The states chosen are those struggling with unemployment rates at or above the national average or steep home price downturns greater than 20% since the housing market decline.

The States

Below is a list of states where the program is being implemented (amount of funding in parenthesis).

• Alabama ($162,521,345)
• Arizona ($267,766,006)
• California ($1,975,334,096)
• Florida ($1,057,839,136)
• Georgia ($339,255,819)
• Illinois ($445,603,557)
• Indiana ($221,694,139)
• Kentucky ($148,901,875)
• Michigan ($498,605,738)
• Mississippi ($101,888,323)
• Nevada ($194,026,240)
• New Jersey ($300,548,144)
• North Carolina ($482,781,786)
• Ohio ($570,395,099)
• Oregon ($220,042,786)
• Rhode Island ($79,351,573)
• South Carolina ($295,431,547)
• Tennessee ($217,315,593)
• Washington DC ($20,697,198)

Requirements

Though certain requirements differ for each state, the homeowner must be unemployed or underemployed through no fault of his or her own and may receive up to six (6) months of monthly mortgage payments (including escrowed mortgage-related payments) and/or funds to pay past-due mortgage payments to bring the mortgage current. These funds are paid directly to the loan servicer or lender.

The following reasons for a reduction of income will not qualify as a financial hardship:

• Death
• Divorce
• Disability

Please review the following criteria prior to applying for HHF assistance.

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Eligibility

Aside from the requirements mentioned above, here are more requirements for the EHLP:

• You must have a total household income of no more than $75,000 (or 120% of the Area Median Income for your area) for a four-person household
• You must be at least three months behind on mortgage payments
• Your home is at risk of foreclosure
• You must be able to repay the first mortgage obligations within 2 years, as well as other housing expenses and debt obligations when your household income rises above 85% of the previous level
• You must be living in the mortgaged property (which also has to be your main or principal residence, should you have more than one) at the time of your application to EHLP and for the duration of the program loan period
• The mortgaged property must be a single family residence (1- to 4-unit structure or condominium unit)

States eligible for EHLP

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming are under EHLP.

Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland and Pennsylvania a have similar state program and are not directly assisted by EHLP.

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Although it helps the struggling economy, stricter bank lending practices have further aggravated the stumbling housing market in the short term. Even highly qualified homebuyers are having a difficult time getting a mortgage loan.

In 36 out of the 50 largest cities in the country, it is cheaper to buy a two-bedroom home rather than to rent one. These cities include many areas that have been hit hard by foreclosures, such as Fresno, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Below is a list of top 10 cities to buy instead of rent:

1. Miami, Florida
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Arlington, Texas
4. Mesa, Arizona
5. Phoenix, Arizona
6. Jacksonville, Florida
7. Sacramento, California
8. San Antonio, Texas
9. Fresno, California

10.  El Paso, Texas

In other cities, renting is cheaper, but buying might make more financial sense. These cities include Fort Worth and Los Angeles. Below is a top 10 list of cities to rent vs. buy:

1. New York, New York
2. Seattle, Washington
3. Kansas City, Missouri
4. San Francisco, California
5. Memphis, Tennessee
6. Los Angeles, California
7. Fort Worth, Texas
8. Oakland, California
9. Portland, Oregon

10.  Albuquerque, New Mexico

Note: The lists above consider the total cost of homeownership compared to the total cost of renting. Calculations for the total cost of homeownership include mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, hazard insurance, closing costs at time of purchase, homeowners’ association dues and private mortgage insurance. The homeownership cost calculation also includes tax advantages from mortgage interest, property tax and closing-cost deductions. Calculations for total rental cost include rent and renters insurance.

Although owning a home is relatively more affordable in most cities, market conditions have caused a swap between traditional renters and buyers. Renters are seizing the opportunity to become homeowners while affordability is high. At the same time, a growing number of homeowners are finding themselves tenants — some by choice and others by necessity.

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• A secure home for up to 18 months, sometimes more
• Basic life-skill building: how to budget, housekeep, menu plan and use credit
• Interpersonal skill building: improve ability to create good relationships with peers and adults, make decisions and manage stress
• Educational opportunities: General Education Development, post-secondary training and vocational education
• Assistance in job preparation: career counseling and job placement
• Mental health care: individual and group counseling
• Physical health care: exercise, health assessments and emergency treatment
• Parenting skills to pregnant or parenting teenagers

The program also includes Positive Youth Development, or PYD. This program encourages youth to achieve their full potential through exercising leadership, building skills and involving them in their communities.

The general qualifications of the program are: you must be between the ages of 16 and 21 years old, and you must either be homeless or live in a shelter.

