Low income or not, the cost of housing in America has become a big challenge for many people in recent years. Around the country, the cost of buying and renting properties has skyrocketed. This has made people have to move, rethink their living arrangements, and seek out helpful programs. The good news is that there are programs that provide rent assistance for low income families.
In order to qualify for most rent assistance programs, you do have to meet low income guidelines. The programs are made possible largely through state and federal programs, that aim to help keep people from becoming homeless. Most of the programs that are available offer the help without ever expecting it to be paid back. There are rare instances where the families may receive loans that will need to be paid back over time, but they will know the terms of that going into it.
Apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for or that meet the criteria for the type of rent assistance you are seeking. There is no limit to the number of programs you can turn to for help, and reaching out to more than one will help ensure that you get the assistance needed to keep your family from becoming homeless.
Types of Rent Assistance Programs for Low Income Families
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a federal agency that provides more housing and rental assistance in the country each year than any other program. They have numerous programs in place to help people and have a mission of reduce homelessness. Some of the programs they offer include public housing, otherwise known as Section 8, which will provide people with a government owned housing unit to live in. They also have a voucher program, which will allow you to choose where you live, as long as it meets their guidelines, and they will provide help to pay for the rent each month. In addition to helping people pay for their housing, they will also provide assistance in locating affordable housing options in your area. They will also help pay for things like housing repairs. To qualify for the HUD programs, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about the programs offered through the agency, find your state’s HUD office. To see a list of state HUD offices, click here.
USDA Rural Development Program – This is a program offered through the federal government. The program will help low income families to buy a home if it is in a rural area of the country. The program offers both loans, which are paid back over time, and grants, which do not have to be paid back. Which one you receive to use toward your housing is determined by your income and the area that you want to buy in. The programs offered through this program are specifically for those who have a very low or low income and would like to buy a home, rather than continue to pay rent. They do not require you to have any money down in order to qualify. To get more information about the program or apply for it, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This is a federally funded program that is available around the country. It is called alternative names in some states, but this is the name for the program in the majority of them. This program will provide families with low incomes cash assistance. The cash that those approved receive each month can use it toward any living expenses, including to help pay their rent or other housing costs. Most states do have a five year time limit on how long you can receive help through this program. To qualify, you do have to have at least one minor child in the home, meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, find the TANF office in your state. To get more information, click here.
Public Housing Authority – There are public housing authority offices in each state. There are also some found in larger counties, as well as a larger office within the state. The offices are tasked with helping low income families with their housing needs. They have access to various programs that will provide rent assistance, grants, and public housing options, help you locate affordable housing, and more. They are a good resource to turn to in order to find help with locating affordable housing and getting it paid for each month. To get more information you need to find your state or local public housing authority office. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This national organization has offices in every state. They are faith-based, but do not expect those they help to be religious. They provide a range of programs to help people in need. If you need short term rental assistance you may be able to get it from your local Salvation Army office. To get more information about the services they offer, contact the location near you to see if they offer help paying the rent, or if they know of other local programs that do. To find an office near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – Similar to Salvation Army, this is a national organization that has offices in each state. They provide a range of assistance programs that will help those who have a low income. You may be able to get short term rental assistance from the location near you. Contact the location in your area to see if they offer help paying the rent or if they can provide you with a referral to a place that does. To find a location near you, click here.
211 – This is a number from the United Way that you can call to get assistance. Let them know you need help paying your rent and they will find programs in your local area that you can turn to. To get more information about their program, click here.
