Finding safe, affordable housing starts with understanding all the programs available to you. From federal vouchers to state-funded rental support and nonprofit housing options, there are more resources out there than most people realize. Each program serves a unique purpose, and knowing how they work—and who they’re designed to help—can open the door to opportunities you may not have considered.

This guide breaks down the major categories of housing assistance in plain language, helping you understand what each program does, who qualifies, and how they can support you. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of your options—and a better idea of which programs might be right for you.

Why Knowing Your Options Matters

Many people assume that housing assistance begins and ends with Section 8—but that’s far from true. In reality, there are dozens of federal, state, local, and nonprofit programs designed to help different types of households.

The problem? Most people don’t know about them.

Understanding the full landscape of housing assistance programs can open doors you didn’t even realize were available. It can also help you build a more complete strategy—applying to multiple programs instead of relying on just one.

Let’s explore the most important types of housing assistance available today.

1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Section 8 is the most well-known housing assistance program in the United States. It helps low-income households afford rental homes in the private market by paying a portion of their rent each month directly to the landlord.

How it works:

You apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
If approved, you receive a voucher.
You find a home that accepts Section 8.
HUD pays part of the rent; you pay the rest (usually around 30% of your income).

Because it’s so popular, Section 8 waitlists can be extremely long—but the benefits are life-changing.

If you’re exploring Section 8 or want to compare voucher programs in your area, be sure to visit Section8Search.org for helpful tools and insights.

2. Public Housing

Public housing is another major federal program, but instead of giving you a voucher, the PHA provides the housing directly. These units are owned and managed by housing authorities and offered at affordable rates based on your income.

Who it helps:

Low-income families
Seniors
People with disabilities

Why it’s different from Section 8:

Public housing offers stability because your rent adjusts with your income—but the downside is availability. Many PHAs have long waitlists, and some have very few units compared to demand.

3. Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Units

PBV units are similar to Section 8, but the assistance is tied to the building—not the tenant.

How PBV works:

You apply for a specific building.
If approved, you pay about 30% of your income toward rent.
If you move out, the assistance stays with that building—not with you.

These units often offer high-quality housing at deeply reduced rents. Because they do not require landlords to “accept vouchers,” they can be easier to access in some areas.

4. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

Many tenants don’t realize that new apartments can include affordable units, thanks to LIHTC (commonly called “tax-credit housing”).

What makes LIHTC unique:

Rents are reduced but not based on your income.
Units look like regular apartments—sometimes even luxury buildings.
Income limits vary based on area median income (AMI).

These properties often have shorter waitlists and more availability than traditional public housing, but you must still qualify based on income.

This is one of the most overlooked affordable housing opportunities in the country.

5. State and Local Rental Assistance Programs

While federal programs get most of the attention, state and local governments often run their own rental assistance initiatives.

These can include:

Short-term rent subsidies
Ongoing rental support for special populations
Local emergency housing grants
Eviction prevention programs
Utility assistance

Because they’re local, these programs are often easier to access and have shorter wait times.

Eligibility varies

Each state, county, or city has its own rules, funding, and application process. Some programs focus on families; others focus on seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities.

6. Emergency Housing and Rapid Rehousing Programs

For people facing homelessness or eviction, emergency programs offer immediate support.

These programs may provide:

Emergency shelter
Hotel vouchers
Short-term rental assistance
Case management
Help finding long-term housing

Rapid Rehousing, for example, focuses on getting people into housing quickly, then offering temporary financial support while they stabilize.

These programs don’t always require long applications, and many are designed to respond quickly to crisis situations.

7. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

PSH is designed for people experiencing chronic homelessness who need ongoing support services.

It includes:

Long-term housing
Case management
Access to healthcare, mental health services, and social workers

The goal is stability—not just shelter. PSH is widely considered one of the most effective programs for reducing chronic homelessness.

8. Nonprofit and Faith-Based Housing Programs

Thousands of nonprofits across the country provide housing assistance that ranges from rental help to fully subsidized units.

These organizations may offer:

Affordable apartment buildings
Transitional housing
Rent payment assistance
Move-in cost support
Household goods or furniture
Case management

Examples include:

Catholic Charities
Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Local community development corporations

These programs often work faster than government systems and may have more flexible eligibility rules.

9. Specialized Housing Programs for Targeted Populations

Some programs are designed specifically for certain groups, including:

Veterans (HUD-VASH)
Survivors of domestic violence
People with disabilities
Youth aging out of foster care
Seniors 62+
Tribal and Native American housing programs

These programs frequently offer both rental support and wraparound services.

10. Affordable Housing Through Inclusionary Zoning

In many cities, developers are required to include a percentage of affordable units in new buildings. These are often:

Beautiful, modern apartments
Located in high-demand neighborhoods
Rented at controlled, below-market rates

These units are rarely advertised clearly as “affordable housing,” so many families never know they exist.

How to Figure Out Which Program Is Right for You

With so many housing programs available, choosing the right one depends on your:

Income
Family size
Location
Urgency (how fast you need housing)
Special circumstances
Preferred housing type
Desired neighborhood or area

AI tools like Housing Help AI can help you navigate these options quickly by analyzing your situation and matching you with programs you likely qualify for.

Final Thoughts

Housing assistance isn’t one-size-fits-all. From vouchers to tax-credit housing to emergency help, each program serves a different purpose—and knowing the differences can dramatically improve your chances of finding the right support.

Whether you’re applying for Section 8, looking for affordable units, or exploring local programs, learning about all available options gives you more control and more opportunities.

If you’re preparing to apply for federal assistance, don’t forget to review our helpful guide How to Use the Housing Help AI Chat Tool to Find Affordable Housing Faster.

And whenever you feel stuck, the AI assistant at Housing.Help can walk you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence.