RentAffordable
Resources

Affordable housing resources

The HUD-assisted properties listed in this directory are one piece of the affordable-housing landscape. Below is a curated list of the other programs, agencies, and tools renters most often need — federal, state, and nonprofit. We don't take any payment from these organizations and we don't track clicks for monetization.

Federal rental assistance programs

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) — administered by your local Public Housing Agency. See our how-to-apply guide.
  • Public Housing — apartments owned and operated directly by a Public Housing Agency. Apply through the same PHA that runs your local voucher program.
  • Section 202 — supportive housing for very-low-income households age 62+. Apply directly at any of the Section 202 properties listed on this site.
  • Section 811 — supportive housing for very-low-income adults with disabilities. Apply directly at participating properties.
  • Project-Based Rental Assistance — multifamily properties with HUD-subsidized rents. Most listings on this directory.
  • USDA Rural Development Section 515 / 521 — rural multifamily rental assistance. Run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not HUD.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) — affordable rentals built with federal tax credits, administered by state housing finance agencies.

Emergency and short-term rental help

  • 2-1-1 — dial 211 from any U.S. phone for a free, confidential referral to local emergency rental, food, and utility programs.
  • Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — federal funding distributed by local Continuums of Care for homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing.
  • Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul — frequently administer one-time rental and utility assistance.
  • HUD Disaster Recovery — if a federally-declared disaster has affected your home, HUD coordinates short-term housing assistance through state grantees.

Utility and energy assistance

  • LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Helps pay heating and cooling bills.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program — free home energy upgrades for income-eligible households.
  • Lifeline — discount on phone and internet service for low-income households.

Legal help and tenant advocacy

  • Legal Services Corporation grantees — every state has at least one LSC-funded Legal Aid program offering free civil legal help, including eviction defense.
  • HUD-approved housing counseling agencies — free or low-cost counselors who can help you understand and exercise your rights as a HUD tenant.
  • National Low Income Housing Coalition — research and advocacy on federal housing policy.
  • Local tenant unions — most major cities have a tenant organization that provides peer support and "know your rights" trainings.

Specialized programs

  • HUD-VASH — Housing Choice Vouchers paired with VA case management for veterans experiencing homelessness.
  • Family Unification Program (FUP) — vouchers for families at risk of losing custody and for youth aging out of foster care.
  • Mainstream Vouchers — vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities.
  • Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) — time-limited vouchers for young adults aging out of foster care.
  • Continuum of Care (CoC) — local network coordinating homeless services in your community.

Need help interpreting any of these? Start with a 211 call — operators are trained to triage your situation and route you to the right local program.