There are many housing and rental assistance programs available for individuals and families in Arizona. Even though most of these programs are run at the state level, the regional non-profits deliver the necessary services. The funds for the programs may be distributed to the local agencies. Read this article for more details about the housing and rental support programs in the State of Arizona.
The Special Needs Division
The Special Needs Division was created to address the most pressing housing needs of the vulnerable populations, including these living with HIV/AIDS, chronic substance, serious mental illness, homeless families and individuals, as well as those experiencing domestic violence. The goal is to provide housing stability beyond affordable housing opportunities.
Rental Development
The purpose of this program is to support the improvement of affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families. The Arizona Department of Housing achieves this goal by funding eligible profit and non-profit organizations to help generate more quality and affordable rental properties in Arizona. Sources of funds for this program include:
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The LIHTC was developed to help in making housing more affordable for eligible low-income individuals and families. Through LIHTC, thousands of quality and affordable housing units have been developed in Arizona. Visit https://housing.az.gov/low-income-housing-tax-credit-lihtc-program to learn more about LIHTC.
Private Activity Bonds and 501(C)(3) Bonds
The Private Activity Bonds can be used to improve rental housing in the state of Arizona. The Arizona Finance Authority allocates the Private Activity Bonds. Once the AFA allocates the bonds, the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) issues them in their service areas. The bonds are issued throughout the state. 50 (C)(3) Bonds are private activity bonds that are allocated to fund a facility owned and utilized by a 501(C)(3) organization. Visit https://housing.az.gov/documents-links/forms/rental-development-lihtc to see the list of applications.
State Housing Fund Program
The Arizona Department of Housing administers this program by using a combination of funds from the National Housing Trust Fund, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the State Housing Trust Fund. The purpose of this program is to promote the development of affordable permanent and traditional rental housing units. Visit https://housing.az.gov/state-housing-fund-shf-rental-development-programs for more information.
Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance
Are you concerned with paying your rent? Or that you are likely to face eviction? The first step you should take is to contact your on-site manager or lease agent and let them know of your financial situation. Discuss with them your next payment plan for the next month’s rent. It is important to be honest when explaining your situation. Leave nothing out. Are you expecting any assistance? Do you need any further support with your rent? Ask your landlord if there are options you can explore to prevent you from facing eviction. Communicating about your financial troubles in time gives you more time to explore the available options before it is too late. Want to check into resources that may be available in your local government/organization? Please visit https://housing.az.gov/general-public/rental-assistance-resources-eviction-prevention.
What documents do you need when applying for the Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance program?
When making an application for this program, ensure you have with you, Photo ID; can either be a driver’s license or State ID. This is to confirm that you are a resident of Arizona State. Come with a copy of your current rental or lease agreement. Are you unable to present all or any of the mentioned documents? Under the option, “Other” please upload a letter explaining why you can’t provide the required documents. This allows the housing counselor to use the information available to process your application and determine your eligibility. Please visit v to learn more about the program. Learn more about the program at https://housing.az.gov/general-public/eviction-prevention-assistance.
Housing Counseling Services
There are housing counseling services available in the city of Phoenix. The city is working to address the housing challenges and preventing foreclosure so that the residents can enjoy a quality of life. Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Are you about to face foreclosure? Why don’t you contact a HUD-certified housing counselor to get free assistance? Homeowners who work with housing counselors are 60% more likely to achieve great results and keep their homes. Are you ready to get help? Please contact HUD at 1-800-569-4287 or visit https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm to find a housing counselor in your location.
HOME Plus Down Payment Assistance Program
Saving enough money for a down payment can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers in Arizona. The HOME + PLUS Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program offers to provide financial assistance to creditworthy renters who can qualify for a mortgage but are not in a position to settle down payment and closing costs. The HOME + PLUS gives you a chance to move forward and achieve self-sufficiency. The program is administered by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority (IDA). The program provides a 30-year fixed mortgage rate and down payment assistance of up to 5%, depending on the level of need. The qualified renters can use the funds for a down payment, closing costs, or both. Find out more at https://homeplusaz.com/.
USDA’s Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Arizona
The USDA’s Single-Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program provides financial support through loans to low-income homeowners in need of housing assistance. You may use the funds to make the necessary improvements at home. The program also provides grants to elderly homeowners to remove the health and safety hazards from their homes. To qualify for this program, applicants must be the homeowners and provide proof of occupation of the house. Also, your income must not exceed 50% of the area median income. You must have tried borrowing money elsewhere without success. For grants, the applicant must be 62 years or older and not be in a good financial state to repay the money. Want to check if your home address is eligible for this assistance? Well, why don’t you visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=sfpd? The maximum amount of loan the program provides is $20,000. Grants of up to $7,000 are offered to qualified applicants. Want to apply for this program? Note that the program applications are accepted through your local RD office year-round. Visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices to make an application. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/az.
USDA’s Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loans in Arizona
The purpose of this program is to provide financial support to low-income individuals and families to have access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the eligible rural areas. Support is provided in form of payment assistance through low-interest loans. The goal is to improve the applicant’s repayment ability and enable them to achieve self-sufficiency and stability. The payment assistance reduces the mortgage amount payable every month. This in turn reduces the burden of paying the full mortgage for those experiencing financial difficulties due to unemployment, underemployment, or reduced hours of work. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans/az.
Arizona’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
Arizona LIHEAP offers financial assistance to low-income families to help them with heating and cooling bills, weatherization assistance, and utility bills. the program provides free equipment to families whose heating/cooling tools are inoperable. These benefits are offered to the eligible applicants through the child programs such as Utility Repair, Replacement and Deposit Program, and Utility Discount Programs. the program is funded by the federal government and funds are distributed to the local Community Action programs that process applications. Once you meet eligibility requirements for the program, you can receive assistance to help you with your current and pending energy bills, utility deposits, and repairing or replacing inoperable heating and cooling equipment to improve energy efficiency at their homes. The qualified applicants will also receive weatherization assistance to help them reduce their energy use. Your household income must be below the program limits. The program also offers financial protection to families at risk of facing disconnections as a result of unpaid utility bills. For more information, please visit https://www.benefitsapplication.com/program_info/AZ/LIHEAP.
Arizona’s Section 8 Housing Program
The Section 8 Housing program allows participants to chose a rental housing unit in the private market. However, the house must meet the quality requirements as guided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). With this assistance, you are only required to contribute 30% of your household income towards your monthly rental payment. The rest of the money will be paid by the program via housing vouchers as a rental subsidy, which is given to your landlord on your behalf. Remember, you will have to go through the Section 8 briefing once your application for the housing voucher has been approved. The program may provide you with a list of landlords available in your local area during the briefing. The program will also inform you about the housing units you qualify for. The housing unit will depend on the size of the voucher and of your household, the age, sex, relationship, medical conditions, and whether someone is living with a disability in the family. Please visit https://az.db101.org/az/programs/income_support/housing/program2a.htm for more information about Arizona’s Section 8 Housing Program.