Application and inquiry can be done in more than 191 community-based residential centers all over the country. You can also call 800-621-4000 toll-free to locate the runaway and homeless youth basic center nearest you.

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The HUD-VASH Program offers transferable vouchers that help veterans:

• Live in selected apartment units
• Pay rental fees
• Live communities where Veterans Affairs management services are available

There are about 20,000 vouchers distributed all over the country. Veterans can get vouchers in Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

The Veterans’ Supported Housing Program helps veterans by:

• Finding permanent housing
• Providing medical consultation
• Guiding in career decision
  Qualifications:

Veterans must be:

• Qualified for Veterans Affairs Health Care
• Homeless
• Participating in case management services

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing Program

HUD provides 20,000 “Housing Choice” Section 8 vouchers designated for HUD-VASH to participating Public Housing Authorities to assist with rent payment. The program goals include promoting maximum Veteran recovery and independence to sustain permanent housing in the community for the Veteran and the Veteran’s family.

Eligibility Criteria

Veterans who are appropriate for this program must be eligible for VA health care. They must meet the McKinney Act definition of homelessness:

• An individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence
• An individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:
  • A supervised publicly or privately-operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations, including welfare hotels, congregate shelters and transitional housing for the mentally ill
  • An institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized
  • A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings

Veterans who are candidates for this program must need case management services in order to get and keep independent community housing. Veterans who need case management services should have serious mental illness, substance use disorder history or physical disability. Veterans with the most vulnerability are excellent candidates for this program.

Eligible candidates for the program are expected to participate in case management and utilize the supportive services, treatment recommendations and assistance needed to successfully maintain recovery and sustain housing in the community.

VA determines clinical eligibility for the program. The PHA determines if the Veteran participant meets HUD’s regulations for this program. The PHA will determine eligibility based on income limits. Also, the PHA will determine if any member of the household is required to maintain Lifetime Sexual Offender Registry status—those who do are not eligible to participate in this program.

Applying

To apply for HUD-VASH, please contact your local VA Homeless Program. Veterans can contact the HUD-VASH program directly, or obtain a referral from a case manager in another VA program, from a community program or other referral sources.

LINKS

• HUD-VASH Q&A: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/hud-vash_qanda_chart_10-13-09.pdf

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The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was originally only for weatherproofing your home. Weatherproofing was done usually through low-cost methods like weatherstripping doors and windows.

In recent years, though, WAP has expanded to include cost-effective upgrades for heating, cooling and electrical systems.

It now even includes specifics for qualified appliances.

The idea now is that the WAP program aims to maximize your energy consumption for the least amount of money. It also uses short- and long-term solutions.

Why should I get WAP?

You can get an average of around $6,500 from the program, with the most cost-effective solutions to be applied first.  If you can get savings from using WAP money, then you can get ahead in your other bills and needs – just like that.

Safety checks for heating, cooling and electrical systems are part of the safety and efficiency package. Sometimes, States expand the program to combine with LIHEAP, becoming Weatherization Plus.

Am I Eligible?

You could be one of 20 to 30 million families who are eligible nationwide. Each State will have its own set of guidelines, and local energy agencies and organizations handle the program.

There are general guidelines, thankfully:

•             If you receive Supplemental Security Income or other similar program benefits, you may be eligible for WAP.

•             Preference is given to the disabled, children and to people who are over 60 years old.

•             If you fall below 200% of the poverty level, you are eligible.

•             In some States, if your income is less than 60% of the state median level, you are eligible.

How do I apply for WAP?

1) You should call the local state agency office for energy services. In some cases, you may have to contact government approved non-profit organizations.

2) Once you go in to apply, you should have proof of income for the year before you applied. Be prepared for an interview to determine details about your household, such as number of people.

3) If you qualify, you are put on a waiting list. The waiting list usually prioritizes by need. If you are renting, make sure you have your landlord’s permission.

4) Professionals will test your unit or house for efficiency. This may include an analysis of your energy bills. Health and safety checks will also be done. From all these, cost-efficient measures will be planned.

5) Armed with an average of $6,500, program workers will upgrade your unit or house, subject to your final inspection.

For more information, please click on this link to be taken to the proper directory.

Housing Choice Vouchers or Section 8 vouchers are for helping very low income families, the disabled and the elderly who cannot afford decent, safe and sanitary housing – normally in the private market.

The program is locally administered by public housing agencies (PHAs). All prospective houses or apartments must pass the PHA’s health and safety standards.

