HUD: Section 8 Housing Vouchers

• The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly referred to as Section 8, is a program sponsored by the United States Federal Government, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program is designed to provide low-cost housing to low-income individuals and families. Applicants who qualify for the program are issued vouchers to use as payment at housing projects or private housing that accepts the program.
  
  Economic qualifications apply. Applicants can earn no more than 50 percent of the median income in their area and must be United States citizens. Applicants' employment status, number of people in the household and financial needs are considered. The program is aimed at helping those most in need and their cases are given preference. Contact the Public Housing Authority for a list of properties in your area that are willing to accept HUD vouchers.
  
  HUD assists apartment and housing owners in offering a reduction on rents for low-income tenants. To apply, contact the management of each apartment complex or housing project where you may wish to live. You may also consider private housing that accepts HUD Section 8 vouchers.
  
  

SHAG: Senior Housing Assistance Group

• The Senior Housing Assistance Group, commonly known as SHAG, is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing affordable housing for seniors and disabled senior citizens. The group has housing units available in 27 western Washington communities. Applicants must meet age and economic qualifications.
  
  

The Washington State Coalition for the Homeless

• The coalition is composed of a general membership of homeless housing and service providers, governments, faith communities, community action groups and members of the homeless community. The coalition acts as a referral source and advocacy for homeless, foster and runaway youth; victims of domestic violence or sexual assault; persons experiencing mental illness or emotional crisis; and U.S. veterans. The coalition does not provide housing, but acts as a centralized referral base for the needs of low-income individuals and families in need of housing.
  
  

Transitional Housing, Operating and Rent (THOR)

• The THOR program helps homeless families with children by providing up to two years of rental assistance. The program, funded through the Washington State General Fund, provides cases management to help families make the transition to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Participation in the Housing Stability Plan is integral to client success. Participants are required to collaborate with their case manager to identify both short- and long-term goals that will help them reach self-sufficiency. The case manager helps the family with referrals to a broad array of services including child-care services, continuing education, job training and counseling. Families with children under the age of 18 and pregnant women are eligible for the program. Economic qualifications apply. In Washington State, 29 local agencies covering 31 counties are in place to help the homeless. For assignment to a caseworker, contact the Washington Department of Commerce.
  
  

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

• The TBRA provides low-income households with utility and security deposit and up to 12 months of rent assistance. Economic qualifications apply. The program is designed to enable the participants to pay no more than 30 percent of their household income for rent and utilities. As the participant's income increases, his share of the rent increases. Contact the Washington State Department of Commerce for an application and assignment of a caseworker. This program is not available in Spokane, King, Clark, Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish or Thurston counties.