How To Find Low-Income Housing Near you

How To Find Low-Income Housing Near you

You Will Learn

  • How to get low-income housing by visiting your local housing agency in your area to submit applications.
  • How to apply directly to HUD sponsored affordable housing opportunities near you directly.  No more just waiting on PHA to process your application. Learn how to increase your odds of finding housing assistance. 
  • How to make use of the HUD resource locator to find affordable housing near you.
  • To understand the different types of housing programs available to low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities.
  • How to get help paying rent and also how to tackle the problem of housing discrimination based on color of your skin, religious beliefs or disability.

Low-income housing, also referred to as affordable housing, is made available for households and individuals with low incomes who are not able to afford decent housing.

Access to housing has become more difficult for low-income families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and various government, private, and non-profit organizations have tried to step in and help salvage the situation by providing initiatives and housing relief programs to assist low-income families and individuals in obtaining housing. However resources are still in high demand and local Housing Authorities are still greatly overwhelmed despite emergency funding programs.
Don’t WORRY! The goal of this article is to help you locate ALL affordable housing near you. We hope to increase your odds of being approved for housing assistance. You do not have to wait round on housing vouchers. Keep reading and we will show you how to locate, apply and qualify for all affordable housing near you!

Steps to Locate Low-Income Housing Near You

The government’s low-income housing program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Locate affordable housing programs near you by following the steps below.

  1. Work with the HUD agency to determine where you want to live and access your location by clicking the Geolocation Button geolocation hud website on the HUD resource locator here.
  2. Search for the contact information of a public housing authority in your area. You can make use of the housing authority’s website to start off the application process. If you don’t have your geolocation on, you can search for PHA near you in the Search Box. search box HUD's website
  3. Check out HUD’s resource locator to find the local housing authority near you and to see what is available in your city of choice. mapview Hud's resources locator tool
  4. Making use of the map on the HUD website enables you to filter the search to your preference and get results specific to each office whether;
  • HUD Offices
  • Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties
  • Public Housing Authorities
  • Multifamily Properties Assisted (Elderly and Special Needs)
  • USDA Rural Housing
  • Public Housing Buildings
  • Public Housing Developments
  • Homeless Services/CoC Grantee Area

Follow these steps:

resource selector map HUD's website
Hud's resources checkboxes filter selection

5. If you want to get in touch with the HUD office nearest to you, click on the Phone Button Phone contact housing and it matches you with the nearest HUD office to your location provided your geo-location is enabled.

Affordable Housing Heroes Special Tip: Apply directly to Affordable Housing Apartments! DO NOT just wait on your local housing agency or authority to open waiting lists or respond to your application (not many applicants know this BUT following the steps below could greatly improve your journey and odds of getting applying and being approved to affordable housing assistance).

  1. If you are tired of dealing with your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), whom might be very much overwhelmed and delayed in replying to Housing Voucher Applicants, then apply directly to Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties using HUD resource locator, should be your next step.
  2. Use HUD resource locator and choose the first option “Find Affordable Housing Opportunities Near ME.”  Search your area for purple icons on the map for: ” Low Income Tax Credit Properties” click on Properties on  the map nearest to you. Apply to all properties that you are comfortable with living in. 
  3.  Contact the property management company. HUD may only give you the name of the property. You will need to google the name of the property to get the properties website and contact info.
  4. Each property may have their own eligibility requirements, so it’s important to read the application carefully and provide all required documentation. You do not need to be approved for a HUD voucher to apply but you will need to qualify for the property by applying and being approved through properties own approval process.
  5. Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties will also accept (HCV) Housing Choice Vouchers! If you were already approved by the PHA for a Section 8 voucher, then this is a great way to find  a landlord that will accept your Section 8 Voucher. Contact the property to confirm and apply.
  6. If you do not have a voucher you can contact the Tax Credit Property and apply directly to the apartment building or leasing company. This means you DO NOT have to wait on the PHA to get back to about your application for Section 8, you can continue your search for affordable housing by applying to each tax credit property in your area!

What are the Housing Programs on HUD’s List?

These housing programs may be administered through the city or county housing agencies with backing from HUD. The housing programs vary in their requirements and the payment of the rental fees also.

