Secrets of the Affordable Housing Search
COVID-19 is all over the news, exhausting hospitals beyond their limits and shooting down companies right and left. The health aspect of the crisis is often recognized, but it’s not the human aspect of this predicament that is given much attention. As this deadly virus ravages US cities, people have been left to sleep in subway stations because of the detrimental economic impact it has had on their jobs, forcing them to leave their homes with no shelter in sight and no hope to get some sort of affordable housing. If you’re in a tight situation whether it’s due to corona or just because life is getting too expensive, we’re to show you the right organizations to turn to so that you can be given the assistance you need during these critical times.
The National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
NLIHC is an acronym with a lot of letters because it works to help a lot of people! The National Low-Income Housing Coalition helps those struggling to find a home by offering them an immense amount of support and information so that everyone can afford a roof over their heads. Their website, staff, and support systems are designed to try to cater to every situation they meet so that they can accommodate everyone.
When you visit the NLIHC website, you will find a host of different pages and sections that will explain the different programs that the NLIHC has in great retail. If you want to receive regular updates and learn more about the latest initiatives, you can also consider signing up for their newsletter which will provide you with everything you need.
As a nationwide organization, the NLIHC enjoys a close association with similar organizations around the country that are helping and supporting those in need of affordable housing.
More References
It’s important to take advantage of several tools that you will have at your disposals such as the Renters In Foreclosure Toolkit and Rental Housing Database. If you happen to be facing possible eviction and/or foreclosure, the Renters In Foreclosure Toolkit is a great source of information on subjects such as tenants’ rights and what can be done to help from a legal and financial perspective. As a tenant, it’s important that you know your rights and that the government has passed laws offering legal protection to tenants. One of these laws includes the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA) which is written about in extensive detail on the Federal Reserve website.
There is also a new website that was recently published by the United States Department of Treasury for its newest COVID-19 Relief program.
What You Should Know About the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
While there are many references available to help tenants during this time, a new resource tool has just been published. You can do additional research and better understand newer opportunities that may be available to you. The government recently passed an additional COVID-19 relief assistance package that has a rental assistance program that is worth $25 billion. In addition to rental assistance funds, there is also a one-month extension of the CDC’s national eviction halt for rent non-payments until January 31st, 2021.
This website is an excellent resource for information and provides a simple understanding to both renters and state/local governments that have a population of at least 200,000 who are tasked with allocating the funds from the Emergency Rental Assistance program. Luckily, these funds can be used for numerous rental assistance measures like the costs of utilities, home costs, rental payments, rental arrears, and much more! Both renters and landlords (with their tenant signature) can submit an application to receive these funds through either their state or local governments. The website can provide the information needed to see what programs are available in your area as well as what eligibility is needed in order to receive assistance.
Housing assistance programs are always being created, changed, and updated. That is why it is imperative that you keep up to date with resources available that can help provide a better understanding of what may be available for you and your current situation. This knowledge will also help prepare you even more if you ever visit your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
Your local PHA can be a great resource when figuring out what affordable housing assistance programs are available for your current situation from a local, state, and federal level. If you research programs before visiting your local PHA, you can enter with more confidence which can make dealing with affordable housing less stressful. This is a free tool that is available to those who need help navigating the world of affordable housing, as well as a place to submit your affordable housing applications!
Overall
There are numerous programs available when it comes to affordable housing. That is why it is important to take the time to thoroughly research some of the options that are available to you. This research can also be great when it comes to speaking to your local PHA because you will have more context when understanding program availability and eligibility.