15 Charities That Help With Moving Expenses – Ultimate Guide

Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming, but when you don’t have enough money, it becomes a headache. Thankfully, many charities that help with moving expenses provide financial and logistical assistance to make transfer possible, especially for those who face eviction, job loss, or domestic violence. These programs often provide transportation, safety deposit assistance, and even furniture.

Here, through churchesthathelpus we will explore the list of charities that help with moving expenses, how to get, other government assistance programs that help with moving expenses, who are eligible to get, how to apply, etc.

Do Churches Help With Moving Expenses?

The most effective way to find support is through local church programs and nonprofit organizations. Of course, this will vary depending on your location and the availability of nearby congregations. You may also need to be a member of that church or community to provide support.

Top 15 Charities That Help With Moving Expenses

Here, churchesthathelpus has described the list of charities that help with moving expenses to the needy who have to move but don’t have enough budget to bear the expenses. So, check out the list of charities here:

1. Catholic Charities USA

Catholic charity provides extensive support for low-income families, including help with moving costs. Help may include paying for moving trucks, storage, or even the rent for the first month. The support varies from place the place, so it is necessary to contact your local branch. They also provide food, housing, and employment services.

2. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, including help with relocation expenses. Eligible people may receive help with moving trucks, utility deposits, and temporary shelter. Their Pathway of Hope program also offers long-term support. Contact the nearest office to apply for help.

3. Modest Needs Foundation

Modest Needs offers self-sufficiency grants to cover short-term critical expenses, including moving costs. They assist people who are employed but living paycheck to paycheck. Applicants must show proof of income and need. The application process is done online and can take a few days to complete.

4. United Way

United Way partners with local organizations to provide moving and housing assistance. Their 211 helpline connects people with agencies that help with rent, deposits, and relocation. Although United Way doesn’t directly fund moves, it refers people to programs that do. Services vary by region.

5. Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America helps vulnerable populations with housing stability and relocation services. They may assist with moving expenses for veterans, seniors, and low-income families. In some areas, they provide case management and referral for local moving assistance. Services vary depending on location and funding.

6. YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association)

YWCA supports women and families in crisis, including people who have survived domestic violence. Many branches provide rehabilitation assistance, especially for those who escape from unsafe situations. They can provide funds for moving forward, transitional housing, and other important needs.

7. Housing Industry Foundation (HIF)

HIF offers emergency housing assistance, including security deposits and moving support, primarily in California. Their housing assistance program helps people avoid eviction or homelessness for stable housing. They partner with social service agencies to ensure responsible grant distribution. Evidence of financial difficulty is necessary.

8. Lutheran Social Services

Lutharan Social Services provides rehabilitation support as part of its housing and family stability programs. They help people with low incomes with moving costs, especially during transitions to safe or permanent housing. Their services often include consultation, job aid, and emergency assistance.

9. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance during natural disasters, which may include relocation support. They help affected families move to temporary or permanent housing and provide basic necessities. While they don’t fund moves under normal conditions, disaster victims can often receive support. Contact them during emergencies.

10. Community Action Agencies

These nonprofit local organizations provide a wide range of services, including help with moving costs. They assist with utility bills, housing transitions, and sometimes offer vouchers for moving trucks or deposits. Programs are income-based and differ by region. Use the Community Action Partnership website to find your local agency.

11. St. Vincent de Paul Society

St. Vincent de Paul helps people and families with emergency requirements such as food, housing, and moving assistance. Local branches can provide direct financial assistance or connect you with volunteers who can help with physical moves. The support varies widely depending on the resources. Go to a local office for guidance or call.

12. Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront supports military families with homefront housing and transfer assistance. Their important financial assistance program can help with moving-related costs for veterans. They also provide transitional housing for injured warriors and their families. Applicants must meet military eligibility criteria.

13. Move For Hunger

Move For Hunger partners with moving companies to reduce costs and help fight hunger. While they mainly collect food donations during the move, some partners provide discounts or assistance to low-income families.

14. Feeding America (with partner organizations)

While Feeding America focuses on food insecurity, it often works alongside local agencies that provide relocation help. Their partner network includes shelters and nonprofits offering holistic support. Contacting a local food bank may connect you to agencies that can help with moving expenses. Services vary by location.

15. Jewish Family Services (JFS)

JFS branches provide comprehensive social services, including relocation support for immigrants, refugees, seniors, and low-income families. They may offer financial aid for moving, resettlement, and housing support. Each location has different resources, so contacting your local office is key. Cultural sensitivity and personalized support are hallmarks of their programs.

These are 15 charities that help with free moving assistance. Visit their official website online for further details and information.

• Also read: Churches That Provide Transportation Near Me

How Do Charities Help With Moving?

Charities help with moving assistance through various assistance programs including:

✔️Financial Assistance

Many charities provide financial assistance to cover moving costs such as rent, security deposits, or the first month’s rent.

