Those who live in Washington may at times struggle financially. The state has a higher cost of living than in others around the nation. The overall cost of living is around 15% higher, while the cost of housing is around 24% higher. Those who struggle need to know about helpful programs they can reach out to in order to ensure their housing needs will be met. The good news is that there are programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Washington.
The state and federal government both offers programs that will provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Washington. There are also programs offered through non-profit organizations that are on a mission to help people in the community. Between the programs offered by these entities, people who need financial help for housing should be able to find a program that will work for them.
Most programs do require that to be approved you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. Most financial help never has to be paid back from the programs and is considered a gift to help people in need. There are rare cases where the government will provide low interest loans that need to be paid back, but those who receive them will know that from the beginning. Be sure to apply for all the programs that you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Washington
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency provides the most housing assistance around the nation. The mission of HUD is to help reduce homelessness in the country, and they do so by providing a variety of helpful programs related to housing issues. Those who need help with housing can contact them to see what programs they apply for. They can help people find affordable housing options, provide rental assistance, help home buyers avoid foreclosure, and help pay for necessary home repairs. They also offer weatherization services, which will help reduce monthly utility bills. To get help through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. HUD also offers a Section 8 program, which provides those who qualify with a housing unit to live in that, is owned by the federal government. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD in Washington, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This federal agency offers a rural development program that will provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Washington. Those who receive help through the program have to live rurally. The program provides housing support for those who want to live in rural areas of the state. Those approved for the rural development program will be able to get financial assistance to build or buy a home in a rural area. To get more information about the rural development program, click here.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services – This state government agency offers a rental assistance program to help people in Washington. They can also help people find affordable housing options, help with utility bills, and provide emergency assistance to help with rent. The housing assistance program provides help with paying for rent, utilities, move-in costs, health and hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and transportation assistance. To qualify for the program, you have to be at least 18 years old, meet the low income guidelines, and meet the citizenship requirements. To get more information about the programs offered, click here.
Fusion Housing Families In Need – This organization offers shelter and housing for families who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. They offer a transitional housing program, which gives people a safe place to stay as they work to better their situation. They also have a family center, and food program. Those who stay in the transitional housing program can take up to 18 months in it. They are provided with case management so that they can get the tools and skills they need to become self sufficient and move into stable housing. To get more information about the programs, click here.
The Inn – This organization offers a program to help adults who are experiencing homelessness and housing issues. They will provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Washington, as well as others. They provide help finding affordable housing options, counseling services, drug and alcohol recovery support, and more. Those in the program will get a place to stay, as well as help to become self sufficient and gain permanent housing. To get more information about the program, click here.
Compass Housing Alliance – This organization helps people with housing assistance in a variety of ways. Their programs include helping people locate affordable housing, and more. They will help individuals and families to locate an affordable place to live that is based on their income. They can also help people to improve their situation so that they can get more stable housing options. They provide access to affordable housing options that people will be able to afford, giving them an opportunity to have a place to stay while they improve their situation. They also offer programs for veterans. To get more information about their programs, click here.
Katherine’s House and Rita’s House – These programs provide housing assistance for ex-felons in Washington who are single women. To be eligible for the program, you have to be at least 18, clean and sober from drug and alcohol use, and open to the program. They will provide case management to help the women become self sufficient. To get more information about the programs, click here.
In addition to these programs, check with your city to see if you have a local housing authority that can provide housing assistance programs or referrals. You can also check with local churches to see if they have programs that will provide assistance or if they know of local programs that can help with your situation.
