Affordable Housing: Your First Steps

A Community In Need

Everybody deserves a place to call home. The truth is many Americans are cost burdened and struggle to afford necessities such as food and medical care, making obtaining housing extremely difficult. If you have found yourself in this position, you are not alone.

“An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households now pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes for housing.” *

Millions of families are forced to sacrifice certain fundamental needs to afford the roof over their heads. This statistic exhibits the critical need for more housing affordable to low-income households in the United States.

A Place To Start

If you or someone you know are looking for assistance there is help available. If you are unsure of where to start, begin by doing your research on the different support programs available both nationally and locally. One of the most comprehensive resources you can utilize is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Here you will find a variety of useful tools and links to facilitate your affordable housing needs.

Perspective renters and homebuyers, as well as homeless persons and victims of foreclosure, are just some of the individuals that can benefit from this website. Navigating your options can be overwhelming, fortunately, you can speak to a housing counselor for professional advice on whatever questions you may have. If you are interested in rental assistance, this website allows you to search for subsidized and public housing and provides thorough information on the renting process.

One of the most valuable options available for those seeking affordable housing is a grant. Grants are non-repayable loans provided to low-income individuals that financially assist with the purchase of a home, rental or bill payments and home repairs. Find out what grant programs are available, if you qualify and how to apply at Grants.gov.

One Of A Kind Resource

Surprisingly, housing resources provided by the Federal government help only about 25% of eligible households, leaving a large need for more affordable housing options in our country. Many states and some of the larger U.S. cities have turned to their own revenue to assist in funding low-income rental housing programs. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has found over 300 active programs and has created a one of a kind resource that includes programs separate from those that are federally funded. You can search that database here.

Building Futures

With the belief that everyone should have a safe, affordable place to call home, Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps make the dream of owning a home possible for low-income individuals. They are on a steadfast mission to bring people together and build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat works to build and improve homes for qualifying individuals and they also help prepare those individuals for the various responsibilities of homeownership to ensure long-term success. Find out more about the qualification for Habitat Homeownership or contact your local Habitat to learn about the application process and how to become a volunteer.

One of the best places to find help is in your own backyard. Many of the local non-profits strive to improve their own communities and offer assistance to families and individuals in need of housing — including free counseling, homeownership classes, or help with renovations or repairs. Nonprofits such as Neighborworks can help you locate organizations in your community. Using their helpful directory, you can search by your state, zip code or organization name and find all necessary contact information as well as website. You can also ask around in your neighborhood.

Make Your Voice Heard

While the need for affordable housing options continues to grow, there are several organizations working tirelessly to assure people in need are provided with housing assistance. These advocates help drive the necessary conversation surrounding the issue and empower individuals to do the same. Visit National Low Income Housing Coalition to find out how you can make a difference in your community.