Chapter 4: How to Find Affordable Housing

What is Subsidized Housing?

Housing that is made affordable from mon Searching for housing ey from the government, banks and foundations. This money is usually used to help tenants pay the rent.

Subsidies

Tenant Based: The subsidy is attached to the tenant. When the tenant moves, the subsidy goes with her.

Types of Common Subsidies that Help Pay the Rent

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

Section 8 is the "Gold Standard" of subsidized housing in that you can keep it as long as you need it, and you can take it with you if you move.
The largest Federally Funded Program.
Tenant only pays 30% of income for rent.
Can rent private market apartments or houses that meet Fair Market Rent.
Is portable and as long as you meet guidelines: has no time limit.
Extremely long waiting list (5-7 years).

Homeless Leasing Assistance and Shelter Plus Care Programs

Supportive housing for persons who are homeless, have a disability, and low income.
Pay only 30% income for rent.
Can rent private market apartments or houses that meet Fair Market Rent.
There are a limited number of units available.

OCCMHA Housing Assistance Program

Subsidy program for persons with mental illness who are consumers of OCCMHA and need affordable housing while waiting for Section 8.
Tenant pays 40% of income.
Temporary; can be used only to bridge the gap while waiting for other subsidies.
There are a limited number of units available.

Some Possible Barriers to Subsidized Housing

Highly regulated, each program has its own set of rules.
Most are government-funded and are subject to the one strike and you are out rule.
Paperwork can be overwhelming. You must stay current and organized. You must keep your landlord up to date about any changes to income and family composition.
Extremely long waiting lists due to shortage of affordable housing.

How to Prepare for Affordable Housing

Preparing: Four Steps

Examine your resources.
Write down what you need.
Write down what you want.
Learn about the current housing market.

Step 1: Resources Preparing

How much can I afford every month?
Do I have 1 1/2 that amount for the security deposit?
Do I have a subsidy, roommate, etc?

Step 2: What do I Need?

30% Price range, subsidized?
Transportation, buses, family rides, stores.
- What kind of transportation do you use now?
- What kind of transportation will you need if I move?
Number of bedrooms?
Close to: job, school, supports, family, friends, public transportation, & shopping.
Accessible: stairs, ramps, grab bars, doorways.
Shower or tub, which do you prefer?

Step 3: What do I Want?

Balcony, door wall, pets?
Air conditioning, free utilities?
How much space, storage?
Covered parking, laundry (in home, in complex or at mom's)?
Backyard, pool, patio?
In town, in suburbs, in the country?
What else that is not listed do you want?

Step 4: The Housing Market

Know what is available in your price range.
What kind of place is available in your price range?
What area is available in your price range?
Are there a lot of places available or not many at all?
Decide if you can take your time or if you must move quickly when you find a place you like that is available.

Now that you did your homework you're ready for the search. GOOD LUCK!