Are you eligible for housing assistance? The answer may surprise you! We’ve found 10 housing assistance programs that may be able to help you.
As you review our list, it’s important to remember that each program and organization can set their own eligibility requirements. Some may be able to help you, others may not. If one doesn’t work for you, just move on to the next.
Emergency Housing Assistance
If you are in an emergency situation and need shelter, there are programs that can help you. We have found many homeless shelters, transitional housing programs and long-term supportive housing options for people in crisis.
211 Helpline
Call 211 as soon as possible! They can help you navigate local resources such as shelters in your area. They can also connect you with homeless prevention services, if you aren’t already homeless. I cannot overstate how important it is to connect with 211 right away if you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers comprehensive housing programs including shelters, transitional housing and more. They help tens of thousands of people every night in America. If you’re facing homelessness or need emergency assistance, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your local Salvation Army.
Motel Vouchers
There are many local and nationwide organizations that can provide motel vouchers for people who are experiencing housing insecurity. This service is often organized by small local Churches, so please contact your local Church or Community Action Council to see if they know of any services like this in your area.
Get Help Finding Housing
Finding affordable housing can be a challenge! If you need help finding safe, stable housing, then you may want to check out the resources in this section.
Public Housing
If you need help finding affordable housing, your Public Housing Authority may be able to help you. You can also apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers with your local PHA! They also coordinate public housing, which are housing units owned by the government that are rented to low income families or at-risk families.
Even aside from their traditional housing assistance programs, though, they are generally well-connected to the community and know where you can find more affordable rentals.
Housing Assistance for Renters
If you are renting, then you know how expensive and overwhelming rent can be. Most people are just one emergency away from being unable to pay their rent. Fortunately, there are programs that can help you with your rent payments.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program can help you pay your rent! Through this program, the government provides a rent subsidy that pays a percentage of your rent.
The downside? It takes a while to be approved for this program. Even after you are approved, you’ll need to find a landlord who is willing to take the voucher and work within the rules of the program. Some landlords will not accept Section 8 at all.
However, this program has provided a tremendous amount of housing assistance to those who have successfully applied and used these vouchers.
You can apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers with your local Public Housing Authority. Some PHAs will even let you use these vouchers toward the purchase of your own home!
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
Some of the rental assistance programs that began in 2020 still have funds left! If you need help with your rent, check out your local Emergency Rental Assistance Program and see if it’s still operational. Some states have closed them, other states are leaving them open for a while.
Rental Assistance Grants
If you need help paying your rent right now, don’t worry. We’ve found tons of resources for you. Here’s a list of rental assistance grants you need to know about.
First-Time Homebuyer Housing Assistance
If you dream of owning your own home, you’ll be glad to know that we’ve found programs that can help you purchase your own property! There are many different down payment assistance programs, grant programs, and even low-cost loan programs that can help you with your home purchase. Here’s a full list of first-time homebuyer assistance programs.
Housing Assistance for Homeowners
Own your own home? We’ve found help for you, too. There are programs that can help homeowners with their mortgage payments, home repairs, disability modifications and more.
Home Repair & Modification Grants
If you need help with an expensive repair or disability modification, then you need to know about this. We’ve found countless grants and assistance programs that can help you make those adjustments. We’ve organized the list by state for your convenience. Find the grant you need right here!
Housing Counselors
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a Housing Counseling program. This program provides information on homes, rentals, default, foreclosure avoidance, and more. Agencies that are participating in HUD’s Housing Counseling Program are not allowed to charge consumers for these specific services. You can call (800) 569-4287 or search online for a housing counselor near you.
Nicole Thelin
Have too much month at the end of your money? Me too - and that's how Low Income Relief got started. I have over 20 years of professional research and writing experience. Over the years, I've worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. My work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, eHow.com, Livestrong.com, Legal Beagle, The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), The Chronicle (Centralia, WA) and others. At Low Income Relief, I use my professional research and reporting experience to help low income families save money and make ends meet. It's been my full-time job since 2016, and it's truly an honor to serve you.
