How Does Low Income Housing Work?

Sometimes we get asked about our knowledge of low-income housing, section 8 housing, and affordable housing. The lack of this type of housing an issue not only in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Lehigh Valley, but nationwide in the US.

Here at Property Buyer Connect, we understand that unfortunately people get into bad situations. For one reason or another, it seems that there is no choice but to let go of your house or property in exchange for cash, to sort out a certain situation in life. However, that does not mean that you can’t be a homeowner again, or benefit from various public and non-profit offerings to help you get back on your feet.

In this article we will provide a resource for people looking for low income, section 8, and affordable housing.

Philadelphia Low Income Housing

Philadelphia has various low-income housing programs. This article by the Inquirer provides a great summary of all the different programs available. There, they explain the difference between affordable housing and public or subsidized housing. Affordable housing is still private housing, just at a low-income threshold. Public or subsidized housing is partially or fully paid by the government.

PHA – The Philadelphia Housing Authority seeks to provide affordable and subsidized housing for people with limited income. Also check out PHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly called section 8) and Public Housing Program.

Philadelphia has recently also brought back its popular buyer grant program. Dubbed the Philly First Home program, it offers up to $10,000 to cover first time home buyers and closing costs. This will help thousands of first-time home buyers get closer to their goal of homeownership.

Delaware Low Income Housing

Delaware also has various affordable housing options, like Philadelphia. The Delaware State Housing Authority is a good place to start.

The New Castle County DCS manages vouchers in Wilmington and Newark, specifically.

DelawareHousingSearch.org is a listing site for private (market rate), subsidized as well as affordable housing options throughout the state of Delaware.

Here is a link to the Delaware 211 information hotline.

Lehigh Valley Low Income Housing

The Lehigh County Housing Authority is a centralized website that has all the information you need about low income, voucher (section 8) and other programs. They aim to provide affordable housing to qualified people throughout the valley. There they have a comprehensive list of building units that are affordable (not subsidized). The buildings are located all over the valley – Bethlehem, Whitehall, Catasauqua, Allentown, etc. They also have information about the housing voucher program, how to apply, and much more information.

The PA Housing Finance Agency provides homeowner and rental assistance across the state of Pennsylvania. They recently launched a $350 million homeowner assistance fund (PAHAF), which took place on Feb 1, 2022.

PA 211 is a great resource for all PA residents that are looking for a variety of assistance, not just housing. They are your one-stop shop for all questions if you don’t know where to begin. They handle questions regarding payment assistance for housing, mortgage delinquency & payment consultations, payment assistance for utilities, subsidized housing, home improvement, and more.

We hope that these resources were helpful. We believe it is important to educate people so that they can get the help the need. Not only after they have a problem, but as a preventative measure.

Would you like to talk more about the housing market in the Philadelphia, Wilmington Delaware, or Lehigh Valley areas? We are here to help. If you have any more questions about the home buying or selling process, call us today at 215-770-3122 or send us a message online.