Help With Low-Income Housing Rent
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, helps low-income families pay their rent. Rental subsidies are provided to families that meet the low income-limit levels established for their area. The income-limit levels vary depending on the area median income for each county. Seniors, families, people with disabilities and the homeless can get help so they can afford their rent. Affordable housing programs are typically administered through local housing authorities.
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Public Housing
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HUD's Public Housing Program allows low-income families to live in subsidized rental units that can be found across the nation. The family must meet income-limit levels to qualify for help. Tenants that go through this program are responsible for paying 30 percent of their income toward rent; HUD pays for the remaining portion of the rent. If the tenant moves out of the rental unit, he no longer receives help with rent payments unless he obtains a Section 8 voucher or moves into another HUD Public Housing Program facility.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
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The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program also provides a rental subsidy for low-income households. Unlike HUD's Public Housing Program, the rental subsidy isn't tied to a particular rental unit. The tenant can use her subsidy at any rental housing that accepts a voucher as a form of payment. The tenant is still responsible for paying 30 percent of her income toward rent. The Housing Choice Voucher Program was implemented so low-income households could integrate into mixed-income rental apartments.
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Second Chance Homes
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Second Chance Homes are for teen mothers and their children who have no other place to live. These supervised group homes help teen moms get on the path to becoming self-sufficient. Supportive services include job skills training, case management, child care and parenting classes. To be eligible for help, the applicant should be between the ages of 14 and 20 and receiving welfare assistance. The program is funded through state governments and community-based organizations. Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas and Georgia have committed to making Second Chance Homes a statewide program.
HUD-VASH
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HUD has partnered with the Department of Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, or VASH, program to offer rental help for homeless veterans. HUD has allocated 20,000 Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans as of February 2011. To qualify for help, a veteran must lack an adequate nighttime residence. The veteran is required to participate in supportive services, such as case management and participation in substance abuse programs, to receive help with rent. Supportive services help ensure that the veteran can maintain his housing.
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References
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