A. Why Ask About Housing Subsidies and Assistance Programs
B. What Facts to Remember About Rent Subsidies
C. What Housing Choice Vouchers Are for Persons with Disabilities
D. What Are the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Housing Programs for the Homeless
You are doing an excellent job! You are now on Step 3, the “Ask” section. In this Step, you will learn about rent subsidies and homeownership assistance programs. Remember from Step 2 that a rent subsidy reduces the monthly rent for renters, and down-payment and closing costs assistance reduce the monthly mortgage payment for homebuyers.
When searching for programs for persons with disabilities or low-income residents of the District of Columbia (D.C.), it can be time-consuming to look for help if you do not know the who, what, when, and where. You must know where to inquire and what to ask. Learning about a program after the deadline or when the money is gone can also be frustrating. To improve your chances of not missing housing opportunities that could help you, use the following strategies:
Strategy #1: D.C. Department on Disability Services’ (DDS) Housing Resource Guide to:
a. Plan and prepare for housing assistance programs.
b. Find housing assistance programs for D.C. residents.
c. Find and contact Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to assist you.
Strategy #2: Always ask the following questions:
a. What programs do you have for residents with disabilities?
b. What programs do you have for low-income residents?
If you are told about a program that is closed or has yet to start, ask the following questions:
a. When will the program open?
b. Is there a waiting list, if so, how can you be added to the list?
c. If the waiting list has yet to open, ask when it will open?
d. How can you get notifications before the waiting list opens?
If the waiting list is closed, ask:
a. When will it open?
b. How can you get notifications before the waiting list opens?
End the conversation by asking:
a. The name, telephone number, and email address of the person who manages the program.
b. If there is a waiting list, ask for the name, telephone number, and email address of the person who manages it.