Affordable housing is on the minds of most people when searching for a place to live. For those of us that have great credit and some money to spend there are a variety of easily accessible resources to use. But, for those people on a little bit more of a budget, frugality and research is the name of the game.

Affordable Housing Resources

The United States government offers some great programs and resources to use when looking for affordable housing. Here are just a few of the resources that you have at your disposal.

Department of Housing and Urban Development

The Department of Housing and Urban Development was formed with the specific intention of helping "economically depressed" areas. The Department of Housing and Urban Development or (HUD) offers many great resources and grants available to those people in financial need. Included in these grants are 32 different programs that are able to assist people with up to 30 percent of their monthly mortgage or rent payment.

The HOME program

The HOME program is an extension of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As long as the local government participates in the program, these participating jurisdictions will have available funds. If you’re able to prove financial hardship, you will receive grant monies to help pay for rent.  New homebuyers and even existing homeowners experiencing a difficult time can also receive benefits from the HOME program.  

The SHOP Program

The SHOP program is available to non-profit organizations so that they can utilize the funds to purchase low-income housing. It is then the responsibility of that organization to find volunteers to help fix or rebuild a home at a cheaper rate.

Homeownership Zone

This HUD program is designed to help neighbors restore run down homes and to ultimately create an entire neighborhood of safe, affordable housing.

Section 8 Housing

Section 8 refers to federal housing programs that pay for 30 percent of rent or mortgages for low-income families or those elderly on a fixed income.

Federal Housing Administration

The entire mission of this group is to promote home ownership across the United States. FHA is responsible for helping to keep neighborhoods safe and healthy while at the same time expanding home ownership.

Find Realtors

Realtors can be your best friend. In large cities they have the capacity, through their individual networks, to find homes to fit most any budget.

Locating affordable housing is certainly a lot of work, but utilizing the proper resources through private businesses and the government is a great place to start your search.