Housing Assistance for Low-Income Families With Multiple Children in Oklahoma
Low-income families with multiple children may have trouble just paying for the basics of life, like housing. With multiple children, they likely have many other expenses, such as high food bills, medical costs, clothing, utilities and school fees. Several agencies in Oklahoma help large families with housing when needed. Sometimes it is challenging to find housing assistance for families with multiple children, though, because they need larger housing units than a small- or moderately-sized family.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
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Administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers allow families in Oklahoma a wide range of choices in housing. Families that qualify for vouchers can choose to live anywhere they like, provided landlords agree to accept the vouchers. The amount of assistance provided depends on both family size and family income, so families with multiple children generally receive more aid than small families. HUD.gov provides a listing of Section 8 offices nearest you (see Resources).
Public Housing
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Most cities in Oklahoma, at least cities of moderate or large size, offer public housing for families with low incomes. Rent depends on income and family size. In many cities, apartments with multiple bedrooms are available for families with multiple children; for instance, the Oklahoma City Housing Authority offers apartments with as many as five bedrooms for large families. The available apartments vary from time to time, however. Affordable Housing Online provides a listing of the public housing authorities nearest you (see Resources).
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Oklahoma Department of Human Services
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The Oklahoma Department of Human Services does not provide any financial assistance specifically earmarked for housing assistance, but does provide cash assistance to families with low incomes that they can use to help pay for housing if they feel that's their greatest need. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services also offers assistance with utility bills (see Resources). Take proof of your family income when you go to apply. Staff there can probably direct you to other sources of assistance, too.
Other Sources of Help
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Sometimes churches help low-income families pay for housing, at least temporarily or in emergency situations. Homeless shelters and battered women's shelters also provide emergency housing assistance for some families with multiple children. Look for shelters in your local yellow pages, or telephone your local United Way and ask for referrals to sources of housing assistance.
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