The Home Program Helps Low-Income Familes Establish A Better Living Environment?

Answer 1

In 1990, Congress established the Home program as a way to provide affordable housing to low-income families. The focus is on safe, modest, and affordable housing to those who fall below 79% of the Average Median Family Income (AMFI). Using the available funds, often in conjunction with local nonprofit groups, the participating state and local jurisdictions (“PJs”) are able to construct or remodel affordable housing units. This helps existing homeowners, new homebuyers, and renters establish a better living environment.

The Low-Income Renter

Finding a decent but affordable rental home can be complex, time consuming, and frustrating. It begins with an honest assessment of your current financial restrictions. This is where many low-income families fail to take into account alternative resources. They sometimes see a dead end where there is none. The Home program is designed to help take up the slack; it provides direct rental assistance to low-income people.

Get a Share of The Resources

The Home program functions through block grants that are directly linked to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Because HUD is not the actual owner of rental housing, confusion sometimes enters the picture. The renter must understand that HUD merely provides the funding to support various rental assistance programs. It works like this:

•Privately owned subsidized housing - rather than providing the funds directly to the renter, the HUD funded Home program subsidizes apartment owners so that they can upgrade and maintain their buildings on a reduced out-of-pocket expense. The apartment owner passes this savings to the tenants in the form of lower rents.

•Public Housing – the Home program helps create affordable apartments. The disabled, the elderly, and low-income families benefit from the process.

•Housing Choice Voucher Program – this permits low-income renters to locate their own place. A HUD backed voucher is then used to pay the rent, or a part thereof.

To understand more and to perhaps get a share of the resources, start by contacting your local Public Housing Agency.