housing programs

housing programs questions and answers

More information about housing programs at Education News.

Q: First time home buyer in Minnesota- any housing programs Available.?
My husbands and I are going to be purchasing our first home in rural Minnesota. I am wondering if any one knows of an state, or country wide programs that can assistance us in purchasing our home. We do know its a home owned by a bank, technically we are on the poverty line but were we live the cost of living is so low that were not in poverty. The house is 69,000. Any advise, help or links would be greatly appreciated.

A: You may want to try a USDA Rural Development loan. But your best bet is to speak with a local lender who will know about local programs you may qualify for. Internet lenders typically do not have this information.

Q: Are there any programs for housing repairs for the elderly in NC?
ELderly woman needs repairs to bathroom floor and tub. It is an emergency.

A: Go to: www.eldercare.gov to find resources in your area.

Q: Is Hawaii raising higher on poverty because of elimating housing programs,etc?


A: The official poverty numbers are for income before government benefits, so the removal of programs would not effect them.

Q: how do we go about getting funding for our programs? housing grant, edu. grants, direction into this pls.?
we are a nonprofit org. looking to take back our community by way of edu/mentoring our staff enter into the juvenile justice system bringing fresh ideas as we network with other same mind org. striving to bring back order to our youth

A: Funding should come from the community, from individuals and businesses who feel that work such as yours is needed. You say you are a nonprofit organization -- first, before you start approaching local media to publicize your work or local companies, foundations, local government offices and individuals about funding, you need to have data that shows your organization is needed and what successes your organization has had to date. You need to have written profiles of key people at your organization, focusing on their qualifications for this kind of work. You should have letters of endorsement from people who have been served by your organization, other organizations and members of the justice system. And you need to have an annual report from your latest fiscal year, showing income and expenditures, as well as a budget for the current year that shows how you intend to spend money you earn. Once you have all of this in hand, ready to show to any potential funder, pitch stories to the media about the work your organization does, invite your city and state representatives to come on site to see your work first hand, and invite potential funders, such as corporate representatives and foundation representatives, to visit your site and see your work first hand as well, or have a presentation you can show on a site visit at their locations. Your local library can help you find locally-based foundations. Be sure you follow funding guidelines exactly, and stress your organization's accomplishments and expertise, NOT its desperation for money, when putting together funding proposals.

Q: what type of housing programs are available 4r parents with children with heart problems in Cleveland,Ohio?
many parents in cleveland,ohio rent apartments but would like to live in there own homes,to raise there children in there own home instead of an apartment.

A: Call your state - government and see if the Human & Health Department has any informaiton. In Indiana there is the Housing Development, that helps with rent, based on income, disability. Do not have to be on disability to get it....It is a sliding scale (rent) based on income - There are apartment buildings and homes that qualigy. HUD approved....there is paperwork involved and sometimes a waiting list, unless a person is homeless - Good luck.

Q: where can i apply for public housing and section 8 and other housing programs any programs that will help?
i am 8months pregnant and i need a place to go also my cousin is with me and she has a 6month old baby and we are looking for services that any one might no about that would would not have to wait that long because in about 4days will be homeless and we need a place to go so if anyone has info on what we can do please help cause we really don't want to go the shelter we will take anything that we can call home until we get are self together.

A: Section 8 has a LONG waiting list,sign up now though,that will hopefully assure you get some help within 3 to 5 years.

Q: How can a person establish a non-profit housing development and program for former foster youth?
I would like to find out how to establish a housing program in the Inland Empire area of California for former foster youth. I know there is a lot of funding for such programs, but I dont know how to go about getting the information. I just need a hand as to going about getting the proper materials for establishing such a program.

A: I have found a website that compiles various resources on starting a non profit. I especially like the Minnesota Council of NonProfits because the site gives information on governance, developing strategic alliances, fund raising and other ingredients of successfully running a non profit. http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm As for funding your non profit, I suggest you check out Foundation Center to help you gain ideas on how to properly establish your organization and get support from private foundations. They have the most extensive database of private donors, and they publish a magazine that can be very helpful to your new non profit. http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html I was previously involved in the setup of a non profit, and we were able to get a pro-bono lawyer who set up everything for us, including getting the 501c3 tax status. Contact other non profits in your area and check if there are lawyers willing to work for free to get you started. Non profits are just like any business - you need to get the word out in order to get the needed funding to help support your activities. Here are some tips to help you market your non profit: 1. Determine your your target audiences: who are the groups and audiences that your non profit wants to reach. Remember that one target group may respond differently to a marketing message as another group so make sure that each strategy is tailor made for each audience. 2. Develop a communications strategy, creating timelines for marketing efforts such as newsletters, press releases, special events, and others. 3. Develop a visual image. Prepare your logo and other branding tools - and use them consistently across various mediums. Make sure that you repeat your branding messages, slogans in everything you make from brochures to newsletters. 4. Employ multiple communications tactics: Nonprofit organizations often target several audiences, which may respond to different approaches. Various communications campaigns can help establish and maintain a more widespread positive image. 5. Select and use appropriate media: Plan to use a combination of approaches best suited to reaching your targeted audiences and that make best use of your financial resources. Include a variety of methods including phone calls, letters, e-mail, newsletters, PSAs, press releases, and editorials. For detailed information on how to start a non profit, I suggest you read the following books: - Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization -- by Joan M. Hummel - Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs - Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo

