Raising a family isn’t cheap. Between rent and groceries and childcare, just keeping the lights on, most families are figuring out something more than just their schedules. And, if you’re low income, the effort it takes to secure a stable, affordable place to live can seem like an uphill battle every single day.
But here’s the good news: resources are available. And meant for families just like yours.
Understanding the Housing Crunch
In much of the country, particularly urban and suburban communities, the cost of living has pulled ahead of wage growth. According to a report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an individual must earn more than $30 an hour to be able to afford a modest two-bedroom rental without giving up more than 30% of his or her income to housing.That math simply doesn’t work for households with hourly jobs.
Housing insecurity is not all about the bank account. Families struggling can report higher stress, more health problems and instability that flows over into school performance, job attendance. A stable place to live isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation for all people to live their healthiest lives.
That’s why housing vouchers, like those provided under Section 8, are not only helpful — they’re essential. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. And it can be found in neighborhoods across the United States.
What Is Section 8 and Who Can Apply?
Section 8 is a federally funded program that is run by the Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) locally.Eligible families receive a voucher that effectively lowers their rent and are able to choose their housing, including single-family homes, townhomes and apartments, as long as the property meets program standards.
The primary eligibility factors are income and family size. But any local housing authority may have different rules or wait times — which brings us to one of the biggest challenges: getting on a waiting list.
Even if you believe your income is too high, it’s worth the five minutes or so spent checking the guidelines. Many families are surprised to find that they still qualify, particularly those with dependents or elderly family members living with them. Nor is it disqualifying to have a steady job. This program is supposed to help working families, not just those who are unemployed.
How to Check Waiting Lists in Your Area
If you’ve applied for Section 8 in the past, you know that it can sometimes be difficult to figure out when or where you should apply. That’s because the process usually involves waiting lists that open and close at random.
Families can now use online resources to streamline the process. For example, Section 8 has online waiting lists based in different regions. For those in New Jersey, check out your area’s waiting list page. There are many other areas with similar websites or pages.
You may also want to reach out directly to your local PHA and request to be put on their mailing list for application notices. A little early outreach can make a big difference.
Tips for Families Applying to Section 8
If you are prepared to apply, here are a few practical tips to help you improve your own chances:
- Register for an alert in your area with a local housing authority so you can receive a notification when the wait list opens.
- Collect key documents as early as possible — proof of income, Social Security cards, birth certificates.
- Submit to as many jurisdictions as possible. You don’t need to live in the area to apply, although you may be required to move there once approved.
- Keep copies of everything. Applications can be time-consuming, and records can be useful if anything is lost.Be persistent. Wait is long, however it helps being the loop.
What Happens After You Get a Voucher?
When your name is at the top of the list, the local PHA will contact you and ask you to come in and apply for their program. You will be given a voucher if you are eligible and then you can begin looking for housing. You’ll have to find a unit that meets the program parameters and you and the landlord need to agree on the terms.
Then the PHA inspects the apartment to ensure that it’s safe and up to par. When your voucher is approved, you can move in and begin contributing your share of monthly rent while the voucher takes care of the rest.
It’s also important to understand that Section 8 isn’t forever. Families have to certify each year in order to remain eligible. But if you qualify and play by the rules, you can continue to draw support.
Why It Matters
Affordable housing is not just about a roof over your head. It’s about stability, the sort that lets kids concentrate in school, parents make it to work and families breathe easier.
It is an opener of doors as well. Stable housing is associated with improved health, increased graduation rates and greater employment retention. For lots of families, Section 8 is a lifeline, not a luxury. They make “just getting by” into “getting better.”
So if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, don’t lose heart. Help is here, and it might be closer than you think. Begin weighing your options right now, because there’s a safe place to live out there for every family.
If you want more information, explore our website: whatutalkingboutfamily.com.