Low-income housing, often called affordable housing, is designated for households and individuals with low incomes who struggle to secure decent housing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made access to housing increasingly challenging for low-income families. In response, various government, private, and non-profit organizations have stepped up with initiatives and housing relief programs aimed at assisting these families and individuals in their housing search.

Despite these efforts, demand for resources remains high, and local Housing Authorities are still facing significant challenges, even with emergency funding in place.

But don’t worry! The purpose of this article is to empower you to discover ALL affordable housing options in your area. We aim to boost your chances of qualifying for housing assistance.

No need to wait for housing vouchers. Keep reading, and we’ll guide you on how to find, apply for, and qualify for all the affordable housing available near you!

Steps to Locate Section 8 Housing Vouchers Nearby

1. Access our easy-to-use PHA database.
   
2. Input your city, county, or zip code into the search bar and press enter to view the results.
   
3. To find your housing authority, just scroll through the list. Each office listed indicates the type of assistance they offer—whether it’s “Section 8”, “Low-Rent” or a “Combined” approach.
4. Once you’ve found your office, simply click on the box for more information.
   
5. If your specific city or county isn’t listed, you can look up by zip code or simply enter a nearby zip code.

Understanding the distinctions between offices classified as Section 8, low-rent, and combined is crucial for navigating the housing programs they administer.

• ‘Section 8‘ is the original title of the national rental assistance program, which is now technically known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This initiative provides housing aid by subsidizing a significant portion of rent for eligible applicants who adhere to the program’s policies and are approved for residency.
• Under the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), qualified applicants receive vouchers and can select any approved home. You may come across offices designated as Section 8 or Housing Choice Program, which mainly manage this program and oversee the voucher process. This program is in high demand because it allows recipients to choose HUD-approved homes that accept vouchers, often leading to longer waiting lists. For more low-income housing resources, read this article about HUD’s Resource Locator Tool here.
• If you are confronting a housing crisis like eviction or homelessness, you might qualify for Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV). This initiative aims to provide rapid assistance to prevent individuals from becoming homeless. Approved applicants for Emergency Housing Vouchers usually experience shorter waiting periods for move-in or receive immediate assistance. There are various common housing crises that enable you to apply for EHV. To learn more about qualifications and the approval process for Emergency Vouchers, click here to start your EHV application.
• Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) manage public housing programs. Public housing consists of government-owned and managed housing units offered at lower rents for deserving low-income individuals and families. These authorities oversee the distribution and maintenance of such public housing. Look for your local PHA office here.

offices may often be labeled as ‘Combined’, meaning they manage both the Section 8 voucher program and public housing initiatives. These offices provide a range of housing assistance options aimed at individuals and families in need of affordable living spaces.

To find information on applying directly to Low Income Properties in your area (LIHTC), be sure to scroll to the bottom of this article and utilize HUD’s Resource Locator Tool!

Housing Programs Offered by HUD

These housing initiatives can be managed through local city or county housing agencies, supported by HUD’s resources. Each program has different eligibility requirements and rental fee structures.

Generally, the government subsidizes housing costs to accommodate as many families as possible. Let’s explore some of the available housing programs.

Public Housing

A HUD program that offers subsidized rental housing to qualifying low-income households. Resources are allocated in the form of specific apartment complexes or buildings designated for program applicants. You’ll need to apply through your local Public Housing Agency.

Usually, your application places you on a waiting list. You can use the methods above to search for Public Housing Buildings nearby with HUD’s resource locator. Additionally, you can apply for Public Housing and Tax Credit Properties as well as various assistance programs; you aren’t limited to just one application.

Section 8 – The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is a governmental program designed to aid low-income households in covering part of their rent.

To start your application for this housing initiative, you must reach out to your local housing authority before proceeding with the outlined procedures above.

Once you are approved for the program, the local housing authority will arrange an interview or briefing prior to issuing the Section 8 voucher.

This voucher indicates that you are eligible for assistance through the housing relief program. If you do not have a rental property lined up when you receive the voucher, the agency will typically give you at least 60 days to secure a rental.

The funding from the Section 8 voucher is paid directly to the landlord of your chosen rental property each month.

Public Housing

Public housing is also offered by the federal government through HUD to create affordable living options for low-income families, individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors.

To be eligible for the public housing program, the applicant must earn less than 80% of the area’s median income. An application needs to be filled out with your local housing agency to initiate the registration process.

Section 202 – Housing for the Elderly

This specific housing program addresses the needs of low-income seniors or elderly individuals who are no longer part of the workforce.

HUD collaborates with nonprofit organizations to provide this housing option for elderly persons or households that include at least one senior.

