How to Get $10,000 for Moving to Arkansas

Getting $10,000 to move to Arkansas isn’t a lottery win-it’s a real possibility if you know where to look. For people escaping homelessness, abusive situations, or unsafe living conditions, Arkansas offers several programs designed to help you start over. But you won’t find this money by accident. You have to know the steps, the agencies, and the timing. This isn’t about begging or waiting for a handout. It’s about using the system right.

Arkansas Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The biggest source of relocation support in Arkansas is the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8. This federal program pays part of your rent directly to landlords, and it can cover your move-in costs if you’re moving from out of state. If you’re currently homeless or living in a shelter, you’re often prioritized on the waiting list. Some Arkansas counties, like Pulaski (Little Rock) and Jefferson (Jefferson City), have shorter wait times than others. Once approved, you can use your voucher to cover first month’s rent, security deposit, and even moving truck fees-up to $10,000 if you combine it with other assistance.

Here’s how it works: You apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). If you’re staying in a shelter, ask the staff to help you fill out the application. They’re trained to do this. You’ll need proof of identity, income (or lack thereof), and documentation of your current housing situation. Don’t wait until you’re on the street to start. Even if you’re still in a shelter, begin the process now. Waiting lists can open up unexpectedly, especially after budget cycles in July and January.

Arkansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Even though the federal ERAP funding ended in 2024, Arkansas still has state-run emergency housing funds that pick up where federal money left off. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) allocates $2 million annually to help people move into stable housing. This includes covering moving expenses like truck rentals, storage, and utility hookups.

What most people don’t realize is that ERAP doesn’t just help with rent-it can pay for the entire move. If you’re coming from another state and have documentation showing you’ve been homeless for over 30 days, you may qualify for up to $5,000 in relocation assistance. Add that to Section 8 coverage, and you’re halfway to $10,000. You don’t need to be in a shelter to qualify, but being connected to one makes it easier to get the paperwork done.

Nonprofit Partnerships with Shelters

Arkansas has over 40 nonprofit organizations that work directly with homeless shelters to fund moves. Groups like the Arkansas Coalition of Homeless Services and the Salvation Army’s Arkansas Division offer relocation grants of $2,000 to $5,000. These aren’t loans. They’re gifts. But you have to apply through your shelter case manager.

For example, if you’re staying at the Little Rock Homeless Shelter, they partner with a local foundation called Arkansas First Steps. That foundation gives out $3,000 grants to people who secure a lease within 30 days of leaving the shelter. The catch? You need a signed lease before they release the money. So if you’re serious about this, start looking for housing the day you walk into the shelter. Don’t wait for a miracle. Start calling landlords, checking Facebook Marketplace, and asking shelter staff for leads.

Utility and Move-In Cost Assistance

Many people forget that moving isn’t just about rent. You need lights, water, internet, and a security deposit. Arkansas’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) gives up to $1,000 to cover utility setup fees. Combine that with a $1,500 grant from a local church or nonprofit, and you’ve got another $2,500.

Some churches in rural Arkansas-like those in Batesville, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro-have special funds for people relocating to their towns. They’ll pay your first month’s rent, help you buy a mattress, or even give you a used refrigerator. These aren’t advertised online. You have to walk in, talk to the pastor, and explain your situation honestly. No judgment. Just facts.

Work-Based Relocation Programs

Arkansas has a growing number of employers offering relocation packages to attract workers. If you can get a job offer, even in entry-level work like warehouse jobs, food processing, or home health aide roles, you might qualify for up to $5,000 in relocation help.

Companies like Tyson Foods, Walmart Distribution Centers, and Arkansas Regional Medical Services all have formal relocation programs. They’ll pay for your move if you commit to working for them for six months. You don’t need experience. You just need to show up, pass a background check, and be willing to work. Many shelters have job placement teams that partner with these companies. Ask them. Don’t wait for them to come to you.

How to Maximize Your ,000

Here’s the real trick: stack the programs. You can combine Section 8, ERAP, nonprofit grants, and employer assistance-all at the same time. Here’s how one person did it:

• $5,000 from Section 8 (covers rent deposit and first month)
• $3,000 from Arkansas First Steps (nonprofit relocation grant)
• $1,500 from Tyson Foods relocation package (for warehouse job)
• $500 from LIHEAP (utility setup)

Total: $10,000. No loan. No credit check. No debt.

But here’s the catch: you have to do it all at once. You can’t apply for one, wait a month, then apply for the next. You need to have your lease signed, your job offer in hand, and your shelter case manager on your side before you even pack a box.

What to Do Today

Stop scrolling. Stop hoping. Here’s what to do right now:

1. If you’re in a shelter, ask for your case manager’s name and number. If you don’t have one, ask who handles housing transitions.
2. Get a copy of your ID and Social Security card. If you lost them, the shelter can help you get replacements.
3. Start looking for housing today. Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local rental groups. Filter for “no credit check” and “pet-friendly.”
4. Call 2-1-1 Arkansas. It’s a free hotline that connects you to every housing and relocation program in the state.
5. Don’t wait for permission. If you need help, ask. Every shelter worker has seen this before. They won’t judge you.

This isn’t charity. It’s a system built to help people like you. You just have to walk through the door and say, ‘I need help.’