The program can answer for the lesser amount of either the standard payment minus 30% of the applicant’s monthly adjusted income, or the gross rent for the house or apartment minus 30% of the monthly adjusted income.

Why should I get them?

If you qualify and apply, you will be able to choose your own apartment or house. As long as the house or unit meets your local PHA’s guidelines, you are the one who chooses where you will live, within limits. Even better, depending on the guidelines of your PHA or state laws for voucher use, you can even use the vouchers to buy a proper home for your family.

The amount that the program pays for in your rent depends on your PHA and state local guidelines. The payment is coursed directly to your landlord by the PHA.

The bottom line is that the program helps you save by paying for a significant amount of the rent or mortgage.

Am I Eligible?

Qualification is based primarily on the applicant’s total annual gross income and family size. You also have to be:

- A U.S. citizen

- A person with eligible immigration status

Usually, the person’s personal or total family income should not go past 50% of the median income for the local area or where the family is looking to settle in. 75% of the vouchers given to a PHA are by law assigned to persons or families whose incomes are at or below 30% of the local median income. Local income levels are assigned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the PHA provides the income limits for area and family size.

How do I apply for them?

Contact the local PHA or HUD office for more information. They will see if you are eligible by checking your family assets, income and family composition. Once they have double-checked with banks or employers, they will determine how much they can use to help you with your rent if you qualify. You’ll then be put on a waiting list for giving out vouchers. PHAs have the right to determine if certain applicants should receive vouchers first, based on need or immediate housing situation. For more information, please click on this link to be taken to the proper directory.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a Federal program for low-income families. It aims to help them lower their home energy bills.

The program isn’t just for the wintering states. LIHEAP benefits are also used for summer cooling solutions.

Through this program, you can avoid health and safety problems such as illness, fire and eviction through proper cooling and heating methods.

LIHEAP is active in all States, territories and tribal areas. Local government offices and appointed organizations provide direct public assistance.

Why should I get LIHEAP?

If you can’t pay your home energy bills, you put your safety and health at risk. The last thing you need is to have you or your loved ones freeze to death or get heatstroke when it could all have been avoided.

Proper heating or cooling is important if you have elderly or disabled family members. Children are also a cause for concern for the program.

Even worse, you may use unsafe solutions, like improper venting and unapproved heating equipment. These can lead to fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning.

LIHEAP can help you with bill payments, energy crisis assistance and weatherization repairs.

Sometimes, States expand the program to combine with WAP, becoming LIHEAP Plus.

So why worry about your bills for the winter or the coming heatwave when you have the chance to get some free help from the government?

Am I Eligible?

Your household income is the key to qualifying. The State government may also have additional requirements. You should apply as soon as possible, since LIHEAP funds are limited. Once they’re gone, you’ll have to wait for the next fiscal year.

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

You need the following to apply for LIHEAP:

•             Proof of your current gross income

•             Income from other programs like Social Security and Unemployment Insurance

•             Copies of your recent utility bills, or a termination notice

•             Proof of your present address (rent receipt, deed, etc.)

•             Documents for your household members (birth certificates, school records, etc.)

•             Social Security numbers for all family members

•             U.S. citizenship papers, or proof for permanent residence

Contact your local government offices for more information on how your state handles LIHEAP applications. For more information, please click on this link to be taken to the proper directory.

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) provides homelessness prevention assistance for households in danger of eviction. They also assist in rapid re-housing for the homeless.

HPRP is not a mortgage assistance program. Instead, it focuses on housing and provides temporary financial assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services.

Do I need HPRP?

This program is intended for the following:

• Individuals and families who are currently in housing but are at risk of becoming homeless and need temporary assistance
• Homeless individuals and families who need temporary assistance to obtain, remain and maintain housing

Do I qualify for HPRP?

Eligibility is determined by the following:

• The household must have an initial consultation and eligibility assessment with a case manager or other authorized representative
• The household’s total income must be 50% or below the Area Median Income (AMI)

*$23,163 is 50% of the national household income median. for more calculations and programs that use similar figures, see http://www.familyfinancialhelpusa.com/housing/what-are-hud-public-housing-programs/.

Also, the household must meet the following circumstances:

• No appropriate housing options have been identified
• The household lacks the financial resources for acquiring or staying in proper housing
• The household lacks the support networks needed to obtain or remain in proper housing

*The guidelines listed above are the minimum given by HUD.

A job and a home

Many individuals and families who benefit from this program will be able to concentrate on reentering the workforce. In turn, that can help them become stable and productive members of their communities.

LINKS

• HUD page:  http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/recovery/programs/homelessness
• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act PDF can be found here:  http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/lawsandregs/mckv.cfm

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