Emergency Rent Help in Fresno
A hard month shouldn't cost a family its home. Ask us for help with rent, a utility shutoff or the basics — it's free to ask, and we answer every request within two business days.
Help We Can Offer
For Fresno County families facing a sudden emergency — a job loss, a medical bill, a car that broke down. Help depends on the funds we have each month.
Rent Help
A one-time payment toward past-due rent, paid straight to your landlord, plus help talking to them about a payment plan.
Utility Bill Help
Help with a gas, power or water shutoff notice, paid straight to the utility, and sign-up for any discount programs you qualify for.
Diapers & Food
Diapers, wipes, formula and a bag of groceries from our pantry closet, Monday to Thursday.
School Supplies
Backpacks and supplies each August, and help with school clothes through the year.
Finding Other Help
If we can't cover it, we'll help you find who can — county programs, other nonprofits and legal aid.
Give Or Volunteer
Gifts fund rent and utility help directly. Volunteers staff the front desk and the pantry closet.
Bring What You Have
Missing something? Come anyway — we'll work out the rest together.
Photo ID
For the adult asking for help.
Your Lease Or Bill
The rental agreement, or the utility bill with your account number.
The Notice
Any past-due notice, shutoff notice or letter from your landlord.
Recent Income
Pay stubs, a benefits letter or a note explaining what changed.
Neighbors Who Didn't Want Anyone To Lose Their Home
Brindlewood started in 2008, when a Tower District church collected money to keep two families in their apartments during the recession. More families came, the church couldn't keep up, and a group of members started Brindlewood as its own nonprofit. We're still small: a few caseworkers, a front desk of volunteers, and a fund that neighbors refill so the next family can stay put.
- ✓Caseworkers who speak English, Spanish and Hmong
- ✓Payments go straight to landlords and utilities
- ✓Every request answered, even when the answer is no
How We Treat Every Family
No Judgment
Anyone can fall behind. We ask what happened, not who to blame.
A Straight Answer
If we can't help this month, we say so quickly and point you to who can.
Your Privacy
We share your information only with the landlord or utility you agree to, and only to make a payment.
The Basics, Stocked By Neighbors
Help At The Front Desk
Front desk volunteers welcome families, help with forms and keep the pantry closet stocked. Bilingual volunteers are especially welcome. Shifts are four hours, Monday to Thursday, and every volunteer gets training on privacy and how our help works.
- ✓Four-hour weekday shifts
- ✓Spanish and Hmong speakers needed
- ✓Diaper and school-supply drives
What A Little Help Did
My hours got cut and the rent was due in four days. They called my landlord with me, paid what they could, and helped me set up a plan for the rest. We didn't have to move.
I came in with a shutoff notice and left with the bill handled and the names of two programs I'd never heard of.
I volunteer at the front desk on Wednesdays. Most people just need someone to sit with them and go through the paperwork slowly.
Keep A Family Home This Month
Every dollar given to the family fund goes to rent and utility help. Name an amount and we'll reply with a secure giving link, or organize a diaper or school-supply drive.
Questions We Hear Most
Who can ask for help?
Families and individuals living in Fresno County who are facing a sudden emergency. You don't need to be a member of any church or group.
How much can you help with?
It depends on the funds we have that month and on your situation. Rent help is usually up to one month's rent, paid to your landlord. We'll tell you clearly what we can do.
Do I have to pay it back?
No. Our help is a gift, not a loan.
Can I get help more than once?
Usually once in a twelve-month period, so the fund can reach as many families as possible. We can still help you find other programs.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Usually, yes — Brindlewood is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts are deductible as the law allows, and we send an emailed receipt.
Ask For Help
Tell us what's happening and the best way to reach you. We answer every request within two business days. Hablamos español · Peb hais lus Hmoob.