Generally, the government subsidizes the housing fees to be able to accommodate as many households as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the available housing programs.

Public Housing

A HUD program that provides subsidized rental housing to low-income households that apply and qualify. Housing resources are provided in the form of a dedicated apartment development or building for applicants of the program to reside. You will need to apply through your Public Housing Agency. Typically you are then put on waiting list. You can use the methods above and search for Public Housing Building Near you using HUD’s resource locator. You can also apply for Public Housing and Tax Credit Properties or multiple assistance programs, you are not limited to only one application.

Section 8

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher is a government housing program that is used to assist low-income households with paying part of their rent.

To begin your application for this housing program, you must first contact your local housing authority before proceeding with the procedures outlined above.

Once you have been approved for the housing program, the local housing authority calls for an interview or briefing before the section 8 voucher can be handed over.

This voucher shows that you have been approved to benefit from the housing relief program. If you don’t have a rental facility available upon getting the award of the voucher, the agency gives you a minimum of 60 days to find a rental facility. The money received in the section 8 voucher is paid directly to the landlord of your rental property every month.

Public Housing

Public housing is also provided by the federal government through HUD to make affordable housing available for low-income families, individuals, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

To qualify for the public housing program, the applicant must currently earn less than 80% of the area’s median income. An application must be filled out with your local housing agency in your area to commence registration.

Section 202 – Housing for the Elderly

This housing program is specifically for the elderly in society with low incomes or those elderly who do not work anymore.

What HUD does here is partner with nonprofits to provide this type of housing for the elderly or households that have at least one elderly person in them.

When awarded the Section 202 housing, tenants would pay about 30% of their total income or as agreed with the agency for operating costs of the housing unit. To apply, you can visit the local housing authority to see if there are any available openings, or apply through the housing authority website.

Section 811 – Housing for People with Disabilities

Section 811 provides housing for low-income adults with disabilities or families with at least one disbaled adult.

Applications for this type of housing are also submitted through the local housing authority and when awarded the housing relief, tenants would pay 30% of their annual income or pay a budget-based rent as stipulated by the agency.

Just as it is with the other types of housing programs, there is a wait-list here as well, but with speculated preferences that may help to push the applicant up the list for a faster response.

How to Get Help Paying Rent

Not many people are able to qualify and get selected for the housing programs, so if you fall into this category of people who need help paying rent, you can contact your state or local housing finance agency or the local housing agency to get help.

Even if you don’t qualify for any housing assistance from these agencies, they can help by referring you to a community organization or nonprofit in your area that can help.

Identifying and Solving Housing Discrimination

In the United States, property owners and landlords are prohibited from discriminating against people from renting or buying houses because of their race, religion, nationality, and disability. Housing discrimination is prohibited and regarded as a criminal offence if caught by the Fair Housing Act, set up by the government to curb this menace.

  • Landlords and property owners must be willing to provide suitable housing for everyone, notwithstanding their race, beliefs, or religion.
  • Any tenant who is denied housing rights or inability to rent a property due to the reasons listed above can take up the case and report such a landlord to the appropriate authorities, and justice is ready to be served to anyone caught in the act of home bullying.

To learn more about this app, check out HUD’s Official User Manual

To go to the app click ? here

By Faith B

I'm Faith, a talented copywriter with many years of experience in creating top-notch content in the housing space. While I enjoy research, singing and chatting, my friends still call me an introvert.

120 comments

      1. I applied section 8 voucher in Taylor, MI. I wasn't chosen to receive a section 8 voucher, my question where can I go else where for section 8 voucher and apply?

        1. Yes. You can always apply for section 8 in another State. You should probably consider a state close to your state of residence.

          1. Hello there my name is Patricia Cook and I'm looking for rental properties plus rent to own but can't find nothing it's been so hard to find something .Please help

          2. Hi Patricia,

            To find rent to own homes and rental properties, please search online. You should find several resources.

