According to reports by the Urban Institute, 25% - 40% of all low-income families in the United States experience hardships related to food and housing. This translates into millions of families with approximately 19 million children who need to be assisted.
For this reason, the term "low income housing" or even "affordable housing" is used to describe housing and apartments that are within financial reach to individuals and families with low annual household incomes. Such housing is made available by many sources, including city, county, state and federal government programs. There are also programs available through non-profit organizations and foundations, and private real estate or property management firms.
How Does It Work?
Via the federal government's Section 8 housing programs, which is also known as government subsidized housing, residents are given a place to live and only required to pay 30% of their monthly income as rent. The government itself will pay the difference, according to fair market price.
There are other low income housing programs that are not subsidized by the government, but are created and controlled by local non-profit organizations that receive grants to provide assistance to needy families. How much residents are required to pay depends on the organization's rules and regulations.
What Demographic Represents Low Income Households?
Contrary to popular belief, minority groups do not make up the majority of low income households in the United States. Although some Black and Hispanic communities in urban cities can be mostly low income households, there are far more low income households overall in rural areas where mostly White Americans live. This includes areas that are 30 miles or more outside of the nearest metropolitan city.
How Can Low Income Properties Be Located?
Interested ones can either seek the help of their local city or county government, they can petition assistance from a local non-profit organization, or they can utilize web sites such as this one that have free online databases of vacant low income units.
