Financial Counseling
Individuals who have no experience paying their own bills or paying off a loan or credit card will have very low credit scores and limited credit histories. Individuals who have poor spending habits, who have been victims of identity theft or fraud, or who have amassed major debts as a result of medical expenses that are not covered by insurance can also have bad credit ratings. Regardless of the reason, people with no or poor credit can face significant challenges when trying to qualify to rent an apartment.
The following resources offer various types of financial programs, including educational workshops, budget counseling, credit counseling, debt consolidation and structured payment plans, to help individuals reduce their debt and build their credit.
See the Resource Search Form to search by jurisdiction and type of service.
Arlington Home Ownership Made Easier (AHOME)
VHDA certificates for successful completion of classes qualify for low-interest loans and down payment assistance.
Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA)
Consumer credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and financial education services.
Herndon-Reston FISH
Limited emergency financial assistance, financial education workshops.
Money Management International - Alexandria
Works with those in debt and their creditors to work out a payment plan.
Money Management International - Fairfax
Works with those in debt and their creditors to work out a payment plan.
Money Management International - Leesburg
Works with those in debt and their creditors to work out a payment plan.
Money Management International - Manassas
Works with those in debt and their creditors to work out a payment plan.
Our Daily Bread
One time grant to qualified Fairfax County area residents. Free budgeting and financial literacy classes.
The Women's Center
Financial consultation, budget/credit counseling, housing specialists.
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Financial education and financial counseling, group classes.
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides limited emergency financial assistance for past due rent. Budget and financial counseling. New or used furniture.