When accepted into the Section 202 housing program, tenants are expected to contribute approximately 30% of their total income or as agreed upon with the agency for the operational costs of their housing unit.

To apply, visit your local housing authority to check for available openings or submit an application via the housing authority’s website.

Section 811 – Housing for People with Disabilities

Section 811 offers housing solutions for low-income adults with disabilities or families that include at least one disabled adult.

Applications for this housing type are also made through the local housing authority, and upon acceptance, tenants will pay 30% of their annual income or a budget-based rent as specified by the agency.

Similar to the other housing programs, there is a waiting list here as well, but there are preferences that may expedite the applicant’s position on the list for quicker responses.

Apply Directly to Low-Income Landlords. Don’t Just Wait on Section 8

If you find yourself stuck on a lengthy waiting list for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and can’t afford to wait months or years, this is a crucial affordable housing tip that many of our readers have successfully utilized to escape those long lists.

We hope the following paragraphs will lead you to a safe, clean, and affordable apartment swiftly or significantly enhance your chances of receiving housing assistance faster. Please share your successes with this approach in the comments below!

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties. To apply for LIHTC, you can pursue low-income apartments in your area that have benefited from a tax credit or received a tax discount. These properties allocate a portion of their units to low-income applicants. While these apartments have their own approval process, it closely resembles the procedure for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, as it operates under HUD’s guidelines. The LIHTC property will establish the amount of rent that will be covered based on your application details.

Like Section 8, LIHTC will determine your rent amount based on your income relative to the area’s poverty line and average fair market rent. If you’ve already applied for Section 8 and are on the HCV waiting list, applying to these properties near you may allow you to bypass or substantially shorten your wait time. Keep reading to find out how to contact the apartments in your vicinity and submit your application.

These apartments might be able to approve you for safe, clean, and affordable housing more quickly than the Section 8 HCV program. Furthermore, please note that many of these LIHTC properties may also welcome your Section 8 voucher if you are approved by the HCV program. This allows you to avoid the hassle of searching for a landlord willing to accept your HCV on your own.

How to find Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties.
You can identify these properties by utilizing HUD’s Resource Locator. Be sure to read this article before you visit the HUD Resource Locator Tool. We provide clear explanations on how to find and contact these specific properties in your area to start your LIHTC application.

Don’t just wait for Section 8 approval. Take proactive steps to locate and apply to low-income landlords in your vicinity today! Click here or follow the link below to begin your journey of connecting with local Low Income Housing Landlords using HUD’s Resource Locator Tool!

HUD Resource Locator Tutorial
https://affordablehousingheroes.com/hud-resource-locator-tutorial/

Review

The Reasons and Benefits of Applying to Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties (LIHTC)

1. Streamlined Application Process: LIHTC properties allow you to submit applications directly to local landlords who offer affordable housing to eligible low-income tenants. This direct approach can lead to a faster response time.
2. Enhanced Chances for Rental Assistance Approval: Applying to a wider range of LIHTC properties significantly boosts your chances of being approved for rental assistance. Depending on your city, there may be multiple LIHTC properties available, and increasing your applications diversifies your opportunities for support.
3. Acceptance of Section 8 Vouchers: A number of LIHTC properties are known to accept Section 8 Vouchers, which simplifies the search for a landlord willing to take your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. This can make your journey to obtaining affordable housing much less complicated.
4. Familiar Application Process: If you have previously applied for Section 8, the application approach for LIHTC properties will feel similar, as they fall under HUD’s guidelines for Section 8 HCV. This familiarity can make your search for affordable housing more efficient.
5. Modern Units or Apartments: You might discover that LIHTC units are located in contemporary apartment complexes that also house non-low-income residents. Properties participating in the LIHTC program often share the same inventory for both low-income and other tenants, ensuring that LIHTC properties are among the newest, finest, and safest affordable housing options available.

Identifying and Addressing Housing Discrimination

In the United States, landlords and property owners are barred from discriminating against individuals in renting or purchasing properties based on their race, religion, nationality, or disability. Housing discrimination is illegal and is considered a criminal act under the Fair Housing Act, which has been implemented by the government to combat this issue.

• Landlords and property owners are obligated to offer suitable housing to everyone, regardless of their race, beliefs, or religion.
• Any tenant who feels that they have been denied housing rights or prevented from renting due to the reasons mentioned can take action by reporting the landlord to the relevant authorities, thus ensuring that justice is served against anyone engaged in discriminatory behavior.

Alternatively, you may find it beneficial to use the HUD Resource Tool, which we’ve covered in another detailed guide for your convenience. More info can be found here.