Affordable Housing Online is monitoring the federal government's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. As of March 13, 2020, Public Housing Agencies across the nation are closing their doors to the public. Most offices are still running and will communicate by phone, email, or mail. Some offices have drop boxes installed outside, so documents can still be hand-delivered. Visit the housing authority's website for the latest on its current operations, if one is available. If there is no information online, contact the housing authority directly. Due to a high volume of calls and modified office hours in most areas, expect a long wait time (days or weeks) for a response. To find your local PHA's contact info, browse by state here.
An extensive list of coronavirus resources for low-income households can be found here.
Housing Resources for Immigrants
There are housing programs in the United States that can provide affordable housing for all immigrants, including those that are undocumented. This guide will explain what federal affordable housing programs are open to immigrants, provide the eligibility requirements for these programs and describe other resources that can help immigrant households find an apartments they can afford.
The federal government makes housing affordable to low-income renters in several ways. Some affordable housing properties have federal subsidies directly attached to the apartments so that tenants eligible to live there pay 30% of their income for rent. The federal government also helps low-income renters afford apartments in the private rental market by providing vouchers allowing tenants to pay 30% of their income to rent from a private landlord, with the government paying the remainder up to the established local Fair Market Rent (FMR). Finally, the federal government has programs that reduce the cost to build affordable apartments and in return the owners agree to set rents at a level that is affordable to low-income renters in their area.
Housing authorities and other owners of federally funded affordable apartment communities are not required to report your immigration status to immigration authorities at the Department of Homeland Security when you apply for assistance. However, your immigration status can be affected by not accurately reporting it when you apply for housing that receives restricted federal funds. You will also need to have a Social Security number when applying for federal housing programs, except for those people in your household who are not claiming eligible immigrant status.
Start the guide at Option 1: Housing for Eligible Noncitizens or choose a topic from the list below.
Housing for Immigrants Guide
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