings — that can follow a family for decades. For Black families and other underserved communities, these systemic barriers hit hardest.
By intervening early and holistically, Africatown International not only prevents homelessness but also interrupts the cycles of generational displacement caused by gentrification, rising rents, and systemic inequities.
What Makes Us Different
Lived Experience Leadership
Our team comes from the same communities we serve. We know the stakes because we’ve lived them.
Dignity-Driven Approach
We treat every client as a person, not a case number. Our process is compassionate, confidential, and built on trust.
Proven Impact
The majority of families we assist remain stably housed 6 months and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
- Are at risk of eviction or displacement
- Need financial help to secure or maintain rental housing
- Are willing to work with our case management team to create a plan for stability
We prioritize Black families and individuals but our commitment is to help anyone in crisis, regardless of background.
1.
Intake & Assessment
2.
Eligibility & Planning
3.
Direct Support
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for rental assistance by completing an intake form online or with the help of one of our staff. Once submitted, our team will review your situation, assess eligibility, and create a personalized plan for stabilization. The process is designed to be fast, confidential, and accessible.
Our program is open to households facing eviction or displacement due to unpaid rent, rising costs, or other financial hardships. We prioritize Black families and individuals because of systemic disparities, but we serve anyone in crisis regardless of background, age, or status. If you are at risk of losing your home, you may qualify.
Yes. We specialize in intervening quickly when eviction notices have been filed. Our team can cover arrears, negotiate directly with landlords, and connect you to legal resources to stop the eviction process. The sooner you contact us, the more options we can offer.
Absolutely. We know that moving into stable housing often requires first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and security deposits — barriers that keep families from leaving shelters or unsafe living situations. Africatown International helps cover these costs so clients can move into permanent housing with dignity.
Yes. Unlike many programs, Africatown International goes further by providing credit repair support and eviction debt resolution. We work with clients to clear barriers that prevent landlords from approving applications, giving families a fair chance at stable housing.
Our goal is speed. Once your intake form is complete and eligibility is confirmed, payments are processed rapidly — often within days. For eviction cases, we prioritize urgent timelines to prevent displacement.
Yes. Our program supports people transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. We can assist with deposits, first month’s rent, and connect you to wraparound services like employment support and financial counseling.
Yes. Africatown International mediates with landlords on behalf of clients. This includes negotiating payment plans, resolving disputes to avoid court filings, and ensuring that landlords receive timely payments so families can stay housed.
Typically, you’ll need proof of income, lease or rental agreement, eviction notice (if applicable), and identification. In some cases, we may ask for additional documents like utility bills or court filings. Our intake staff will walk you through the exact requirements step by step.
No. While our mission is rooted in addressing systemic inequities in Black communities, our doors are open to all families and individuals in crisis. We believe housing is a human right, and anyone facing eviction or homelessness can seek support from us.
Yes, but eligibility depends on the circumstances. If your situation changes or a new crisis arises, you may qualify again. Our focus is long-term stability, so we also connect clients to resources that reduce the likelihood of repeat crises.
Rental Assistance & Eviction Prevention provides structured, ongoing support like rent coverage, eviction mediation, and move-in costs. CDF is an emergency fund for quick, flexible expenses (like utility arrears, storage fees, or travel to live with family).
Together, they cover both long-term stability and short-term crisis prevention.
Yes. Every donation goes directly toward preventing evictions and stabilizing families. For example, $1,200 can prevent an eviction for a family in Seattle, while smaller gifts cover utilities, application fees, or deposits. Donors can give securely online and know their support creates immediate impact.