Getting Back on Your Feet: Housing Assistance Programs

The Full Map of Housing Help

Getting stable housing after a custody upheaval takes time and resources. Here's every major program available, how to access it, and what to expect.

Federal Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

HUD Section 8

The government pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay the rest (typically 30% of your income).

• How to apply: Through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
• Eligibility: Income must be below 50% of area median income
• Reality: Waiting lists can be months to years. Apply immediately.
• Key tip: Some PHAs give preference to families with children

HUD Housing Counseling

1-800-569-4287 — hud.gov/counseling

Free counseling from certified agencies. They help with:

• Understanding your housing options
• Budgeting for rent
• Avoiding eviction
• Navigating applications for assistance

Local Emergency Assistance

211

Dial 211 or visit 211.org

Your single best resource for local help. 211 connects you with:

• Emergency rental assistance
• Utility assistance
• Food banks
• Shelter referrals
• Everything specific to your county and city

National Organizations

• NLIHC: National Low Income Housing Coalition — state-by-state rental assistance database
• Salvation Army: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, rent assistance
• Catholic Charities: Emergency assistance (housing, utilities, food) regardless of religion
• St. Vincent de Paul: Rent and utility assistance through local conferences

Veteran-Specific Housing

If you're a veteran, you have access to additional programs:

SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)

va.gov/homeless/ssvf

• Rapid re-housing assistance
• Homelessness prevention
• Case management and support services
• Available to veterans and their families

HUD-VASH

va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp

• Combines HUD housing vouchers with VA case management
• For veterans who need both housing and ongoing support
• Apply through your local VA medical center

How to Apply for Most Programs

You'll typically need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card (yours and children's)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, tax return)
• Proof of housing need (eviction notice, homelessness documentation)
• Proof of veteran status (DD-214) for veteran programs

Realistic Timelines

• Emergency shelter: Same day to 1 week
• Emergency rent assistance: 1–4 weeks
• Transitional housing: 2–8 weeks
• Section 8 voucher: 6 months to 2+ years (waitlist dependent)
• HUD-VASH: 1–3 months for eligible veterans

While You Wait

• Stay with family or friends if possible
• Keep your children's school and routine stable
• Document every housing application and effort (courts notice this)
• Look for roommate situations that are child-appropriate
• Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local community boards for affordable rentals

Next Steps

1. Call 211 today for local resources
2. Apply for Section 8 to get on the waiting list
3. Contact Catholic Charities or Salvation Army for immediate assistance
4. If you're a veteran, contact SSVF through va.gov
5. Keep a record of all applications and efforts for the court