Housing Assistance Beyond Section 8: Other Programs Worth Knowing
Section 8 housing vouchers are the most well-known housing assistance program in the country — and they have extremely long waiting lists, often 5–10 years in high-cost cities. But Section 8 is not the only housing assistance available. Here are other programs that may help sooner, or that cover situations Section 8 does not.
Public housing
Public housing is government-owned housing managed by local public housing authorities (PHAs). Rents are set at 30% of household income. Public housing waitlists are also long, but are often shorter than Section 8 waitlists because public housing is less flexible and some families prefer vouchers.
Public housing is concentrated in specific buildings or complexes, unlike Section 8 which can be used at any qualifying private rental. Eligibility criteria (income, background checks) are similar to Section 8.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
The HOME program provides federal funds to states and cities to create affordable housing — through construction, rehabilitation, or down payment and rental assistance. Unlike Section 8, HOME is block-granted to local governments which design their own programs.
HOME-assisted units typically have income limits at 60-80% of area median income. Contact your local city or county housing department to find out what HOME-funded programs are available in your area.
USDA Rural Housing Programs
The USDA offers housing assistance for rural areas that urban programs do not cover. Section 502 provides direct loans or loan guarantees for low-income rural homebuyers. Section 521 (Rural Rental Assistance) subsidizes rents in USDA-financed rural housing developments.
If you live in or are moving to a rural area, USDA housing programs can be a significant resource. Eligibility is based on income relative to area median, and rural areas are defined broadly — many small towns qualify.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
Federal Emergency Rental Assistance programs — significantly expanded during COVID-19 — provide short-term rental assistance to households facing eviction or inability to pay rent. Many states and cities continue to operate ERA programs using remaining federal funds.
ERA programs are typically short-term (one to three months of assistance) and require demonstration of financial hardship and risk of housing instability. Contact your local housing authority or 211 (call or text 211) to find current programs.
State and local emergency housing programs
Most states operate emergency housing assistance programs funded through state general funds, TANF, or other sources. These vary enormously by state and city — some provide months of rental assistance, others only cover security deposits or utility reconnection.
The 211 helpline (dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211) is the fastest way to find current local housing assistance programs. Local community action agencies also often administer emergency housing funds.
Get on Section 8 waitlists anyway
Even if Section 8 has a multi-year waitlist, apply to every housing authority whose waitlist is open. The date of your application determines your place in line — every day you wait to apply is time lost. Some housing authorities hold lotteries and preference systems that can move certain households up the waitlist faster.
You can apply to multiple housing authorities in different cities or counties simultaneously. If you are willing to move, checking housing authorities in smaller cities can result in a shorter wait.