          3. Hi, please visit your local housing authority office to fill an application for the Section 8 housing voucher.

      2. I’m divorced & gotta move out of my spouse house & I get disability & don’t make enough for apartment

      3. I’m in need of help I been homeless for five years and living with someone and not only can I take it no more I fall like my life is going the wrong path can you please help me in my daughter

        1. Hello, get housing assistance for yourself and your daughter by submitting an application for the Section 8 housing voucher at the nearest PHA office. You can also submit an online application at the HUD website.

    1. Need housing ASAP living in a hotel with my family it cost way to much and it’s not safe to live in has mold in the room and roach’s.

      1. To get rental assistance, kindly apply for the Section 8 housing voucher at your local housing authority office.

        1. I’ve looked n tried everywhere in person or online but no help n im homeless n in a very bad abusive relationship plz help

          1. Sorry about that. Please ensure you leave such a relationship in order not to lose your life. To apply for public housing, contact your local housing authority and explain your situation to them.

    2. Hi my name is Thomas M. I am on disability and been homeless for two years now since covid hit I’ve been living out a motels and staying with family and rent the rooms from here and they’re desperately need to find my own place but having a hard time coming up with deposit money cuz I’ve been working part-time just to stay in a motel can using my social security check just to stay in the motel and survive if you can please call me and help me out or leave me in a direction that would be great my number is ********

      1. Hello, kindly visit the PHA office in your town to submit an application for the Section 8 housing voucher. You can also submit an online application right here.

      1. Hello Tonya,

        We are sorry to hear that! We can suggest applying for the Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities. And to apply for this, we recommend contacting or going to your local PHA Office and ask for the steps on how to apply and what are the requirements.

        However, you can also get more information about this program from this article: https://affordablehousingheroes.com/disabled-people/

        Thank you!

  1. I was put out of my home in June the landlord was growing all my stuff away and he told me to get off his property. He was a bully he frighten me. I had no heat in the winter and no air conditioning in the spring. This was at 3494 hwy 80 rayville la 71269. Since then I have been homeless I can't even stay at a shelter I have no I. D and no money to get one. I live in abandoned buildings and campers. Thank goodness it has been really cold. I have no winter coat and only flip flops and no socks, because my landlord threw it all away. I applied for assistance but it's all been fake are a scam. I am a educated middle age white single woman with no dependants. I have been trying to get my disability since 2013 fired my lawyer last year. I need back surgery I have bipolar and I am ADHD I also have epilepsy, Ms and an inlarged heart. What's it gonna take me on my death bed because I am almost in a wheelchair.

    1. So sorry to hear about this. Please take out time to visit the PHA in your area to submit your application for section 8 housing voucher.

    2. Hi Donna,

      So sorry to hear about this. Please take out time to visit the PHA in your area to submit your application for section 8 housing voucher.

  2. I am looking to get on section 8 voucher. But I live in st. Paul suburb and they are not taking applications at this time

    1. Hi, please check for PHA offices near you to assert if applications are ongoing at other locations aside your environment. Visit HUD website to get the list of PHA offices.

    2. I’m disabled and been staying in a camper. Its not as bad as a tent I ended up there be hind my son which is sicso by the time he got put in a home I found my self lost I’ve been trying to rent but s.s I is not enough so now I’m trying with the housing
      Valcher so I can move closer to my daughter. What also stops me is that I read help me please

      1. Hello,

        To apply for a Housing Choice voucher, contact a public housing agency in your state. If you need more assistance, contact your local HUD office. You will need to fill out a written application or have a representative of your local PHA help you.

    3. Can you please send me information on low-income housing in my area my Gmail is ****@gmail.com thank you so very much

  3. I’m looking for a two bedroom apartment or house something I can rent I have a 10 month old baby we need somewhere else to stay right away please

    1. Hi, please get in touch with the local housing authority to apply for section 8 and you can also go through our article on housing assistance for single moms to get information on further housing assistance.

      1. I just found out about section 202 and section 811 .I live outside of Houston and the list has been closed since April of 2016 .I don't know if the waiting list is
        closed for Section 202 and 811 .can you help me?

  4. I am elderly and in a very bad situation living with a friend. I NEED to move back to Broward county into an affordable place for me. HELP!!! I was on Hud in Ohio and the apartment was beautiful. I really need help now. Roommate stealing my food is only the beginning. Hoping you can help me. God Bless.

