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There may be times when felons need housing assistance, for one reason or another. When funds become tight, it may become difficult to pay for rent. It can also be difficult for felons to find affordable housing options in their area. The good news is that there is housing assistance for felons available, so they do have somewhere they can turn to for help during tough times.
Felons who need housing assistance have several programs they can turn to. The programs are largely offered through the federal government. The government housing assistance programs are aimed at helping felons to locate affordable housing or to provide them with monetary assistance to help pay their rent.
The good news is that any housing assistance that felons receive will not have to be paid back. If they receive grants or vouchers to help pay for rent, they can be considered gifts that won’t have to be paid back at all. With the options listed below, felons should be able to find housing assistance to help get them on their feet.
Housing Assistance for Felons
Public Housing – One of the most important options felons may want to consider is public housing. This housing assistance program is made possible by the federal government. The program is run through the federal agency called Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
When felons opt for public housing, they will be choosing to live in a unit that is owned by the federal government. Around the country, there are housing complexes that are owned by the federal government. They allow felons to live in these units for free or for a low monthly rent.
The public housing units that are owned by the federal government can be found all around the country. They may be apartment complex, trailers, or single family homes. They are mostly found in or near large cities, but there are some public housing options in more rural areas, too.
Housing Vouchers – Another housing assistance program that felons can turn to is housing vouchers. The program is provided through HUD and available around the country. With this program, felons can get housing assistance by receiving rent vouchers.
Unlike with public housing, you will not have to live in government owned dwellings. With the voucher program, you can live where you want to. The housing unit that you choose can be an apartment, trailer, duplex, or single family home. You have many options when choosing where you want to live. The unit just has to meet the safety standards that HUD requires in order to receive the voucher.
Felons who are approved for the housing voucher program through HUD will be able to choose where they live, and then they will receive a voucher from the government to help pay for it. The voucher will pay for all or part of your rent, so that you do not have to pay for the whole thing on your own. Plus, you will not have to pay back any of the housing assistance that you receive through this program.
How to Apply
To qualify for HUD programs you have to meet the low income guidelines. The programs are designed to provide housing assistance to those with a low income, including felons. In addition to meeting the income guidelines, you have to be a citizen of the country or a legal alien.
The federal government makes these housing assistance programs possible. The federal agency oversees them, but they are administered at the state level. To find the HUD office in your state to get more information, click here.
Additionally, you can contact your Public Housing Agency. There are Public Housing Agency offices around the nation. They have all of the local information when it comes to housing assistance for felons. That office should be able to provide you with the information you need to obtain help paying for your rent or finding affordable housing.
To get rent assistance for felons from the Public Housing Agency, you need to find your local office. Contact them to inquire about the process to receive housing assistance and what types of programs are offered. To find your local Public Housing Agency, click here.
The housing assistance for felons provides a way to ensure your basic need for shelter is being met. This gives you an opportunity to work at improving your situation. Explore the options above and also be sure to reach out to your local city offices. The offices that run your city may also have resources available regarding where you can go locally for housing assistance.
Being able to have your housing needs met during difficult financial times and beyond is crucial. Only once we have the basic need of shelter can we move forward to work on other issues in our lives.
