About Government Housing

Government housing enables low-income individuals and families to find affordable housing based on income, family size and housing needs. There are housing programs available through the federal government and state agencies. Subsidized housing is offered at either public or government locations or via privately owned apartments and homes. There are special circumstances that enable some minorities and veterans to apply for and receive government housing.

Private Subsidized Housing

Privately owned homes and apartments with a portion or all of the property set aside exclusively for low-income renters receive subsidies or payments from the government. These subsidies are offered to landlords by the federal government via the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Public Subsidized Housing

Government owned properties for low-income individuals and families offer public housing based on income levels. Most HUD housing is offered to families at or below the poverty level. In rare cases, single people will qualify for government housing with preferences in place for disabled and older people. Individuals interesting in applying for government subsidized housing should contact their local Department of Human Services or HUD. In most states, there is a waiting list for subsidized housing and placement is usually on a first come, first served basis.

Government Housing Vouchers

The federal government currently has a housing voucher program often referred to as, Section 8. This program is designed so that low-income families can seek out low-cost rental properties on their own. A voucher is given to the family and upon finding reasonably affordable housing, the family offers the voucher to a qualifying landlord. The vouchers are backed by the U.S. government and offer landlords a percentage of the rent. This allows for a greater selection in housing for families and reduces the amount of people on public subsidized housing waiting lists.

Homeless

HUD and state agencies set aside housing funds for the homeless. There is emergency housing, shelter housing and even single occupancy rooms. Many programs available for government housing of the homeless are available through a local Department of Health and Human Services. Housing preference is usually made for homeless families with children and emergency government housing is available for families with immediate needs.

Veterans

Since the end World War II, HUD has been active in helping United States Veterans find affordable housing available only to veterans and their families. Grants or loans are available to help qualifying veterans become home owners as well as renters. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has offices in every state that offer short-term assistance for homeless veterans and long-term programs for permanent and affordable housing.

Native American Housing

The Federal Government and HUD have several programs that help low-income Native Americans and tribes with housing. Working in conjunction with tribal governments, these programs offer help with buying or renting properties. Tribes submit applications directly to the U.S. government and upon acceptance, receive block grants that help not only with public housing, but a broad range of assistance for low-income Native Americans.

Resources

• Department of Housing and Urban Development website
• Veterans Affairs
• Department of Health and Human Services