  5. I'm a single mom with 2 boys.. one is sick with extreme diabetes. We've been homeless since February… I have begged and begged for someone to please help us with our emergency housing voucher. NO LUCK. IM TO THE POINT OF BREAKING. I feel so worthless.. I was told to accept the program I needed to quit my job they could not give it to me if I had a job. . No I don't have a job and we're homeless and we cannot find a home.. When I adopted my boys I never expected in a million years this would ever happen to us… I just try to keep faith that God will see us through.. I pray and pray. My kids have like no respect for me and blame me for not having a home…. 😭😭

    1. We are sorry to hear this, please check out our article on housing assistance for single moms (link here) to get the information needed to apply for housing assistance.

    2. We are sorry to hear this, please check out our article on housing assistance for single moms to get the information needed to apply for housing assistance.

  6. Hi Faith thank you for all your research in assistance as everybody especially at this time of need. I am 58 years old and I am disabled, my landlord wants me to file the RRP rather than them filing for it. They slip a letter underneath my door that I have 14 days to do it otherwise I am threatened to be evicted. I know there is a tenant landlord law and unless it is signed by the judge will you to be at evicted, they cannot throw me out in the street I may be disabled but I’m not ignorant, I am not Caucasian which is another cause for their reluctance. I am quite anxious because of my deadline is nearly approaching. I was told by Marketing Partners a nonprofit organization helping people apply for section 8 that I got a qualified. I’m not quite sure if I am because they applied and got me approved by their organization? I hope what they claim is true. Should I apply for section 811 instead? Please advise me, thank you.
    Eduardo S.

    1. The section 811 is a housing assistance program similar to the section 8 but the section 811 is available for those living with disability. Visit the HUD website to apply.

    2. Hi eduardo,

      The section 811 is a housing assistance program similar to the section 8 but the section 811 is available for those living with disability. Visit the HUD website to apply.

    1. Hello Jonetta,

      There are housing programs for the elderly. To apply and for more information, kindly read our article here on how to go about it.

    1. Hello Tiffany,

      Applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs are entirely free, and depending on the PHA, are available online, by mail or at the local housing authority’s office. So kindly visit your housing authority. For more information, kindly kindly go through our article on section 8 here

  7. Me and my kids are homeless off n on past few years. We are in a hotel I can't offord at all please help or lead me in the right direction. Thanks

    1. All my children are home and I need a larger place to get for us to live in .I’m th only one working right now. Because they just mo in.

      1. Hi, you can get a larger place by getting in touch with the PHA office and submit an application for the Section 8 housing assistance.

  8. Hi, my name is Melinda. I am disabled. I need a home because I'm just bouncing around because I cannot afford to rent or own a house of my own. I've been trying to put in an application at housing in hidalgo but I don't have a car to move in to be there on time for registration. In November it was cold and raining I couldn't go. Is there anyway I can get in without having to stand outside in the cold and so early in the morning? Please tell if you can help me? I can't stand for long periods or walk either for a long time. I need some help. Thank you for your time. Melinda.

    1. Hello Melinda,

      Kindly apply for section 811 housing programs available to people living with disability. Also read our article here for more information.

  9. Hello thank you for letting us know about how we're able to maybe earned a spot with your prompt to reply to try or chances to get a spot faster either way just to tryout see if I'd qualified or not thank you enough for the opportunity..I'd would still have the chance

    1. Hi,

      Thank you for the kind words. We’re ever committed to educating people on the housing programs available to them

  10. Yes I am in desperate need of housing i have been homeless for many of years I am so miserable living on the streets all I want is a place to call home I need help in the right direction I'm crying out for help

    1. Hello,

      You can make recourse to Federal housing assistance: Federal housing programs are one of the most successful housing-based solutions to reduce homelessness. The two largest federal housing programs are public housing and federal housing vouchers, known as Housing Choice Vouchers or Section 8 vouchers.

      Applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs are entirely free, and depending on the PHA, are available online, by mail or at the local housing authority’s office. So kindly visit your housing authority, Romona. For more information, kindly kindly go through our article on section 8 here.

