Finding Low Income Housing

Many people find it difficult to find housing they can afford.

H.U.D., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers help to some of them via two programs, using grants from the federal government: Section 8, and Housing and Community Facilities Programs (the latter generally helps people living in areas).

How get low income housing via the Section 8 program:

Confirm that you are eligible for the program.

In order to qualify, your total household income (HHI) must be below limit established by the public housing authority in your area. You must be 18 years or older and have a satisfacory public record (generally this means no history of violence).

Get and fill out the application for Section 8

Get in touch with the public housing authority in your area and ask for the application, which is free.

Note that you can apply to multiple offices of the public housing authority, which cover separate geographic areas. When work on completing it, be forthright about your history. Be sure to include the necessary documentation, in pay stubs, income tax records and the like. Note that you must list all the people who will live with you.

Get your name onto the waiting list for each public housing authority to which you apply.

Be patient--it often takes more than a year to get to the top of the list. If your need is an emergency, it may help to let the housing authority know. In some situations, they my grant you priority status.

Be sure you tell the housing authority if your contact details change.

Once you’re at the top of the waiting list, you’ll be mailed a housing a voucher.

Find an apartment that takes part in Section 8

Keep in mind that there’s a time limit to find housing--generally 90 days.

How get low income housing via the Housing and Community Facilities Program:

Gather your documents and paperwork for your local Public Housing Agency.

This entails recent pay stubs, Social Security cards and birth certificates for you and your dependents.

Locate your nearest Public Housing Agency

It’s either a state or municipal agency that provides funds. See the HUD web site at HUD.gov for information on finding the housing office nearest you.

Be patient

Since the application for public housing is in excess of available funds, the wait can take months or even years. It’s possible that the housing office can help you find emergency housing if you are homeless.

Stay in frequent touch with your local housing office

Its staff might be able to direct you to additional programs for low-income people.

See if qualify for help from Habitat for Humanity

Consult its web site, www.habitat.org. A committee determines the need of homeowners it ultimately helps. Factors include whether you are able and willing to donate your time to help build other houses, and whether you have the wherewithal to repay the loan on a house that is built for you.