The median home price around America is $200,000. The average rental costs just over $1,400 per month. For most people, that’s a lot of their salary. This makes it difficult for them to afford paying for their housing each month. Many veterans are unsure where to turn for assistance, so that they can obtain affordable housing options. As the cost of rent and mortgages continue to rise, it’s important that more people know about the public housing program for veterans.
Public Housing Defined
Many people have heard the term “public housing,” but are not familiar with what it is. Public housing is housing units that are owned or paid for through the government. The federal government owns many housing units around the country. Some of them are apartment buildings, while others may be smaller family homes. They own those units so that they can offer affordable housing to those who are considered low income.
The public housing program for veterans is run through Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The programs offered through HUD are federally funded. Some of the programs to help with public housing programs in each state are administered at the state level, but funded through a government block grant. The grant money is given to the state and local housing authority offices, and they provide public housing programs for veterans with the funds.
Alternative Housing Program
In the past, people had to use the available public housing options if they wanted housing assistance from the government. Many people were not happy with that though, because some of the housing units would be run down, have no open units, or they were areas of town that people didn’t feel safe in. To help address these issues, the government created an alternative public housing program for veterans, called a voucher program.
The voucher program makes it possible for people to obtain affordable housing, but they don’t have to live in specific units that are owned by the government. They are able to live in any housing unit they want, as long as it meets the basic safety criteria, and the landlord accepts vouchers. You get to choose your own housing unit and then as long as the government approves of it, they will provide a voucher to help pay the rent each month. The funds are paid directly to the landlord each month on your behalf, and then you have to pay the rest of what is owed on the rent. This program can help make your monthly rent bill much more affordable, and you have more control over where you live.
Applying for Public Housing for Veterans
To qualify for public housing programs you have to have a low income. You also need to be a citizen or legal immigrant. You may have to show proof of income, proof of identity, your social security number, and other types of documentation. There are two ways that you can apply for public housing. The first one is to contact your local housing authority. Across the country, there are housing authority offices in every major city. You will need to contact the housing authority that is closest to you and get the information on applying for public housing in your area.
The other way to apply for public housing is to contact HUD directly. There are HUD offices in every state around the country. To start the application process, you must first speak with a HUD counselor in your state. The counselor will assess your current financial situation and your housing needs, to ensure you qualify for assistance. If you do, they will guide you on through the next steps of applying for public housing. HUD also offers other assistance programs that you may qualify for. They offer grants to help people pay for necessary home repairs, and they can help people avoid foreclosure.
Housing may be the most expensive bill that people have to face each month. Many people struggle to make ends meet, but there are programs to help them through the difficult financial time. Public housing programs help ease the burden of making sure your rent needs are met each month. The program helps everyone who has a low income and can demonstrate that they need the assistance. To apply, click here.