adminIf you’re a single parent struggling to keep up with your housing costs, here are some resources that can help.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
We list this resource first because it can have the most beneficial, long-term impact on your finances. Unfortunately, Section 8 isn’t a quick form of assistance since Housing Choice Vouchers can take years to receive in some instances.
Why the long wait for Section 8 vouchers? Blame it on high demand paired with limited supply. Don’t let that stop you from applying for Section 8 benefits, though, as a voucher will ensure that you only pay 30 percent of your income to your landlord each month. That could present significant savings if you’re one of the many paying over half of your income on rent.
To qualify for a Section 8 voucher, you’ll need to prove you make below a certain income. You’ll also have to show that you qualify via citizenship status and that you do not have an extensive criminal or eviction history.
To learn more about Section 8 and how to apply, go here to contact your Public Housing Agency.
Affordable Housing Buildings
If you can no longer afford the rent where you are, your best bet is to find a cheaper place. While having a Section 8 voucher could help you achieve that goal, you may not be able to wait for several years for such assistance. That’s why you should contact affordable housing buildings directly, as some have their own funding that can subsidize low-income tenants.
To find affordable housing near you, make a contact list by doing the following:
- Search Google for “affordable housing” in your desired location.
- Use this resource locator from the HUD. Contact your PHA and ask them for an affordable housing contact list.
Look for the phone numbers or email addresses of the property managers of those buildings.
Then, call or write to ask them the following question: “Do you have any units that charge 30 percent of income?”
If they say yes, that means that you can essentially enjoy the low-cost benefits of a housing voucher without having to wait years to get one.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program
If the COVID-19 pandemic ruined your finances, the ERA program could help you get back on your feet by offering assistance for past and future rent, utility bills, and moving expenses if you had to relocate since you couldn’t pay your landlord.
You can learn more about this program by contacting your local office.
211
We may have saved the best for last, as calling 211 can offer you several resources that can lessen your financial load as a single parent. When you dial 211 on your phone, you will be connected to a local operator. You can begin by asking for rental assistance and follow up by asking for any other resources you need to stay afloat, such as food, healthcare, counseling, and more.
