If you are behind on rent in Tucson, start by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting azevictionhelp.org. You can also call Pima County’s Community Assistance Division at (520) 724-7700 or the City of Tucson at 3-1-1. These are the main doors to emergency rent and utility help in our area. Act as soon as you know you will be short, before an eviction notice if you can.
Rent can become hard to manage fast. A job loss, cut hours, a medical bill or a family emergency can put housing at risk. This guide explains where Tucson renters can find help, what to have ready and how TMM Family Services fits in.
At a glance:
- Start here: dial 2-1-1, or visit azevictionhelp.org
- Pima County Community Assistance Division: 2797 E Ajo Way, (520) 724-7700
- City of Tucson: call 3-1-1 about current rental assistance
- Seniors 60+: Pima Council on Aging, (520) 790-7262
- Long-term affordable housing: see TMM’s housing programs
What is rental assistance?
Rental assistance is money or a subsidy that helps you pay rent. Short-term programs can cover past-due rent or utilities to prevent an eviction. Long-term programs, like Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, lower your monthly rent for as long as you qualify. Funding for short-term programs changes often, so always check what is open right now.
Where can I get emergency rent help in Tucson?
- Arizona 2-1-1: dial 2-1-1 or visit 211arizona.org to be connected to programs with open funding.
- Arizona Eviction Help: azevictionhelp.org lists eviction prevention programs and free legal help across the state.
- Pima County Community Assistance Division: 2797 E Ajo Way, Tucson, (520) 724-7700. The county works with local agencies on rent and utility assistance for income-eligible households.
- City of Tucson Housing and Community Development: call 3-1-1. The city’s current rental assistance program works through case managers, so ask how to be connected to one.
- Pima Council on Aging: (520) 790-7262 for adults 60 and older, including housing navigation and eviction prevention.
What about long-term help like Section 8?
The Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, is managed locally by the City of Tucson’s Housing and Community Development department. Waiting lists open and close, and the wait can be long, so add your name whenever a list is open even if you do not need help today.
Who usually qualifies?
Every program sets its own rules, but most look at:
- Household income below the program’s limit
- A financial hardship, such as job loss, reduced hours or a medical emergency
- A current lease or rental agreement
- Risk of eviction or homelessness
Households with children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities are often prioritized.
What should I have ready before I apply?
- Photo ID for adults in the household
- Your lease or rental agreement
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Any late-rent or eviction notices
- Proof of the hardship, if you have it (a layoff letter or medical bill, for example)
- Your landlord’s contact information
Having these together can save days when funds are limited.
Received an eviction notice?
Do not ignore it, and do not move out before you get advice. Many programs prioritize renters facing eviction, and azevictionhelp.org can point you to free legal help. Go to every court date.
How does TMM Family Services help?
TMM Family Services is a Tucson nonprofit that provides affordable and transitional housing. We are not an emergency shelter or a crisis center, and we do not offer one-time rent payments. If you need longer-term stability, our programs may be a fit:
- Family Journey transitional housing for single mothers and their children
- Affordable, accessible housing for seniors and veterans
- Supportive housing options, including for Section 8 and Shelter Plus Care participants
Call us at (520) 322-9557 to ask about current availability.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get emergency rent help?
It depends on the program and its funding. Some respond within days, others take weeks. Apply as early as possible.
Do I need a job to qualify?
Not always. Most programs look at total household income and hardship, not only employment.
Can rental assistance cover utilities or a deposit?
Some programs cover utilities, and some help with deposits or move-in costs. Ask each program what it covers.
Can veterans get special help?
Yes. Veterans may qualify for dedicated housing programs. Ask 2-1-1 about veteran housing resources, and see TMM’s veterans housing.
Program details change often. Please confirm current availability and eligibility directly with each program. If you are experiencing homelessness right now, dial 2-1-1 or call the National Homelessness Hotline at 1-800-422-4673.