Q: Does anyone know of any programs that help single mothers find housing in IL? It doesn't have to be low income
Does anyone know of any programs that help single mothers find housing? I have two children ages 10 and two. I am expecting my third child, but will need to change my living arrangements. I have a good job, and benefits. I am not looking for a hand out or anything like that. I was just wondering if there are any programs that can guide me in the right direction of finding my own place for me and my kids. Also my credit isn't great, which is why I don't have my own place now. If anyone knows of anything in Chicago it would be greatly appreciated.

A: You can look on Craig's List http://chicago.craigslist.org/. they have lots of houses, sublets and rooms for rent. Some of the people there will listen and make arrangements if your credits is less than perfect. I don't know Chicago very well but there are probably some very good opportunities don't overlook the rooms for rent because sometimes they have cottage houses or mother-in-law apartments.

Q: What kind of housing programs do they have in Mableton GA for senior citizens????
my grandmother want to move here and she would like to know what the housing programs are like here????(in Mableton or Austell, GA)

A: Here is a site that will help you find housing in many areas.

Q: Does anyone know of any programs or colleges that provide housing for married couples?
me and my wife are both 29 yrs old, we have 3 kids and both want to go back to college. We were wondering if there is any specific type programs, grants, or colleges/ universities that provide housing. There use to be a place in MS called Mary Holmes College. They provided homes for married couples and Day Care. They were a Presbetyrian School and lost funding after 25 yrs and refused to let state gov take over so they closed down about 4 yrs ago.

A: Yeah, I know a few but I can't remember by name. You can check on collegeboard.com and search for an individual college's profile and under the housing tab it will say if they have housing available to married couples.

Q: are there any housing programs avail in ny for families with mental health issues?


A: Yes there are. Depending on what country you live in. go down to your local social welfare office and ask to speak to someone about the housing programs or your mental health worker.

Q: Suggestions of programs for housing needed this weekend?
A mother with 4 kids, gets off a plane this weekend, needs a place to stay...mom has green card (her mother died)! Anyone know anyone, program or etc. Kids all school age, she works and will work more. Any Answers America!

A: Contact your local 211 information and referral service for human and community services in your area. Go to 211.org to find a call center close to you

Q: Does any one any housing programs?
afforable housing programs

A: For affordable housing, perhaps you can call your local HUD (housing and urban development) office. The locations of the lesser expensive housing may not always be in the safest of places, and there may even be a waiting list. However, please do check with them. You may also get some information or other referrals from your local county board of social services. Both phone numbers should be found in the 'blue pages' (government institutions) of your county phone book.

Q: Does the government assist/subsidize programs, medication, housing for bipolar disorder? (in Chicago)?
I am in Chicago, in my 20s, unable to work because of the bad economy though I have a degree. So I can't afford my bipolar medication. This has led me to relapse. I also don't have a place to live. Is there a program out there that has free/reduced medication, therapy, housing? Anyone? Any help is appreciated.

A: yes the fedral govt provides this, bp disorder is no joke, apply through socialsecurity as soon as possible, you can do it on line, go to the site that has socialsecurity.gov the .gov is the important part, you can go to the ss office and get information on how to apply ,,, dont wait,,, you may get rejected for quite some time, but you will receive retro from the time you apply. in the mean time, go to a hospital, or clinic and see if they can help you get meds through a program from the drug companies. i think wallgreens may even be able to get you the forms for med help from drug companies. or go the the health dept. when you apply you will recieve a packet that will require you to have ALL medical proof of your medical condition.drs names addresses and phone numbers. get that all ready in the mean time. also social security will provide you with an avocate, to help you through the process. best wishes although i live in wisconsin, when i applied for help with my prescription meds i went to the county social services they helped me with the "pharmasutical med forms", i was approved johnney on the spot. i had a form filled in by my doctor, go to wallgreens, or walmart harmacy, im pretty sure they have the forms. otherwise go on line and look for help with meds, free meds where i live , when i first moved here the hospital had a program that you could bring in your script, most they would fill, welbutrin they said i could only get one refill, check at hospitals, call them and see if any do. the salvation army , or some relisous groups may have programs to assist you. one more thing, to the right you will see some places for bipolar treatment, they may even be able to assist you. just try to muster the courage to follow through, i have bipolar depression, with out meds ,,, well, life would be ... hard to bear to say the LEAST !! again , wishing you well.

