Many individuals and families require financial assistance when it comes to affording housing and utilities. Various government agencies offer home emergency assistance programs to individuals and families in need.
Public Housing
Low income individuals and families may qualify for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) public housing program. Eligibility is based on income status, the number of family members and citizenship status. Under HUD's program, individuals and families are provided with shelter (apartments or houses) at a rate they can afford. According to HUD, approximately 1.2 million households live in public housing units in the United States (as of January 2011).
Utilities
Emergency utility assistance programs are available for low income households that are about to get their utilities disconnected due to lack of financial resources. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a utilities program to assist such households with maintaining their utilities, such as water, heat and electricity. Assistance is short-term and households must apply to qualify for the program.
Repairs
If low income households have emergency home repairs to make because of pervading health or safety hazards, such as an asbestos release, some states have government assistance programs to help financially. To qualify for assistance, the household must prove there is an immediate hazard needing repair.
Tags: individuals families, assistance programs, income households, public housing, their utilities
