Affordable Housing Resources

A starter library for renters, applicants, and case workers navigating subsidized housing programs in the United States. None of these organizations are affiliated with Housing Ledger — we’re just pointing you toward people who can actually help.

Federal Programs & Information

• HUD.gov — The main website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Includes program overviews, the official PHA contact directory, and HUD field office contact information.
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program — The federal rent-subsidy program administered by local PHAs. See our plain-English guide for an overview.
• Public Housing — Federally subsidized rental units owned and operated by your local PHA. See our public housing guide.
• HUD Resource Locator — A searchable map of HUD-assisted properties, multifamily housing, and PHA offices nationwide.

Fair Housing & Discrimination Complaints

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Many states extend these protections to additional categories such as source of income, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) — File a complaint within one year of alleged discrimination. Hotline: 1-800-669-9777.
• National Fair Housing Alliance — A consortium of private fair-housing organizations that handles complaints and provides legal referrals.
• State human rights commissions — Most states have their own fair-housing enforcement agency. Search for “[your state] human rights commission” or “[your state] fair housing council”.

Emergency Rental Assistance

If you are at risk of eviction or have already received a notice, several programs can pay back rent or future rent on your behalf, often within days:

• 211 — Dial 2-1-1 from any U.S. phone to reach a local United Way information line that can refer you to emergency rental assistance, food, and utility help in your county.
• Local community action agencies — Most counties have a federally-funded Community Action Agency that administers emergency rental assistance, weatherization, and energy bill help.
• Salvation Army & Catholic Charities — Both organizations operate local rental assistance funds in most metro areas.

Tenant Rights & Legal Aid

• Legal Services Corporation (LSC) — The largest funder of civil legal aid in the country. Visit lsc.gov to find a free legal aid office near you.
• National Housing Law Project — Publishes plain-English guides for tenants in HUD-subsidized housing, including resources on grievance hearings, lease terminations, and reasonable accommodations.
• National Low Income Housing Coalition — Tracks federal housing policy and publishes the annual “Out of Reach” report on housing affordability across the country.

For Specific Populations

• Veterans: The HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program combines a Section 8 voucher with VA case management for homeless veterans.
• Seniors: The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program funds dedicated senior housing developments. Contact your local PHA or Area Agency on Aging.
• People with disabilities: The Section 811 program funds housing for non-elderly adults with disabilities. Most PHAs also designate a portion of public housing units as accessible.
• Domestic violence survivors: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides specific protections for survivors in HUD-assisted housing, including emergency transfers.