Feb 29th 2008, 05:59

Better Housing For Your Family

A program for low-income families seeking better homes

Is your family having trouble living under a poorly-constructed shelter? Let’s face it: houses like such aren’t designed for adequate family life.  Most of what it’s made of isn’t suited for domestic architecture - the cheap and tender woodwork, the easy-rust roofing, the inferior piping and wiring — you get the picture.  Fortunately, turning to government for help is a viable alternative.

One government housing program worth noting is the HUD’s ‘Housing Choice Voucher.’  This assists elders, low-income families, and the disabled to acquire decent houses in the private market.  These include single-family houses, apartments, and townhouses.  The choices are not limited to subsidized homes given that they meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

These vouchers are locally held by public housing agencies (PHAs), setting the housing standards of minimum safety and health.  Families that are granted this benefit choose the house they see fit and the owner agrees to lease under the program, as long as the chosen house meets PHA standards.  The PHA pays the subsidized amount to the landlord and the remaining amount from the original rent cost is paid by the family.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and non-citizens with immigration status and the participation depends on the family annual gross income and size, which are determined by the PHA.  But generally, beneficiaries should not go over 50% of the median income for the country or the area where they choose to reside.

The PHA must provide 70% of housing vouchers to interested parties whose incomes do not go over 30% of the area median income.  The HUD sets these median income levels and they vary for different areas.

If you’re interested to apply or know more, contact your local PHA through this site: www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts, or the closest HUD office by visiting www.hud.gov/local.

For more information about this program, log on to:
www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/index.cfm

 

 

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

1. Increase Your Income:
   Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.
2. Consolidate Your Bills:
   Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
3. Reward Yourself:
   Get a new computer for free.
4. Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
   Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
5. Bargain prices on government auctions
   Discounts on foreclosed property, liquidations, surplus items