Tag: Department of Children and Family Services

Housing Assistance for minors in the United States
Housing Assistance

Housing Assistance for minors in the United States

On by

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) can authorize transitional housing programs for youth. These programs provide shelter for minors. A transitional housing option may also provide other services, including:

  • An evaluation of the service.
  • Individualized case management.
  • Training in life skills.

To be eligible, a minor must:

  • Be at least 16 years old, not older than 18.
  • Go to an authorized program.
  • Not having any regular place to live.
  • Not living with your parent or guardian.
  • Wanting to be part of the temporary housing program.
  • Obtain the consent of their parents or give their consent if they receive crisis intervention services.

If the child leaves or is expelled from the temporary housing program before the age of 18, the program must contact the Youth Services Agency that worked with the child. That agency will help find a different placement for the child.

Where do I get more information about house assistance?

Statutes and regulations

  • The Section 811 program of the National Affordable Housing Act can be found at 42 USCA 8013. Federal regulations for that program can be found at 24 CFR Part 891.
  • Federal regulations for the Section 202 program can also be found at 24 CFR Part 891.
  • The designated public housing provisions of the 1937 US Housing Act can be found at 42 USCA ยง1437e. The federal regulation for designated public housing can be found in 24 CFR Part 945.
  • The Joint Income Subsidized Housing Law is located at 310 ILCS 75.

How do I locate subsidized housing projects in my area?

Housing projects that provide support services to eligible youth will be designated in accordance to the laws described above. For example, they could be considered as Section 811 or Section 202 or as a combination of Section 202/811. These projects work in every state throughout the United States.

You can get a list of subsidized housing projects available through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can also obtain information about the existence of local housing projects from your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).

To obtain a list of rental subsidy programs in your area:

  • Call HUD at (312) 353-6236, ext. 2132 (Multifamily housing); (312) 353-5944 (TTY).
  • Call IHDA at (312) 836-5383; (312) 836-5222.
  • Call RDA at (800) 835-5159 (Rural Housing Section); 398-5396 (TTY) (217).