Housing assistance programs. is a tremendous help to the disabled and low-income, and working populations. The federal housing program is not new. It was originally instituted during the Great Depression as a means of response to the nation’s housing crisis.
Later in the century, the government devised subsidy programs to help develop low-income housing to meet the need of those having difficulty paying rent.
Let me address the myth that this type of housing is only for people on welfare. Many people living in government-assisted housing are hard-working, yet their salaries are insufficient to meet their living needs.
You can rent public housing as well as private government housing. They have to provide proof of income, have no felonies, and be law-abiding citizens. If government housing rules are violated, these persons are subject to losing the privilege of subsidized living.
How Subsidized Housing Works
The Housing Authority partners with privately-owned housing to provide subsidies for those in need. It is the Housing Authorities’ responsibility to screen applicants for this housing. Once a tenant is approved, the Housing Authority signs the lease and pays the difference between what the tenant pays and the apartment’s market rate.
This is why there is such a long waiting list and a tremendous need for low-income housing all over the US. The government is now talking about cutting some of these entitlement programs, so the future of government-assisted housing opportunities is always subject to change soon. Check with your city and state for changes.
Government Housing Assistance Programs
- Public Housing
- Section 8 – Housing Choice Vouchers
- Tax Credit Apartments – Income Restricted Communities
Most people are familiar with Public Housing and Section 8 or Housing Choice programs. Affordable Housing is the same thing. All three programs help low-income people by paying rent according to their income needs.
Section 8 Housing can include apartments, public government housing, or private homes. Tax Credit Housing Communities are not as readily available but are more modern and easier to apply for and be approved. Click on the links below to find out in-depth info about each program.
Applying for Government-Assisted Housing
In 1962, the US Housing Act expanded the program with Section 23. Potential tenants are placed on a waiting list for housing. Many people require this service; the waiting period can often be extremely long. Single Women with children have priority over individual residents for obvious reasons. Children need to have a safe and comfortable home in which to live.
Qualifications for Receiving Section 8 Housing
To receive Section 8, you must be below 50% of the area median income. The process of applying for low-income housing is free. If you come across anyone who what’s to charge you or the application, say no thanks and look a little further.
When looking for housing assistance programs, you can also go to www.hud.gov to locate government-assisting housing programs in your state—alternatively, housing authority agencies.
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- Call or visit the housing authority.
- Get on the waiting list.
- Make sure you have proper documentation.
Government Housing Programs
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
How to find HUD Subsidized Housing Properties? With the assistance of HUD, those looking for subsidized housing can locate available properties that offer reduced rent options to low-income families.
HUD has a list of private and public subsidized housing. Go to HUD.com, and enter your county, city, the number of rooms, etc., to see what is available. Contact the location for further details.
For more information – 800-998-9999. Public housing, sometimes called projects, assists the elderly, disabled, veterans, and disadvantaged families in finding affordable housing—contact number – 704-336-5183.
Section 8 is a voucher program that issues prospective tenants with an acceptance voucher for low-income housing. You have to look for a property owner that will accept their voucher. For more information, call 704-336-5183 or visit Section 8 Housing.
Mortgage Assistance Programs
This program works similarly to the other programs, except mortgage assistance helps those who need help to pay their mortgage.
- 888-995-4673
- Government Housing, Vouchers, Rent Assistance
How to Apply for Housing Assistance Programs
Documenting your financial status
When you apply for government-assisted housing, you must bring documentation to prove your status is accurate. Please bring all the proper documentation to avoid having to come back. If you are unsure what is required, make a phone call before you head out to prepare. To apply for low-income housing, please bring,
- W-2, letters
- pay stubs from your job
- current proof of address
- picture identification
- Letter from government assistance agency
- social security cards, birth certificates of children
- Proof of your residency status
In Conclusion
You can wait years to be called for low-income housing. Go to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ask for a list of landlords who take Section 8. Be patient, and if your situation changes, such as experiencing a disaster in your city, be prepared to bring this proof to the housing agency. Soon, they will call you and your family to move into your new affordable home.
Housing prices vary from state to state, but usually, you will be required to pay anything above 30% adjusted monthly income. Your rent will be based on your ability to pay more or less.
When your financial status changes, your rent will be increased according to the salary increase. To continue to receive help from housing assistance programs, you will be asked to bring updated pay stubs to verify your income.
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