Individuals and families looking for assistance for housing and home ownership may qualify for housing grants or home grants. These opportunities are offered through various programs that include federal and state government agencies and are for families who fall under certain income limits depending on the area in which they reside. Most of the government housing programs and grants are funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, HUD and U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA offering the following programs:
Rural Housing Grants- are federal government funds to the states for areas that meet criteria and qualify as a rural area. Grants may include funding for rent, ownership, and/or repairs and low and moderate income families can apply if they meet the income limitations for that specific area. Grant amounts and availability vary from state to state and detailed information is on the HUD website.
Homeownership Voucher Program- grants to eligible first-time home buyers. Grants may provide down payments on home loans, mortgage payment assistance and help paying for living expenses. Grant receivers may not have owned property for the previous three years and must live in the home as their primary residence.
Housing Choice Voucher Program- housing grants to eligible low income families receive a voucher which they use to choose a housing rental suitable for their needs.
Designated Housing Vouchers Program-housing grants to help with housing rental needs for those that are disabled and meet the qualifications for assistance.
All of the above government housing grants are available through the federal governments HUD website and it lists the criteria for eligibility.
On the state level there are first time home buyer grant programs available but are restricted according to income level, number of people in household and the purchase price. The type of programs and grant amounts vary from state to state and can be found on the individual state government website, from there residents can see what programs are available to them.