HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS

In spite of all the bad press, and rightly so, that our U.S. government is receiving these days; there are still agencies in place that are available to assist you with low-income housing and other needs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is one source that you can check out and apply for assistance as soon as possible. The main link to this site is, http://www.hud.gov/. When you click on this link, choose the state that you live in from the drop down box under “Quick Links.” Also, to your left you will see a column that has links for more valuable information such as, homeless, renting, foreclosures, home improvements and much more. The direct link for “Renting” information is, http://www.hud.gov/renting/index.cfm.

If your desire is not to live in public housing, there is a program in place that allows you more flexibility in satisfying your present housing needs, as long as the owner of the home or apartment meets certain requirements. HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS are overseen by public housing agencies, (PHAs), who receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to participate in this program. Once the owner agrees to rent under this program, the rental unit itself must meet certain minimum standards such as, health and safety. The landlord is paid a certain amount, subsidized, under this program, and you the renter pay the rest of the monthly rent according to your income level. And the best news of all is, under certain circumstances, the PHA may authorize you to purchase a modest home. Of course, you would have to meet all of their requirements, and you will find out what they are when you contact them.

ELIGIBILITY FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE

The main criterion to determine your eligibility is your income and family size. Generally speaking, your total gross income must not exceed the median income level, “50%” for the metropolitan area, or county in which you and your family choose to live. In certain areas, and under certain situations, this percentage may be different. There are many factors involved in determining your eligibility, but don’t let that discourage you. The PHA will also collect information concerning the following: your employer, bank, family income, assets, local agencies, and how many people you alone may be responsible for.

For those who reside in Atlanta, Georgia for instance, here is the link for instructions on how to apply for a HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER, http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/RentalAssistance/programs/apply_hcvp.asp. Please note that there are phone numbers for callers inside of the Metro Atlanta area, and, an (888) number for those not in the Atlanta calling area. Clicking on the same link will provide more information such as, home ownership, homeless and special needs, and a PDF outlining the income limits. You will also find a link for the county newspapers that will publish in the legal section of the classified for your county the waiting list open for that county. All those that are interested are directed to call, (888) 858-6085 or (404) 327-7912. Again, the (888) number is for those not in the Atlanta calling area.

Ok, now I have really made searching this web site easy for you. Just click on the following link, http://www.hud.gov/assist/siteindex.cfm, and you will have access to all of the programs and services that are related to this site. If you don’t have a personal computer, you can use one free of charge at any public library. There is usually a time limit, about an hour, so that other patrons may also have access. So, the best thing to do is write down a list of the items that you need to research and stick to your list.

As for me, I am like a kid in a candy store whenever I research new information online. I want to see it all, and end up running behind on my writing projects. So now, I have to force myself to focus on what I need to learn at any given moment. Perhaps a friend can let you use their computer for research. You won’t know if one is available if you don’t ask. And if you are not computer savvy, most people are sincerely willing to assist those who are trying to help themselves. Now is not the time for false pride. Humility goes a very long way. So have at it! And if you know someone who may benefit from this information, please share it.

We are our sister’s keepers.