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Housing assistance near me: rent help, vouchers, and shelter

Rental help, Section 8, emergency shelter, and eviction prevention.

Housing assistance can help you stay in your home, find a new one, or escape homelessness. Programs include rental assistance, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, emergency shelter, eviction prevention, and homelessness prevention services.

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Major housing assistance programs

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — pays part of your rent in private housing.
  • Public housing — apartments managed by your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
  • Emergency Rental Assistance — short-term help for households behind on rent or utilities.
  • Continuum of Care / ESG — federally funded shelter and rapid re-housing.
  • HUD-VASH — vouchers for veterans experiencing homelessness.

How to find help near you

Search HUD's "Find Help" portal at HUD.gov, or call 2-1-1 for local referrals. Your local PHA manages voucher and public housing waitlists. Community Action Agencies often handle Emergency Rental Assistance.

If you're facing eviction

Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor (free) and your local legal aid office immediately. Some courts have eviction-diversion programs that can pause the case while you apply for rental help.

If you have nowhere to sleep tonight

Call 2-1-1 or your local Coordinated Entry phone line. They'll direct you to the nearest emergency shelter, family shelter, or domestic violence shelter with open beds.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I find government assistance near me?

    Start with 2-1-1 (dial or text from any U.S. phone) or visit Benefits.gov to screen for federal, state, and local programs by ZIP code. Your county social services office and local nonprofits can also point you to specific programs.

  • Do I have to be unemployed to qualify?

    No. Many programs help working households, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children. Eligibility is usually based on income, household size, and the specific program's rules — not employment status alone.

  • Will applying for assistance affect my immigration status?

    Most emergency programs (food, shelter, crisis utility help) do not count toward the public charge test. SNAP and TANF have specific rules. If you have questions, call a local legal aid office before applying.