How to Get a Housing Grant

Housing grants are available for seniors who need help paying their rent.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding to states and local governments to develop affordable housing programs in their areas. Individuals and nonprofit agencies can apply for a grant through one of these agencies. To qualify for help, the individual's total household income must be at or below the low-income limit level, or 80 percent of the area's median income. Nonprofit agencies that apply for a housing grant are evaluated on their experience developing affordable housing and the population that will benefit from the project.

Instructions

1. Check your city, county and state agencies' websites to find out what grant funding is available. There are different housing grants offered to seniors, low-income families, people with disabilities and nonprofit organizations. Grants are available for emergency shelter, home repair and affordable housing development. You can also check your local housing authority's website to find out if funding is available for the Section 8 rental assistance program.

2. Obtain an application for a housing grant. Sometimes the application is available online. You may have to go to the agency's office to get the application. If funding is not currently available, you may be placed on a waiting list or you may have to wait until the waiting list is open to obtain an application. Housing grants for nonprofit organizations are typically awarded on a competitive basis. The granting agency will outline when applications are due.

3. Complete the application. You are required to certify that all the information you have provided on the application is true and accurate. Along with the application you are required to provide documentation to support your need for a housing grant. If you are an individual applying for rental assistance, you must provide copies of your pay stubs, Social Security card and identification cards. This information helps the agency determine your eligibility for assistance. You must meet the income limit level and citizenship requirements to get a grant. Nonprofit organizations are required to submit a grant proposal, evidence of 501(c)3 status, project leaders' resumes and project budget.

4. Sign the agreement. Once you are approved for a housing grant or rental assistance, you are required to sign an agreement to participate in the program. This agreement can be a rental lease or the grant award. Housing grants require the program participant to comply with federal regulations to receive the award. If you do not comply with the agreement, you may be required to repay the money or your rental assistance will be terminated. Nonprofit agencies that receive a housing grant are required to keep the rents affordable in their development for a specified amount of time.

Tips & Warnings

• You can speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor to find out what programs are available in your area. The counselor can help you determine which income limit level your household falls into.

References

• Grants.gov: Applying for Grants

Resources

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Homepage