There are many instances where a person can find themselves in immediate need of temporary housing. Some common situations include foreclosure, domestic abuse or fighting, job loss or financial loss.
Oftentimes, the people being displaced typically find a place to stay with a loved one, or even in their car. Unfortunately, some don’t have this option. That’s when transitional housing becomes a more beneficial program.
What Is Transitional Housing?
Temporary transitional housing is a supportive program that provides a temporary solution between homelessness and a permanent home. Numerous places offer this assistance including shelters, government programs, religious organizations and nonprofit agencies. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the government’s homeless budget goes towards funding transitional temporary housing.
How Long Does It Take to Get Transitional Housing?
As a result, many Americans are wait-listed and the wait times for this type of assistance can range from 2 weeks to 24 months, depending on the resources available and the area.
Other resources exist for help too, including those who need addiction counseling, donation centers, medical help, transportation assistance, family supplies and/or financial education. Those in need should take advantage of every resource the program provides to help on their housing journey.
How to Apply for Transitional Housing
Not every program has the same requirements and qualifications for their temporary transitional housing programs, which is why it’s important to search out local resources for specific criteria. However, they usually offer assistance to people in emergency situations without housing, or who face domestic and financial challenges which can result in homelessness. If you’re looking for help for you or a loved one, research online to see what transitional housing programs are available to you in your area.
Are There Other Forms of Housing Assistance?
Other housing programs one can consider include a housing choice voucher program (Section 8), public housing, privately-owned subsidized housing, mortgage assistance programs, to name a few. A majority are offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) but are free to apply. Those in need can also contact a local public housing authority for some extra guidance into navigating the available programs.
While it can seem daunting at first, there are many transitional housing organizations that can help. With a bit of due diligence, those who need it can secure the temporary transitional housing they’re seeking.
