• Name of organization
• Contact person’s name and title
• Phone number and email
• Date and time of contact
• Summary of conversation and next steps
• Application deadlines and required documents

Keep this information stored securely yet accessibly—consider using a dedicated notebook, folder, or a password-protected note on your device.

Accessing Government Housing Assistance

Contact Your Local Public Housing Agency (PHA)

Public Housing Agencies oversee critical housing assistance programs, including:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Subsidies to help cover rent in private housing
• Public Housing: Government-managed affordable housing units
• Emergency Housing Vouchers: Vouchers specifically for those in danger of homelessness
• Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs: Coordinated homeless assistance services

To locate your local PHA:

1. Visit HUD’s PHA locator tool
2. Input your state and nearest city
3. Reach out to the agency directly to ask about emergency assistance
4. Inquire specifically about their homeless prevention programs

The application procedure for housing assistance generally entails:

1. A preliminary application
2. Income and household information verification
3. Potential waiting list placement
4. Interview and eligibility assessment

Important: Although many housing programs may have waiting lists, be sure to communicate that you’re facing homelessness—many PHAs prioritize those in emergency situations.

Apply for Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs

The Continuum of Care program simplifies the process for accessing homeless services in your community:

1. When reaching out to your PHA, specifically inquire about CoC programs
2. Request to be connected with your local CoC Coordinated Entry System
3. Complete their assessment to identify the services that best meet your needs
4. Follow through with all appointments and documentation

CoC programs can provide:

• Rapid rehousing assistance
• Permanent supportive housing
• Transitional housing
• Case management services
• Rental assistance

Working with Housing Counselors

HUD-certified housing counselors can serve as invaluable allies during a housing crisis:

How Housing Counselors Can Help

These professionals offer free or low-cost services such as:

• Eviction prevention strategies
• Connections to emergency rental assistance
• Foreclosure prevention options
• Budget counseling
• Long-term housing planning
• Education on fair housing rights
• Mediation with landlords or mortgage companies

Finding a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor

1. Visit the HUD Housing Counselor Directory
2. Select your state from the dropdown menu
3. Contact counselors in your area who have expertise in homelessness prevention
4. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience

When meeting with a housing counselor, bring:

• Current lease or mortgage information
• Recent rent/mortgage statements
• Documentation of income
• Any eviction or foreclosure notices
• ID and Social Security cards for household members
• Evidence of any special circumstances (e.g., disability)

Community Organizations and Specialized Resources

Faith-Based Organizations

A variety of religious organizations offer housing assistance without requiring any religious affiliation:

• Catholic Charities
• Salvation Army
• Lutheran Social Services
• Jewish Family Services
• Local churches, synagogues, and mosques

Many of these organizations provide emergency financial assistance, temporary shelter, and connections to other essential resources.

Population-Specific Resources

For Veterans

• VA Homeless Programs: Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
• HUD-VASH Program: Integrated housing vouchers and case management

For Families with Children

• Family Promise: Offers shelter and support specifically for families
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides financial assistance
• McKinney-Vento Education Program: Supports educational needs for homeless children

For Youth (Under 24)

• National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY
• Covenant House: Offers shelters and services for young individuals
• Youth-specific drop-in centers

For Domestic Violence Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Safe housing networks with confidential locations
• Legal advocacy for housing protections

Rental Assistance Programs

There are multiple programs available to provide emergency rental assistance:

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
• Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
• Community Action Agencies
• Local charities and foundations

To locate rental assistance:

1. Visit rentassistance.us
2. Contact your city or county housing department
3. Reach out to community action agencies in your vicinity

Creating a Homelessness Prevention Plan

If You’re At Risk of Homelessness

1. Address the immediate issue:
   • If facing eviction, seek legal aid via Legal Services Corporation
   • Negotiate with your landlord for payment plans or temporary solutions
   • Apply for emergency rental assistance through your local housing office
2. Stabilize your housing situation:
   • Seek mediation services between you and your landlord
   • Apply for long-term rental assistance programs
   • Explore temporary shared housing options
   • Consider relocating if it makes financial sense
3. Build a support network:
   • Connect with a case manager at local service agencies
   • Involve trusted friends or family members for support
   • Join support groups for those facing housing challenges

If You’re Currently Homeless

1. Secure immediate shelter through the methods previously listed
2. Address basic needs:
   • Locate local food banks via Feeding America
   • Access healthcare through community health centers
   • Obtain a free phone through the Lifeline program
   • Establish a mailing address via general delivery or a friend’s address
3. Work toward permanent housing:
   • Meet regularly with assigned caseworkers
   • Attend all housing-related appointments
   • Keep documentation organized and readily available
   • Maintain contact with housing providers

Additional Tips for Success

Document Organization

Assemble a “housing survival kit” that includes:

• Identification documents (birth certificates, Social Security cards, IDs)
• Income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters)
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Contact information for all services and agencies
• Copies of applications submitted

Consider creating digital backups of essential documents using secure cloud storage.

Self-Advocacy Strategies

• Be persistent yet courteous in follow-ups
• Document every interaction with service providers
• Request written confirmation of appointments and waiting list statuses
• If denied services, inquire about appeal options
• Ask for specific referrals if an agency cannot assist you directly

Taking Care of Your Well-being

• Access mental health support through your local community mental health center
• Utilize community health centers for physical health concerns
• Maintain personal hygiene at day centers and public facilities
• Ensure safety in all temporary living arrangements
• Join support groups to alleviate feelings of isolation

Prevention Resources for the Future

After resolving your immediate housing crisis:

• Collaborate with housing counselors to manage your budget
• Establish an emergency savings fund
• Familiarize yourself with tenant rights through HUD’s tenant rights page
• Consider programs for homeownership if suitable
• Stay engaged with support services

Frequently Asked Questions

For guidance on eviction prevention, rental support, budgeting, and more, consider reaching out through the HUD Housing Counselor Directory. Counselors can mediate discussions with landlords, investigate options for overdue rent, or direct you to essential assistance programs. For financial advice, check out bills during COVID.

Conclusion

Always remember that homelessness can affect anyone, and seeking assistance reflects strength, not vulnerability. The journey to stable housing may require time and effort, but with determination and access to appropriate resources, success is achievable.

If you’re supporting someone at risk of homelessness, share this information and offer to assist with phone calls and applications. Often, having an advocate can significantly enhance access to necessary services.

For additional information on affordable housing choices, please refer to our comprehensive guide covering common types of housing in the U.S., including insights on Section 8 and affordable housing options.