✔️Temporary Housing

Some organizations provide short-term shelters or transitional housing for those among homeless or avoid unsafe situations.

✔️Moving Supplies & Transportation

Some charities provide free boxes, supply packing, and even arrange to transfer trucks or volunteer transport services.

✔️Volunteer Help

Groups such as churches or community organizations can send volunteers to help with packing, loading, and unloading items.

✔️Referrals to Low-Cost Movers

Many nonprofits connect clients with trusted, discounted, or partner moving services that reduce overall costs.

✔️Supportive Services

Charity often combines moving assistance with additional services such as food, utility assistance, employment assistance, and consultation.

✔️Special Programs for Vulnerable Groups

Some charities focus on helping veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, or disaster victims with relocation and housing support.

This is how charities may help with emergency moving assistance.

How to Get Money From the Government to Move?

This is how charities may help with emergency moving assistance. To get money from the government to move here is the process that you have to follow:

• Apply for Emergency Assistance Programs

Many state and local governments provide emergency financial assistance to help with moving costs, especially for low-income families, seniors, and persons facing eviction. Contact your local department of your local service or social services to check your eligibility.

• Use the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

If you are already part of the Section 8 program, you can qualify for rehabilitation support when you go to a new unit. Some Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) provide help with deposits or moving expenses.

• Seek Help Through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF may offer one-time cash assistance for families with children who need to relocate for safety or stability. Visit your state’s TANF website to apply or inquire.

• Request Relocation Support from FEMA (If Disaster-Related)

If you are moving forward due to a natural disaster, FEMA provides temporary housing and financial assistance. Apply online through disastersistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

• Check with Veterans Affairs (VA)

If you’re a veteran, the VA may help with moving expenses through programs like HUD-VASH or Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Contact your local VA office for guidance.

• Contact Local Housing Authorities

Local housing agencies often manage relocation grants or short-term rent and move-in help. These may include safety deposit assistance, utility setup assistance, and transport funds.

Follow these tips to get moving expenses from the government.

What Are Low-income Moving Assistance Programs?

Low-income moving assistance programs are services or grants provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and charities that are always available to help people and families who cannot afford the high cost of moving. The purpose of these programs is to prevent homelessness, support safe housing, and promote housing stability.

Key Features of Low-Income Moving Assistance Programs:

• Financial Help for Moving Costs

Programs may cover expenses such as rent, safety deposit, utility deposit, and the first month’s rent.

• Temporary Housing and Relocation Support

Some services offer transitional housing or hotel vouchers when you discover a new place.

• Support from Local Nonprofits and Churches

Organizations such as Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, and Community Action Agencies often provide help and financial assistance on hand.

• Government-Funded Programs

Programs such as Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher), TANF, and local social services can provide funds or resources for transfer.

• Help for Specific Groups

Some programs are designed for veterans, seniors, domestic violence survivors, or disaster victims, offering targeted support for moving and housing.

• Job-Related Relocation Help

The workforce development agencies sometimes help with moving costs when relocation is required for a new job or training program.

Eligibility Requirements for Moving Assistance Grants

Though each program differs slightly, here are the most common criteria used by charities that help with moving expenses:

✔️or No Income: You must usually be below a certain income threshold.

✔️Crisis-based requirement: Homelessness, job deficiency, eviction, or domestic abuse are major qualification factors.

✔️Evidence of identification and residence: Valid ID, utility bill, or lease agreements are required.

✔️Relocation Justification: You may need to display that this step is necessary and urgent.

For specific eligibility, you may call the organization directly.

Steps to Apply for Emergency Moving Assistance

Here are the steps to apply for emergency moving assistance. Step-by-step application procedure is described here:

Identify Available Programs

Start by researching local and national programs that offer emergency moving assistance. Contact local housing authorities, nonprofits, or call 2-1-1 to get connected with local resources.

Check Eligibility Requirements

Review the income limits, residency rules, and emergency qualifications for each program. Some programs are only for families with children, veterans, or victims of domestic violence.

Collect Required Documents

Prepare important documents such as:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters)
• Eviction notice or lease termination
• New lease or moving estimate
• Utility bills (if required)

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the official application for the program you are applying to. This can be online, as online is the best process to get the application.

Submit the Application

Submit your completed application with all supporting documents to the agency or charity. Double-check that nothing is missing to avoid delays.

Explain Your Emergency Situation

Clearly describe why you need to move immediately – for eviction, homelessness, misconduct, or a crisis. This helps Cassworkers understand the urgency of your request.

Wait for Review and Approval

After submission, the agency will review your application. This process may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the program and demand.

Follow these steps and apply for the assistance now.

Conclusion

Facing a major step without money is stressful, but you are not alone. From well-established non-profit organizations to local community action agencies, countless organizations are ready to help the needy. Whether you are avoiding an unsafe situation, recovering from job loss, or simply starting, charities that help with moving expenses can offer significant support are available.

Contact the charities and other programs that help with moving assistance. For further details, visit their official website online.