Q: Is a convicted felon currently on probation eligible for the HUD subsidized housing program?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the subsidized housing programs in most states. Someone I know was rejected due to "unsatisfactory criminal history check" among other reasons. Does the HUD subsidized housing program ban felons currently on supervision (HUD)? If yes, PLEASE, if you have it, include a cite(s) to the statute, reg, admin rule or case law. Thanks in advance! (I was an attorney for 18 years, and certainly understand citations and legal terms - I just never studied or practiced in this area)

A: Several years ago, HUD issued what at the time were new requirements concerning drug use/criminal activity. The new regulations were promulgated via HUD Notice which, if I remember correctly, consisted of a dozen or so pages. Well, those provisions have since been included in HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev-1, which is a book that is considered the"Bible" of the project-based Section 8 industry. Paragraph 4-7C of the handbook indicates that owners must consider the following applicant screening criteria (some have also been incorporated in the HUD Model Lease): 2.Owners must establish standards that prohibit admission of: a.Any household containing a member(s) who was evicted in the last three years from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity. The owner may, but is not required to, consider two exceptions to this provision: (1)The evicted household member has successfully completed an approved, supervised drug rehabilitation program; or (2)The circumstances leading to the eviction no longer exist (e.g., the household member no longer resides with the applicant household). b.A household in which any member is currently engaged in illegal use of drugs or for which the owner has reasonable cause to believe that a member’s illegal use or pattern of illegal use of a drug may interfere with the health, safety, and right to peaceful enjoyment of the property by other residents; c.Any household member who is subject to a state sex offender lifetime registration requirement; and d.Any household member if there is reasonable cause to believe that member’s behavior, from abuse or pattern of abuse of alcohol, may interfere with the health, safety, and right to peaceful enjoyment by other residents. The screening standards must be based on behavior, not the condition of alcoholism or alcohol abuse. 3.Owners may establish additional standards that prohibit admission if the owner determines that any household member is currently engaging in, or has engaged in, the following activities during a reasonable time before the admission decision: a.Drug-related criminal activity. The owner may include additional standards beyond the required standards that prohibit admission in the case of eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity and current drug use. b.Violent criminal activity. c.Other criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, and right to peaceful enjoyment of the property by other residents or the health and safety of the owner, employees, contractors, subcontractors, or agents of the owner. NOTE:.* If an owner’s admission policy includes any of the activities above or similar restrictions that uses a standard regarding a household member’s current or recent actions, the owner may define the length of time prior to the admission decision during which the applicant must not have engaged in the criminal activity. The owner shall ensure that the relevant “reasonable” time period is uniformly applied to all applicants in a non-discriminatory manner and in accordance with applicable fair housing and civil rights laws.* 4.An owner’s screening criteria also may include the following provisions: a.Exclusion of culpable household members. An owner may require an applicant to exclude a household member when that member’s past or current actions would prevent the household from being eligible. b.Drug or alcohol rehabilitation. When screening applications, an owner may consider whether the appropriate household member has completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. The owner may require appropriate documentation of the successful completion of a rehabilitation program. c.Length of mandatory prohibition. The owner may set a period longer than required by the regulation (as described in subparagraph C.2 above) that prohibits admission to a property for disqualifying behavior. For those behaviors that would result in denial for a “reasonable time,” the owner must define a reasonable period in the tenant selection plan. d.Reconsideration of previously denied applicants. An owner may reconsider the application of a previously denied applicant if the owner has sufficient evidence that the members of the household are not and have not engaged in criminal activity for a reasonable period of time. The owner must define a reasonable period of time in the tenant selection plan. * When the owner chooses to adopt this admission provision, the owner must require the household member to submit documentation to support the reconsideration of the decision which includes: (1)A certification that states that she or he is not currently engaged in such criminal activity and has not engaged in such criminal activity during the specified period. (2)Supporting information from such sources as a probation officer, a landlord, neighbors, social service agency worker or criminal record(s) that were verified by the owner.* e.Consideration of the circumstances relevant to a particular case. In developing optional screening criteria for a property, and applying the criteria to specific cases, owners may consider all the circumstances relevant to a particular household’s case. Such considerations may not be applied to the required screening criteria described in subparagraph C.2 above. These types of circumstances include: (1)The seriousness of the offense; (2)The effect denying tenancy would have on the community or on the failure of the responsible entity to take action; (3)The degree of participation in the offending activity by the household member; (4)The effect denying tenancy would have on nonoffending household members; (5)The demand for assisted housing by persons who will adhere to lease responsibilities; (6)The extent to which the applicant household has taken responsibility and takes all reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate the offending action; and (7)The effect of the offending action on the program’s integrity.