    1. Hello Carmella,

      Kindly apply for the Section 811 program which allows persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community by subsidizing rental housing opportunities which provide access to appropriate supportive services. Also we have written extensively on it here.

  11. I'm 73 and my wife is 71 years old, My wife needs wheelchair accessible entrance on ground floor landlord is renovating house and we have to move by Feb 1, 2022

    1. To apply, contact a local non-profit agency or housing program in your county to apply. Find non-profits to apply at. Another option is a national non-profit that is focused on people with disabilities, and it is The National Supportive Housing Network. For more information, kindly refer to our article here and here.

  12. Faith B. I have left you plenty of comments over time. I qualify for a lot of grants and programs. I am on the hud waiting list for over a year. I need someone to direct me to the right counselor to help. There is no application online for these programs. Please help me!!

    1. Hi Angela,

      Sorry about that.

      To apply for a Housing Choice voucher, contact a public housing agency in your state. If you need more assistance, contact your local HUD office. You will need to fill out a written application or have a representative of your local PHA help you.

  13. Hello my name is Lisa and I am 45 years old I am facing homelessness very soon I need help finding someone to help me. I have PTSD DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. I lost my 10 month old grandson to SIDS and can not recover. I lost my section 8 voucher after 23 years with no way to fight the untrue accusations. I am applying for disability but have nowhere to go. If you have any options I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you please call **********

  14. I am in need of a low income apt based on my earning because my endings are low by no fault of my own please help me I am still willing to work but I heard of a 30% discount program can you help me with getting a list and application

    1. You can check your local office’s website or call them for status updates. Make sure to contact them if any of your information has changed, such as your contact information, marital status or the number of household members.

  15. The section 8 and HUD housing list where I am at are on hold and have been for over 2 years…I am homeless and tired of the same response "check with your LOCAL HUD and/or sec 8 office. What now?

    1. Hello,

      We always advise you to check with your local HUD office because that’s where you’ll get information on anything related to your housing application.

  16. Hi i need help with looking for low income housing and programs for rental help need to move out from where i am staying i am homeless and. Looking for work

  17. Hello
    I need some help. I am a single mom of 3 kids with the one 3 months old.
    And I’m out of job. So I could afford for the rental and im about to get out of the house. We need your help for housing

  18. I'VE already been homeless for over 7 years and I'm getting old now and it's not getting any easier than before now at my age it's getting worse it's getting harder for me to get a new job because of my lack of sleep,no restroom to take a shit, shower 🚿 to go get a job I can't go Dirty & smelly to a job interview,I need a good home to sleep in & to take a good long Hot shower so that my body will reach it's high peek of refreshing back to normal or close to it, so that I could get a chance to pick up a new job to get out of the fucken Streets & it's not safe for me or anyone else out there so please don't forget about me and please help me, Robert H.
    Thank you & God bless all of you guys & family & love one's & friends!
    **********

    1. Hi Robert,

      Sorry about what you’ve had to go through. Please contact your local housing authority for help on your housing needs.

    1. Hi Vickie,

      It would have helped if you noted your native town. However, visit the local housing agency in your bative town for your housing needs

  19. Hi I'm deaf been homeless 2 year now since Lancaster po and please help me my nbr is ********** text only thank u

  20. Hi I'm Jimmie in it's been very rough out here in Florida trying to stay stable with out struggling I've been going shelter to shelter trying to keep my head above water it's been harder now then ever for me to get sleep I've live in my car for bout 1 yrs in it's been rough trying to find housing protection I'm just seeking some sort of break thru at this point please call me with great news..**********

  21. Hello I'm looking for a two bedroom, so my grandkids can visit. I've lived here for a long time, but mobile home is falling apart they are bringing new homes and want me to fix it .I cannot they already get half of my social security check, I'm in debt and can't catch up besides that they raise the rent when they want to a di just pay lot rent. I need a change so I don't worry about the day when they come knocking. Please help me I need to get out of here 🙏

  22. Myself and girlfriend been living in our car for about a a.year now if you could please.help us finding a place to rest our heads. Please call **********

  23. Hi. I am currently looking for a Section 8 in the Farmington Hills, or Farmington area. I am a 55 year old single female who made $4536.00 last year and I am disabled wheelchair bound. My phone number is **********. Please use it to let me know what to do to start the process. Thank You, Karen Hamacher

  24. I'm disabled and been homeless for 4 long years,I told myself that not to ever give up.please help me out and point me to the right direction.im in Denver Colorado I have a Dl4 and it's very hard for me to walk..********** email address is ******@gmail.com thank you anybody please February 2,2022

    1. The Section 811 program allows persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community by subsidizing rental housing opportunities which provide access to appropriate supportive services. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you. To apply for either type of help, visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA.

