A Guide to Affordable Housing Programs

Several programs help lower-income households afford safe housing. Most are run by your local public housing agency (PHA).

Main Programs

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): help paying rent to a private landlord
• Public housing: apartments owned and managed by your local housing authority
• Income-restricted apartments: privately owned buildings with reduced rents for eligible households
• Programs for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans

Get Ready to Apply

• Find your local public housing agency and sign up for waitlist alerts
• Gather ID, Social Security cards, income records and past addresses
• Apply to more than one waitlist when you can
• Keep your contact information up to date with every program