Rent Assistance in Arkansas

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

Arkansas Rent Relief closed on April 1, 2022, and no statewide rent application has replaced it. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) funds homelessness prevention through nonprofits but says it does not work directly with the public. Instead, it publishes one referral contact for each of five Continuum of Care regions, revised June 2, 2026, and those contacts are the most direct route.

The other main door is the Community Action network, which the Department of Human Services says covers all 75 counties through 15 agencies. Arkansas law also moves fast: after a court summons, a tenant has only five days to object in writing.

Where to Start in Arkansas

Emergency Solutions Grant (ADFA)

Funds nonprofit programs that include homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing, with a 2026-2027 funding notice posted in September 2026. DHS says low-income Arkansans needing rental, homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing help can apply for funds and that rental assistance may be available. ADFA does not take individual requests and refers people to the regional contacts below.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Community Action Agencies (DHS Community Services Block Grant)

DHS says 15 Community Action Agencies serve all 75 counties, with a directory linked from this page. Eligibility is calculated at 125% of federal poverty guidelines. The page does not promise rent help, so ask your local agency what it can pay right now.

Visit website · Phone: 855-372-1084 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in Arkansas

Central Arkansas Team Care for the Homeless (CATCH) (Little Rock and central Arkansas)

ADFA lists this number as the region's referral line for people seeking assistance. Ask which homeless and prevention providers can help you.

Visit website · Phone: 1-501-404-4857 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas Continuum of Care (Northwest Arkansas)

The Continuum of Care's referral contact, as listed by ADFA, for people seeking assistance in this corner of the state.

Visit website · Phone: 1-479-717-7737 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Fort Smith Continuum of Care (Fort Smith area)

ADFA's published referral number for individuals in the Fort Smith region.

Visit website · Phone: 1-479-650-3230 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Southeast Arkansas Continuum of Care (SOAR) (Southeast Arkansas, including Pine Bluff)

The referral contact ADFA lists for the southeast region, which you can call to ask about local providers.

Visit website · Phone: 1-870-543-1820 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Hot Springs, Southwest and Balance of State Continuum of Care (Hot Springs, southwest Arkansas and counties outside the other regions)

ADFA's listed referral contact for this region, which covers the largest share of the state's map.

Visit website · Phone: 1-501-418-2208 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Attorney General says failing to pay rent, or paying late, for any reason is grounds for eviction. In an unlawful detainer action, the landlord must give three days' written notice to vacate before suing. After you receive a court summons, you have five days to object in writing with the court clerk, and you should send a copy to the landlord's attorney. If you do not object, the county sheriff can remove you. If you do, a hearing is scheduled. The Attorney General notes these protections apply to private rentals, not government-subsidized housing. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid of Arkansas. Its housing group helps with landlord and tenant disputes and evictions. It typically handles cases for households at or below 125% of the federal poverty guideline, and limited resources mean not everyone gets full representation. Helpline hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., plus Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 7:15. Visit website · Phone: 1-800-952-9243

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Arkansas Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • Arkansas Rent Relief Program: The state's pandemic rent program, run through DHS. DHS says it stopped accepting new and extension applications at noon on April 1, 2022.

More Help in Arkansas

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Arkansas Rent Assistance Questions

Is Arkansas Rent Relief still taking applications?

No. DHS says the program stopped accepting new and extension applications at noon on April 1, 2022. DHS now says rental assistance may be available through the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, which runs through local providers.

Who do I call for rent help in Little Rock?

ADFA's June 2026 list gives 1-501-404-4857 as the referral contact for the Little Rock and central Arkansas Continuum of Care. You can also ask your local Community Action Agency, or call 211 or 1-866-489-6983, the statewide option ADFA lists.

Does ADFA give rent money directly?

No. ADFA says it does not work directly with the public to provide individual assistance. It funds nonprofit organizations and refers people to the regional contacts on its Continuum of Care list.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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