  25. Yes I have a question I turned in all my paperwork even my domestic violence and I’m disability and everything and they keep pushing me in the back of the line I asked him why and they say they’re trying to get me to go somewhere else I think they’re being racist against my disability that I have HIV and my friend got in there six he was on the waiting list for 6 months and then they let him in he had a disability I have a disability and I have my family violence papers and they’re doing nothing just telling me to go to salvation army they could help me what do I do I made a complaint nobody’s listening I mean I’m sick I need you know HIV is under the play with and I called everywhere to help me and nobody will help me

    1. Hello Rita,

      Please try applying in another PHA to see if you’re actually being discriminated against because of your status or maybe that particular PHA has a lot of applications already.

  26. Hi Mr. Biden My Name is Glinda and I what to know can you help me in getting a Section 8 Senion BuildingAn I need a Voucher so I can get in One if the Senion Building at Bernand E. Mason Sr or The Greens at Irvington Mewd or Brightview Senion Building or Allanda Senion Building orFairsping Senion Building or Village Senion Building and I can’t move in because I have to be on the waiting list before I can move in so can you help me .

    1. Hi Glinda,

      Yes, most times you’d be placed on a waiting list after you apply for section 8. This is usually due to the fact that they’re many applications already. But your application can be given priority if you are homeless or elderly. Please contact your local housing authority to get your section 8 voucher.

    1. To get affordable housing, you need to submit a Section 8 form at the local housing authority office or online.

    1. Am sorry to hear this, however you can register for an affordable housing program for Section 8 by filling out an application here.

  27. Every time I text in answer to what has been left on my Phone, I never get an answer back. Sorry if I keep texting ,but I am 73 years old, and I know wouldn’t make it in a tent … I filled out everything on your website, and it came back I was approved for section 8, but it keeps coming back to me.. I know my landlord would expect it.

    1. Hi, you may need to visit the PHA office nearest to you to state your complaints and you would be instructed on what next to do.

  28. April 13-2022 my name is Doris I am living in a home renting paying 800 dollars for a small room and the lady is bipolar and scare me living conditions is how do I post thisextremely too difficult to stay. I am 77 years ol with heart condition, bad needs and failing health need help asap. **********

    1. Hello Doris, you can get housing assistance for the elderly by filling out a section 8 application with the PHA office. You can also submit an online application right here.

  29. I got me and my daughter on the streets and I can’t even find anywhere to go I got no money and I need help nobody wants to is there somebody out there that can help me to get my daughter off the streets I’m about to lose my mind haven’t heard like this

    1. Hello, have you come across the Section 8 housing assistance program? When you register for this program, it helps you to get the housing assistance you seek for you and your daughter. Applications can be submitted online or at the PHA office.

  30. Ronnie J. been trying to call from my sister phone section 8 about the waiting list being trying for 3 year now looking for a letter got WiFi on a old phone

  31. I’m Wanda M J. trying to apply for section 8 program I’m homeless staying with family members at this very moment I need help I’m on disability I get $791 month my new location Montgomery County Clarksville Tennessee 1bedroom 1ba thank you

    1. Hello Wanda,

      We are very sorry to hear that!

      In your situation, you have wide choices of programs you can apply to. We highly suggest contacting or going to your local PHA Office and ask for guidelines on how to best submit your application.

      If ever you were not able to go to their office, you can ask any of your family member to represent in your behalf. Just make sure to let them bring proof of your disabilities.

      You can also read this article, it might help. https://affordablehousingheroes.com/apply-for-section-8/

      Thank you!

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