When you’re struggling to meet your monthly bills and it has come down to choosing between your rent and your other necessities, there is a way to get the help you need to cover both. Low income homes for rent are available in many areas to those who need help covering the cost of living expenses due to less-than-ideal financial circumstances such as low wages, disabilities, or the inability to work due to age or other restrictions.
As you review your options for affordable housing, you may be tempted to give up before you even start because of some negative things you may have heard or stigmas that may be attached to low income homes for rent. Though there may very well be a stigma attached to low-income housing in some areas, there is no reason to feel wary if you are looking into this option.
As someone who served as a member of a private cleaning service for a low-income housing facility in a small town in Michigan, I can tell you from personal experience that such housing provides renters with a place to live that’s safe, sanitary, and every bit as good as the average Joe or Jane’s apartment. Unlike what you might picture, these homes weren’t shabby apartments on the bad side of town – they were everything from well-kept complexes to beautiful town homes that no one would be ashamed to show off to their friends. 
Just like normal house hunting, low income housing provides homes from one bedroom up to four bedrooms with accommodations to fit a broad spectrum of situations, family sizes and resident needs. Basically, even though you’re looking for low income homes for rent, you have more options than you think.
In the complex where I worked – which catered specifically to elderly residents – plenty of amenities were offered to make the living situation comfortable, including indoor entry and clean, open common areas, free coffee, cleaning services, community bingo nights, and other special events members could attend.
And it’s not just big cities that house these types of low income homes for rent – many rural communities of fewer than 10,000 residents have subsidized housing resources for such populations that provide a wide variety of accommodations.
How to Find Low Income Homes for Rent in Your Area
It’s no secret that affordable housing plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of families and individuals living on a budget. Affordable housing isn’t just nice – it’s a necessity to which everyone is entitled. Whether you live in an urban area or a more rural setting, chances are there are apartment complexes and other housing arrangements set up for those who need a safe and sturdy place to sleep.
Often referred to as “subsidized income housing” finding low income homes for rent isn’t difficult, and there are a number of resources you can utilize to do so. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides a number rental assistance programs for people in situations just like yours. You can search for apartments, find the nearest public housing agency, and ever find state-specific resource to help you narrow down your search.
Remember, you do have options, so take a deep breath, relax, and see which program works the best for your situation. If you head over to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website, you’ll be able to explore a wide variety of options so that you can find the best low income homes for rent in your area.
Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Housing, or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, allows you to choose your own housing and use your voucher to cover some or all of the cost of your rent. Like any other type of housing, you can choose from apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, and a variety of other types of buildings. The goal of this program is to provide safe and sanitary living quarters in the private housing sector to:
- Low-income families
- The elderly
- Disabled residents
- Those with HIV, the formerly homeless, and veterans (in some states)
Local public housing agencies typically administer Section 8 vouchers, which can be used to cover the rent of a new home once the family finds one, or the home the family currently resides in. After all the arrangements have been squared away, the local public housing agency (PHA) pays the landlord directly, so you don’t have to worry about procuring money from one agency every month to pay another.
Your eligibility for Section 8 housing is determined by your income and family size. Your assets, income, family size, and family composition will all be assessed when determining your eligibility. This type of housing is only available to U.S. citizens and immigrants who have an eligible immigration status. To apply, simply head over to www.HUD.gov to see where the nearest local public housing agency is in your community.
Public Housing
Another option for those who are searching for affordable housing is Public Housing. Using a Public Housing agency in your area, you can find housing for any of the qualified groups or individuals listed above.
Public housing does not simply pertain to certain apartment complexes – public housing comes in a variety of unit types, including single-family homes, high-rises, and other structures. Public housing is not simply a way to get by month-to-month. With the help of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, those living in a public housing unit could be eligible to convert their rent payments into mortgage payments – meaning they have the potential to become homeowners with units – and equity – to their names.
Private Organizations
There are a number of nonprofit organizations, such as Mercy Housing, with low income homes for rent. Such organizations provide housing to low-income families, seniors, and those with special needs. In addition to housing, though, many of these programs offer additional services to enrich the lives of residents and enable them to lead more stable and prosperous lives, such as:
- Community events and volunteer opportunities
- Voter registration assistance
- Financial literacy classes
- Help finding gainful employment
- Lease education and eviction prevention
- Educational support, health education, and fitness activities
The goal of organizations such as Mercy Housing isn’t just to put a roof over the heads of those who need them, but to give residents the opportunities to take advantage of educational services and other activities that might not otherwise be available.
Get Help Finding Low Income Homes for Rent
If you or someone you know is searching for low income homes for rent, remember – you have a variety of choices. By contacting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or getting in touch with a private organization directly, you can review your options and choose the best fit for yourself, your family, and your budget.
