Public Housing Program

• The HUD Public Housing Program provides a rental subsidy to multifamily and single family homes across the country. Tenants who live in an assisted housing unit are responsible for paying 30 percent of their income toward rent. HUD pays the remaining portion. To qualify for public housing, the family's income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income; however, applicants with lower incomes will be given a priority. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens to qualify for an assisted housing unit.
  
  

Section 8 Voucher

• HUD's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program also provides rental subsidies to qualified low-income families. The rental subsidy can pay for rent at a conventional housing complex as long as the property owner accepts the voucher as a form of payment. The tenant is responsible for paying 30 percent of his income toward rent. The housing authority pays HUD's portion of the rent directly to the property owner. To qualify for a voucher, the family's income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income.
  
  

Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program

• The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program helps homeless families and those at-risk of becoming homeless obtain housing. A temporary grant is provided to pay for rent, delinquent rent, a security deposit, a moving truck and other moving related expenses. The family's income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income. They may also be able to obtain a motel voucher for up to 30 days while transitioning to permanent housing.
  
  

Housing Programs for Veterans

• The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has formed a partnership with HUD to provide 20,000 Section 8 vouchers to homeless veteran families. The voucher subsidizes a portion of the veteran's rent. To qualify for help, the veteran must agree to participate in case management services. The VA also provides funding for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program that helps homeless veteran families and those at-risk of becoming homeless secure permanent housing. Money can be used to pay for rent, a security deposit and other moving expenses. The family's income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income. Supportive services such as child care and transportation can also be provided.