Housing Assistance in Idaho

The state of Idaho is known for its mountainous and naturally-beautiful terrains, however underneath all that lays housing struggles for single mothers and equally struggling people. To make matters worse, the information found on the net is either incomplete or inaccurate. For this reason, this article aims to be a one stop shop for housing assistance across the state.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association

The fight against homelessness and housing discrimination is an uphill battle, and the federal government weighs in by funding the Idaho housing department’s endeavor to end homelessness and supply fair and affordable housing for the low income population of the state. Assistance is given in the form of transitional or permanent housing, as well as grants to help with other costs like rent or mortgage down payment. Read more at:https://www.idahohousing.com/

Emergency Solutions Grant

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association also administers an emergency solution grant scheme targeted at Idahans who have lost employment are aren’t earning enough to keep up with rent payment and as a result they’ve found themselves homeless or they are at very high risk of being homeless. This program works on eligibility and emergency basis, so citizens whose cases are extremely urgent will be given preference. Find out if you’re eligible here:https://www.idahohousing.com/homelessness-services-programs/emergency-solutions-grants/

Rental Assistance Program

In partnership with the Housing and Urban Development, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association runs a rental assistance program that is especially beneficial to single mothers across the state. In short, the program helps the population in need find decent and affordable housing and once that’s done, they further assist them in paying their rent and at times their utility bills too. Find out more at:https://www.idahohousing.com/rental-assistance/

Idaho Legal Aid Services

The vulnerable population like single mothers, the elderly and low income citizens face continuous struggles on a daily basis, and some are completely out of their hands. For instance legal aid when it comes to housing contracts or eviction procedures. Those things require a well-trained professional attorney but the truth is a vast majority, if not the entire population who earns less than the average income in the area can’t afford an attorney.  That’s where the Idaho Legal Aid Services comes in, they assist low-income individuals with all the legal aspects of their housing needs. Get in touch with them at:https://www.idaholegalaid.org/node/2170/contact-us

The Weatherization Assistance Program

Remaining in a home that isn’t properly equipped to deal with the harshest of weather conditions like extreme cold or blazing heat can be uncomfortable and at times even dangerous to your health. The only issue is weatherization can be costly, so most low-income folks go without. The Weatherization Assistance Program lends a hand by providing grants and loans to help families and single moms keep the heat and aircon running in their homes. To qualify for the program, you have to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1849

The Section 8 Program

The Housing and Urban Development administers the popular section 8 program and it’s available in all the states if the US. Single mothers should opt for the program because it’s efficiency in providing rent assistance. The only hurdle to this project is that on top of eligibility requirements, candidates also have to join the overly long waiting list before they’re allocated grants. Find out what the criteria are:https://bcacha.org/programs/subsidized-housing/housing-choice-voucher-sect-8/

Women’s and Children’s Alliance

This is a transitional home program designed for women, single mothers and children who are currently homeless for a number of reasons. The shelter has private room facilities and common areas like kitchen and lounge. It’s a 120 day program in which residents are not only given shelter but they are counseled on how to get back on their feed. It’s also ideal for those fleeing any form of domestic violence. Get in contact at: http://www.wcaboise.org/

Section 504 Home Repair Program

Home improvement isn’t only a matter of aesthetics, sometimes repairs need to be done in order to remove safety hazards around the house, especially if the home consists of children or the elderly. However, when you’re finding it challenging to make ends meet, home repair wouldn’t even be on your budget, but since it’s absolutely necessary, the section 504 program steps in an provides loans and grants  to those who really need it. To qualify, you need to meet the following requirements: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/id

• You need to be the owner of the house and be occupying it
• You can’t get credit elsewhere
• Your combined family income should be lower than 50% of the average income in the are
• Grants are only given to the elderly over the age of 62

This program allows you to get a maximum of $20 000 in affordable loan and a maximum of $7500 a grant.

The Federal Housing Administration Down Payment Grant

As an aspiring home owner, getting a mortgage loan application approved is already daunting, but top it off with down payments and closing costs and you might rethink your decision to purchase a home. To lift some weight off of low income individuals, the Federal Housing Administration payment grants assist aspiring home owners in paying a portion of their mortgage. The total amount payable depend on a number of factors like your credit score and your annual income. Also you need to supply proof that you’ll be able to keep up with the remaining mortgage payments. Read more on this:https://www.fha.com/fha-grants?state=ID

The South Western Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority

The south western Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority’s mission statement is to; above all, promote stability and independence in the low income population. They achieve this through a fair housing policy that ensures low income individuals aren’t discriminated against in the housing sector and they all have access to decent homes. Under the housing authority, single mothers can expect to get grants, rent assistance and subsidized housing. Get information: https://www.sicha.org/