Public Housing Program is established by the federal government aiming to provide a comfortable house for low-income individuals. It primarily gives safe and decent housing units to its eligible beneficiaries.
The said program prioritizes individuals who belong to the low-income community, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Moreover, the program can also support and assist eligible individuals to maintain their housing problems like utilities.
The main goal of the HUD Housing Program is to lessen the number of individuals that can suffer from the risk of homelessness caused by various reasons. Furthermore, the said program was funded by the federal government, and it’s 100% given free for its beneficiaries.
The HUD Public Housing Program
There are approximately 970,000 households that live in public housing in the United States. Within the data, the HUD Housing Program is effective and efficient in helping families to have comfortable houses.
It saves millions of individuals from homelessness. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Local Housing Agencies supervise and handle the said program throughout the United States.
The mentioned departments continuously push their best to serve and assist eligible individuals for their benefits through the HUD Housing Program.
The HUD Public Housing Program is a great program that can be a foundation for several families especially those who cannot afford housing and rental units. It can keep the safety of every family without a proper house in the United States.
What are the Included Services in the HUD Program?
The HUD Public Housing Program offers a wide variety of programs that can support each household to have a comfortable house. A broad range of housing refers to several sizes and types such as scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments offered by the said program.
HUD Public Housing Program ensures its capability of providing safe and decent housing units for its beneficiaries.
Refer to the list below for the included services within the said program.
- Homeownership
- Asset Management
- Capital Fund
- Choice Neighborhoods
- Demolition/Disposition
- Housing Choice Vouchers
- Family Self-Sufficiency
- HOPE VI
- Mixed-Finance Public Housing
- Moderate Rehabilitation
- Operating Fund
- Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plans
- Rental Assistance Demonstration
- Rental Housing Integrity Improvement Project (RHIIP)
What is the Role of Local Housing Agencies?
Local Housing Agencies play a huge part in the HUD Program. They are the ones who are responsible for the operation and management of housing within their respective local area.
In the United States, there are 3,300 Local Housing Agencies that assist eligible individuals in their respective areas.
Below are some of the most common duties of Local Housing Agencies related to the said program.
- Assure compliance according to the lease within beneficiaries.
- Set other charges like damages to the unit, security deposit, and excess utility consumption.
- in charge of performing periodic reexaminations of the household income of its beneficiaries every year to monitor their eligibility for the program.
- Capable of transferring families from one unit to another due to several reasons such as crowding, repair or renovation of a dwelling, or request of the household beneficiary.
- Assure that beneficiaries maintain the development of decent and safe housing units.
- Have the power to terminate the lease if it’s necessary.
- Perform other services. This includes homeownership opportunities for eligible families, employment opportunities, training services, programs, and programs that can support and assist elderly beneficiaries.
Who are the Eligible Individuals for the HUD Public Housing Program?
The eligibility requirements for the HUD Public Housing Program will vary depending on Local Housing Agencies. PHA sets the qualification rules for the said program within their respective areas.
The best way to know and check whether you’re qualified for the HUD Public Housing Program is to contact your Local Housing Agency. However, refer below for the list of bases of eligibility requirements for the said program.
- Annual Gross Income.
- Applicant’s qualification whether a family, an elderly or senior citizen, and a person with a disability.
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development set the income limits that are followed by Local Public Housing Agencies. The lower-income limitations are set at 80% and the extremely low-income limits are set at 50%, based on the county or metropolitan area's Area Median Income.
How Can I Apply for the HUD Public Housing Program?
The application process for the HUD Public Housing Program will differ for each Local Public Housing Agency. Contact your PHA then ask and start your application.
Individuals can also apply online, just visit the official website for the online process. If you’re eligible, your name will be on the waiting list.
The Local Public Housing Agency will provide a notification for your application within the program. Further information and process will be sent by your Local Public Housing Agency.
Required Documents for the Application
The documents that will be needed for the application for HUD Public Housing Program will depend on your Local Housing Agency. Always ensure the validity of documents that you pass for the process to avoid problems.
Refer to the list below for some of the common documents that you will for within the said program.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of your Income (must meet the standard income guidelines of your PHA)
- Proof of Employment