The federal government is made up of 15 executive departments, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) being one of them. Established in 1965, the HUD is primarily responsible for ensuring all Americans have reasonable access to fair, equal, and affordable housing opportunities.
Here are just some of the ways the HUD is fighting to maintain peace in our communities:
- Preventing, reducing, and eliminating housing discrimination
- Giving individuals access to affordable and equal housing opportunities
- Providing both rental and ownership opportunities for those interested
- Fewer people on the streets, more people in suitable living environments
- Providing tools and resources for minorities and vulnerable communities
The HUD was spearheaded by a secretary, who is appointed by the President of the United States. Every year, the President (in this case, Joe Biden) requests a budget to give the HUD the funds it needs to uphold its vision and mission statement. For example, Biden requested a budget of $71.9 billion for 2023.
HUD Housing vs. Section 8 Housing
Two of the most prominent initiatives commissioned by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development are HUD homes and Section 8 housing. Both initiatives have the same goal in mind – to increase access to affordable housing opportunities – but they each achieve that in different ways.
What is HUD housing? HUD housing is when the HUD regains ownership of a foreclosed property and lists it for sale at a reduced price. These homes aren’t listed on the MLS, though, so check with your local PHA for options.
What is Section 8 housing? Also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 8 housing is when the HUD pays a set portion of a homeowner’s or renter’s monthly rent (they sign a housing assistance payments contract) to help them afford the cost of living there.
Did you know Missouri residents need an annual income of nearly $30,000 ($722 average monthly rent) just to afford a studio (0 bedrooms) apartment? Considering full-time, minimum wage employees can only afford $624 per month (on average), the need for affordable housing opportunities is rapidly increasing.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 Housing in Missouri?
To ensure Section 8 housing opportunities are reserved for those who need it most (low-income families and low-income households) – and to ensure the HUD doesn’t exceed its annual budget – the HUD regulates who’s eligible and who’s not eligible for approval. In Missouri, nearly half of residents could be eligible to apply for a Section 8 housing voucher.
If you’re interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Missouri, you’ll have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income you’re interested in
- Only American citizens or those with eligible immigration status can apply
- Some individuals with a criminal history might not be able to apply
- Only Americans with a good rental history will be considered
- Families with children, elders, and disabled individuals are allowed to apply
Eligibility requirements vary by state, but you can confirm you meet the criteria by speaking with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Keep in mind – those who are eligible for Section 8 housing aren’t guaranteed a voucher, and those who are given a voucher often have two months to find a new home.
How to Apply for Affordable Housing in Missouri
Applying for Section 8 housing can be a lengthy, frustrating, confusing, and sometimes disappointing process. While it’s rewarding for those who get approved and find a suitable rental to call home, it’s often discouraging for those who don’t get approved – especially if they were depending on help from the HUD.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect when applying for Section 8 housing:
- Contact your local housing authority or visit their website to begin the process online
- Fill out the application and answer the questions accurately and honestly
- You’ll be asked to provide a number of documents (including proof of income, social security numbers, IDs, and rental history)
- Some applicants might be asked to complete an interview with the PHA before making their final decision
- Once you’ve applied, all you can do is wait and hope you get approved
- Once approved, you’ll be placed on the waiting list, where you’ll wait even longer
The easiest way to apply for Section 8 housing is online – which is available in the state of Missouri. This eliminates unnecessary trips to your local PHA office and ensures a much quicker application process. While it won’t necessarily speed up your wait time, it won’t be as much of a hassle for the applicant.
Understanding How the Waiting List Works
With so many people applying for Section 8 housing vouchers and only so much budget to work with, the HUD and its local PHAs implement strict waiting lists to ensure a fair and equal process for those who get approved. Only those whom the PHA determines to be eligible will be placed on the state’s waiting list.
The HUD only has a set number of vouchers to hand out. When one becomes available, the person at the top of the waiting list is notified. Once they accept the voucher, they then have 60 days (two months) to find a suitable home before the voucher is taken away and given to the next person on the waiting list.
To make matters more frustrating, not all cities have open waiting lists. When a waiting list becomes too full or crowded, they’ll stop accepting applications and won’t allow any new additions to the list. For example, St. Louis and Springfield have closed waiting lists, while Kansas City and Columbia are open.
Struggling to Afford Mortgage? Need to Sell?
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