How to Find Government Grants for Housing

Funds to help with housing costs come in two different categories. You can find help for individuals in the form of programs that provide direct aid. Government grants do not go to individual people: they go to organizations that offer housing-related public services.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Find out what sort of aid you need and what category you might fall into by calling the Housing Urban Development, or HUD, at its toll-free line, [phone]. Special programs exist for children, homeless teens, Native Americans, the elderly, disabled and many other groups.

2. Act immediately if you own a home and are facing foreclosure. Call the HUD toll-free line in Step 1, or contact local HUD-approved counseling agencies listed on the HUD website to get information and assistance.

3. Check the Government Benefits website to find out what specific programs exist and whether you might qualify for help.

4. Gather information at the HUD website if you run a community or faith-based non-profit organization with housing-related service that might qualify for a grant. Or, get HUD-approved to participate in programs that qualify you for discounts to rehabilitate property.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get all the information you need about available grants and programs, along with guidance about how to apply for free, through a HUD counselor.

• Never pay money to get a list of government grants, this is a common scam.

• Don't pay for counseling. The toll free number in Step 1 or the counseling agencies at the HUD website will go over your options with you at no charge

• Beware of foreclosure "rescue" scams and avoid signing any papers until you check with a HUD-approved counselor. Watch out for dishonest people who take advantage of those about to lose their homes to foreclosure.

Resources

• Government Benefits website
• HUD-approved local housing counseling agencies
• Government Grant information for non-profit organizations