U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers close to 300 programs dedicated to its core mission of creating robust, inclusive communities and ensuring quality, affordable housing for every American. Generally, the public accesses these programs through intermediaries like Public Housing Agencies, non-profits, or local governments, with a few exceptions, such as filing a Fair Housing complaint. The following are some of the most requested programs: HOMELESS RESOURCES Temporary Housing: HUD and other organizations provide financial support for homeless shelters and transitional housing. The Continuum of Care (CoC) program by HUD encourages community-wide efforts to end homelessness and funds non-profits and government initiatives to swiftly re-house homeless individuals and families, reducing trauma and dislocation. For assistance, contact Boise/Ada County at (208) 384-4158 x104 or the Rest of State at (208) 331-4754. RENTAL ASSISTANCE: Low-income Housing: HUD, USDA Rural Development, and other entities fund housing projects to make them affordable for low-income individuals. Interested applicants should reach out to the management office of the respective apartment buildings. You can search for low-income housing, including subsidized options, on HousingIdaho.com. Subsidized Apartments: HUD aids apartment owners in providing reduced rents for low-income tenants. To apply, visit the management office of the apartment buildings. Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Public Housing Agencies (PHA) manage HUD's public housing programs, offering rental assistance to eligible families in designated housing developments or units owned by PHAs. They also oversee the Housing Choice Voucher program, where HUD provides rental subsidies for standard-quality units selected by tenants in the private market. To apply for assistance, contact your local Public Housing Agency. Emergency Rental Assistance: These agencies can offer help for temporary financial issues. Resources include County Welfare Offices, Community Action Partnership Agencies, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association at (877) 438-4472. LANDLORD AND TENANT INFORMATION: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in federally-assisted housing: Residents in federally-assisted housing have specific rights and responsibilities. It is essential to understand your obligations and entitlements. For complaints about federally-assisted housing units, reach HUD at (208) 334-1990. Landlord and Tenant Guidelines: Landlord-tenant laws are governed by state regulations, so unless you are in federally-assisted housing, HUD's authority may be limited (except for Fair Housing Act violations or other specific issues). The Idaho Office of the Attorney General has created resources to assist. HOMEOWNERSHIP: Owning a home is a significant aspect of the American Dream. Resources are available to assist you in purchasing, maintaining, and retaining your home. Homebuyer Education: If you're considering buying a home, a homebuyer education course may help you qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance. Talk to a Housing Counselor to learn about homeownership, find a HUD Home, and avoid foreclosure. HUD-approved Counseling Agencies offer free Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling to help you steer clear of scams. Other Counseling: HUD-approved Counseling Agencies provide various services, including Fair Housing workshops, financial management, home improvement counseling, and more. FAIR HOUSING: Know Your Rights: Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Fair Housing—It's Your Right: HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity enforces fair housing laws and addresses complaints regarding housing discrimination. Individuals with questions about discrimination can contact HUD. File a Housing Discrimination Complaint.