the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Rural Rental HousingRural Rental Housing is open to all people with low income. Rent is based on income. The program isdesigned to make affordable housing available in smaller cities and in rural areas.Housing for Designated PopulationsMany subsidized and affordable housing opportunities are designed (and funded) to serve specificpopulations. In all of <strong>the</strong>se programs, waiting lists are common.Supportive Housing Program (transitional or permanent)A Supportive Housing Program (SHP) may be temporary or permanent. SHPs charge sliding scale rentbased on household income and offer supportive services, usually onsite, that promote self-sufficiency.SHPs are often run by a non-profit agency. Eligible populations include homeless individuals or homelessfamilies. Some SHPs may only serve homeless individuals or families in which <strong>the</strong> head of household hasa disability.Shelter Plus Care(S+C)S+C provides rental assistance vouchers or sliding scale rental units to people with disabilities and <strong>the</strong>irfamilies. S+C vouchers are often linked with case management and o<strong>the</strong>r support services. S+Cs are oftenadministered by a disability service agency or o<strong>the</strong>r non-profit agency. S+Cs may serve individuals orfamilies in which <strong>the</strong> head of household has a disability.Single Room Occupancy (SRO) ProgramSROs are efficiency apartments available to single individuals with low income. Housing is permanent aslong as <strong>the</strong> resident remains income-eligible. Rent may be a flat rate that is below market rate or it maybe sliding scale based on income. Support services are usually available onsite.Section 811 HousingSection 811 housing is permanent housing for individuals with a disability or families in which at least oneperson has a disability. Rent is usually based on income. Support services are available onsite.Section 202 HousingSection 202 housing is permanent housing for elderly individuals or families. Rent may be a flat rate thatis below market rate or it may be sliding scale based on income. Support services are available onsite.Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)HOPWA programs provide rental assistance vouchers and support services to people living with HIV/AIDSand <strong>the</strong>ir families.Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)VASH provides rental assistance vouchers to homeless veterans.Housing Protections for Victims of Family ViolenceIn recognition of <strong>the</strong> struggles and risks that survivors face when <strong>the</strong>y leave an abusive relationship andtry to obtain and maintain safe housing, several laws have been enacted in recent years to offerprotection and assistance.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE47 | P a g e