Affordable housing programs help people find safe, decent homes they can afford. These programs are run by the government and by nonprofit organizations. They are designed to support individuals and families whose incomes make it hard to pay high housing costs on the open market.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What affordable housing is
- How different programs work
- Who is eligible
- How to apply
- Tips for success
What Is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing means homes—rentals or owned—that cost no more than about 30% of a household’s income. If your rent or mortgage is more than that, you may struggle to pay for other essentials like food, healthcare, and transportation. Affordable housing programs exist to prevent that from happening.
Affordable housing includes:
- Rental apartments with reduced rent
- Homes for purchase with financial help
- Public housing owned by local housing authorities
- Housing vouchers you can use in the private market
Why Affordable Housing Programs Exist
Most communities have people who work hard but still cannot afford housing at market prices. Affordable housing programs aim to:
- Reduce housing cost burden
- Stabilize families and communities
- Improve access to safe and healthy living conditions
These programs help older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, single parents, and lower-income workers.
Main Types of Affordable Housing Programs
There are several major programs, each with a different way of helping. Here are the main ones:
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 is one of the most well-known affordable housing programs in the United States. It helps eligible families rent housing in the private market. The program pays part of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest.
You can use this voucher in many types of housing — like apartments, townhomes, or duplexes — as long as the unit meets safety standards.
Learn more about the Section 8 program from HUD.
Our partner page Section 8 Search also helps you search for Section 8 housing options in your area.
2. Public Housing
Public housing is owned and managed by local housing authorities. These homes are reserved for people with low income. Rents are set based on your income, usually about 30% of what you earn.
Public housing can be apartment buildings or single-family homes, depending on the community.
For more on public housing, visit HUD’s public housing page.
3. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
This program does not give money directly to renters. Instead, it encourages developers to build affordable housing by offering tax credits. In return, the developer must keep the rent low for people with low to moderate incomes.
LIHTC properties often include modern apartments with income limits based on the area.
More on this program: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) – HUD
4. HOME Investment Partnerships Program
HOME provides grants to states and cities to build, buy, or repair affordable housing. It can support both rental homes and homes you can buy.
Local governments decide how to use HOME funds — for example:
- Building new affordable homes
- Offering down payment help for first-time buyers
- Repairing homes for people who can’t afford costs on their own
5. USDA Rural Development Housing Programs
If you live in a rural area, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers programs for affordable rental housing and home ownership loans with low interest.
This support is especially valuable where housing options are limited.
More information: USDA Rural Housing Service
Who Can Qualify for Affordable Housing?
Eligibility depends on several things:
- Your household income
- The number of people in your household
- Local income limits where you live
Most programs set income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI). For example, a program may serve households earning 50% or 80% of the AMI. These limits change each year and vary by location.
Check income limits in your area: Income Limits – HUD User
Generally, the lower your income relative to local AMI, the more likely you are to qualify.
How to Apply for Affordable Housing
Applying can be different for each program. Here are basic steps that work for most:
1. Find Your Local Housing Authority
Public housing and Section 8 vouchers are handled locally. Search for your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) using HUD’s search tool:
2. Gather Important Documents
Common items you’ll need:
- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
- Proof of expenses (childcare, medical, etc.)
Having these ready makes the process faster.
3. Complete the Application
Some applications are online, while others require mail or in-person delivery. You may have to choose which programs you want to apply for.
Important: Many housing programs have waiting lists because demand is high. Apply as soon as you can.
Understanding Waiting Lists
Waiting lists are common because more people need affordable housing than there are homes available. Once you apply, you may wait months or even years before housing becomes available.
Some lists are “closed,” meaning no new applications are being accepted at that time. Check back often or ask your PHA about openings.
Tips for Success
Here are some ways to improve your chances:
1. Apply Early and Often
Don’t wait. Apply as soon as you think you might qualify.
2. Keep Your Contact Info Updated
If your phone number or address changes, let your housing office know so you don’t miss important updates.
3. Ask for Help
Nonprofits and housing counselors can help you understand the process and complete forms.
You can find free housing counseling at: HUD Approved Housing Counselors
4. Know Your Rights
You can ask for help if you feel something is unfair. Housing authorities cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, family status, disability, or national origin.
Learn your rights: Fair Housing – HUD
How Affordable Housing Helps You and Your Community
Affordable housing does more than lower rent. It can help you:
- Save money for other needs
- Stay in a safe, stable home
- Keep children in the same school
- Build credit and financial stability
Communities benefit when families have stable housing because:
- Local businesses have more customers
- Schools have less student turnover
- Neighborhoods become stronger
Summary
Affordable housing programs work by using government support to reduce the cost of housing for people who need it most. Programs like Section 8 vouchers, public housing, LIHTC properties, and USDA programs all help in different ways. The key steps are understanding eligibility, applying early, and staying organized.
Affordable housing can change lives by giving families a stable place to live and grow. If you need help, start with your local housing authority and check out trusted resources online.
If you want help finding affordable rental options like Section 8 in your area, you can visit our partner site: Section8Search.org.
