Updated Housing Resource [Object

[View online]( Hey [Object, I hope you've had a great week! There is a lot going on in the world right now. A lot of it is unpleasant, but fortunately, the federal government, state governments, and even smaller organizations have worked hard to give back to the community offering those in need affordable housing. As more people are being sucked into an endless downward spiral of poverty, this is a social service that has become more essential than ever before, asserting the shelter is a universal human right and not just a luxury for those who have the funds for it. If you’re struggling to find a home, we’ve got a number of steps that help you get put on the right tracks. Have your thinking caps on because you are in for a heavy dose of inspiration! Sources of Assistance Though the federal government has been hard at work to help provide as much affordable housing as possible, only a quarter of those who need the federal assistance actually receive it. It may not even surprise you that many seek assistance elsewhere as there are other initiatives that can help. These are projects that are overseen either by non-profit organizations whose goal is to serve low income communities struggling to find housing or the state government (when the federal assistance is not able to assist). In a situation like this, the one thing that can help you the most is knowledge, and the best place to turn to find out more about what you can do is the National Low-Income Housing Coalition website, where you will get to learn everything you need to know. There are also very non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity that serve to help those struggling to find an affordable house. Public Housing Authorities (PHA) If there’s anything that needs to be involved in the first steps you are going to take in seeking affordable housing, it is getting in contact with all the regulatory bodies that you will need to be in touch with so that they will be address your specific situation. In this case, the local public housing authority (PH) would be the best place to turn to first because they have knowledge of the various affordable housing initiatives that are being done in your local community and they would also be able to advise you on the eligibility requirements for every individual initiative . Though the principles of affordable housing programs are similar, different states and localities have different policies which is why it is important to first consult your local PHA as a starting point. What to Know About the Emergency Rental Assistance Program While visiting your PHA is a great starting point, you can also do your own research and information at home to come better prepared when speaking to your local housing consultant! Congress has passed another COVID-19 relief bill that has a rental assistance program worth $25 billion, as well as a one-month extension of the CDC’s national eviction freeze for nonpayment of rent until January 31st, 2021. There is now a website you can visit that has just been published by the United States Department of Treasury. This website is a great source of information and provides a basic understanding to renters as well as both local and state governments with a population of 200,000 that are tasked with providing the funds from the Emergency Rental Assistance program. These funds can be used towards a variety of rental assistance like rental payments, utility costs, home costs[,]( and other expenses like arrears and more. Both landlords (with tenant signature) and renters can apply to receive these funds directly to local and state governments in order to receive the funds. The website has a map available that can help applicants understand what programs are available for the area that they are in as well as their eligibility. Programs are constantly being added, updated, and changing which is why it is important to keep up to date through personal research! You can make sure you are better equipped when entering your local PHA. The more information you have then the more confident you can feel when beginning your housing journey. You can also get ease of mind knowing that you have done everything in your power when dealing with your housing situation. Knowledge is power and you can get knowledge from your own tools and resources as well as get knowledge from resources available to the public. Overall It can be difficult beginning your journey towards affordable housing, especially during the middle of a pandemic. Luckily, there are sources of assistance that are available, and ways you can prepare to speak with your local PHA. If you take the time to properly prepare for your consultation with your local PHA, then you may be able to get more assistance options than you may realize. Make sure to handle your situation with the proper amount of time and energy to ensure that you are doing everything in your power to obtain affordable housing! -FHN , 14900 Sw 30th St, Miramar, FL 33027, United States You may [unsubscribe]( or [change your contact details]( at any time.