There is a common misconception that all low-income households are the same. In reality, there is a wide range of incomes and circumstances within this group. Some low-income households may be eligible for government assistance, while others may not. The one thing that all low-income households have in common is that they struggle to afford to house. So, we have dived deep into the matter with help of Hieu Nguyen, an expert on housing solutions. He has helped us to aggregate several solutions including section 8 housing.
Housing Solutions For Low-Income Households
There are a number of programs and initiatives in place to help low-income households with their housing needs. In this article, we will take a look at some of these programs and how they can help you.
Section 8 Housing
is a federal program that helps low-income families pay their rent. Section 8 housing is not free, but it is heavily subsidized by the government. In most cases, landlords accept section 8 vouchers as a form of payment for rent and utilities on behalf of their tenants.
As part of your application process, you will be asked to submit information about your income and assets and provide proof of identification cards that show both your name and date of birth (e.g., driver’s license). You’ll also have to agree to submit to criminal background checks if necessary. It is generally done during the time period in which you are approved for public assistance under this program.
Section 8 housing was created as part of the National Housing Act of 1937. The first major law passed by President Franklin D Roosevelt’s administration in response to widespread unemployment during The Great Depression.
If you are thinking of buying a house in the suburbs, then you must have heard that the price of the house will be higher than the one in the city. But don’t worry, because there is an alternative for you if you are looking for a house in the suburbs.
Resources for knowing more about section 8 housing and finding affordable options –
The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program
This pogram for Persons with Disabilities provides housing assistance to very low-income people who are blind or have a physical disability income. The program helps pay the rent, mortgage, taxes and insurance on specially designed homes that are modified to meet their needs. This program is funded by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Benefits of this Program:
- It helps pay rent or mortgage payments on specially adapted houses.
- Eligible participants may receive rental assistance vouchers to help with their monthly housing costs.
The requirements are listed below –
- Applicants must be legally blind or living with a physical disability.
- Applicants must live in one of several designated areas/
- Applicant’s income must be less than 50% of area median income standards.
- Applicants must be able to provide proof that they own no more than $3200 worth of personal belongings (appliances excluded).
- Applicants has to fulfill all other federal requirements regarding tenancy status.
- They have to be willing to take part in an approved counseling program before being awarded benefits.
Project-Based Rental Assistance
Just like section 8 housing, project-based rental assistance is a type of federal housing program. It provides low-income households with subsidized housing in privately owned properties. This can include apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.
To qualify for this type of assistance, you must be at or below 80% area median income (AMI) for your area and meet other eligibility requirements. You must also have one or more minor children living with you who are not already claimed by another family member on their tax returns.
Project-based rental assistance has several benefits over other types of affordable housing programs. These may include –
- Lower rent payments than what’s offered through Section 8 vouchers or public housing,
- Longer contracts that can last up to 15 years instead of five or six,
- Higher property standards compared to subsidized units managed directly by HUD,
- Greater flexibility over how families use the subsidy money they receive each month,
- The ability to choose where you want to live within your geographic area without having to apply separately at each development site.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned information will help you to know more about the affordable housing in the suburbs. So, if you want to buy a house in the suburbs, then you must check the price and the quality of the house. If you don’t find the house that you want in the suburbs, then you can visit the real estate agent.
This article belongs to a series of articles prepared from the essence of experience-based suggestions of Mr. Hieu Nguyen.
Hieu Nguyen, who is an investor in real estate as well as an entrepreneur, was born on August 10, 1975. In 2004, he launched his career as a real estate investor. In 2019, he started working on the website for Hello Section 8 with the intention of creating a better community for landlords and renters.
