Housing is the most expensive bill that felons have to pay. Add to that the fact that the cost of housing continues to climb no matter where you live in the country. Felons who are having a difficult financial time may find it especially challenging to find affordable housing or be able to pay their rent. The good news is that the government has a public housing program for felons.
The public housing program for felons will help ensure that your basic housing need is being met. You will not have to worry about being homeless or unable to find affordable housing. Many people are not aware of the public housing options that the federal government offers, but the program has been designed to help ensure everyone has access to affordable housing.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The federal program that is in charge of public housing needs is called HUD. The program provides numerous services to help felons and others with their housing needs. They have several programs that will help, so no matter what type of situation you are in, they should have a way to provide assistance.
Some of the housing programs that are provided by HUD include that they will help to pay your rent, helps you avoid foreclosure, and provides you with public housing. Additionally, they offer a weatherization program, which will help to make your house more energy efficient. When your home is more energy efficient it will reduce your monthly utility bills.
One of the most important programs HUD provides for felons is public housing. Felons who need help paying for their rent may qualify for their program called Section 8. This program provides two paths to helping you.
The two Section 8 options include:
- Vouchers. With the Section 8 voucher option, felons can choose where they want to live. As long as the dwelling meets the safety standards set forth by HUD then it should be approved. You would get a voucher to help pay for the monthly rent. This option gives people the ability to choose where they want to live and what type of housing they want to live in. You can choose from a house, apartment, trailer, etc. The voucher is a grant that helps you pay for your rent. You never have to pay the grant back.
- Public housing. With the public housing option you will have limited choices as to what type of dwelling you live in. The government owns housing units, like apartments or single family homes that are considered to be public housing. They provide those units to those who qualify for the program. You would get to live in the public housing unit for free or a reduced monthly rate. Public housing ensures that you will have an affordable place to live, but you may not have as many housing choices.
No matter what housing option you choose, you will not be bound to it forever. You can decide to make a move and you will still be qualified for the program. If you start out in public housing and decide you want to move to the voucher program, so you can choose a different place to live, you should be able to do so. You will just need to contact the program and make the appropriate arrangements to switch.
Applying for the Public Housing Program for Felons
To qualify for the HUD public housing programs, felons need to show that they have a low income. There are low income guidelines you will have to meet in order to be approved. Plus, you have to be a citizen or legal alien.
While the funding for public housing for felons is provided by the federal government, the programs are administered on the state level. To find the public housing options in your area, you will need to contact your Public Housing Authority. They are found throughout the country. When you contact them you can find out how to go about applying for public housing.
To get help with public housing, you can get more information from HUD, including from finding your state HUD office. You can also get information on how to apply from your local Public Housing Authority.
To find your local HUD office, click here.
To locate your local Public Housing Authority, click here.
The public housing program for felons provides a great way to help ensure your housing needs are being met. The program is available in every state in the country, so you should have no problem being able to find public housing options near you. Reach out to the program to see what type of public housing options are in your area. If you are not satisfied with those options, inquire about the voucher program.
