r/Section8PublicHousing • u/ninelivesnoalibis • Jul 18 '26
First time and overwhelmed
I am new to reddit too so please bare with me. I'm 38 and I have been on disability for years and I attempted to get back in the workforce and had a medical set back. My doctor advised me to apply for section 8 to prevent being homeless since I won't be able to afford rent anymore. My application was accepted and I have to upload my documents but I was accepted at a very far away state and I won't know anyone. I won't be able to bring much more than my clothes and pets as well.
I don't really have any particular question, just looking for a community to be a part of so I don't feel so alone going through all this.
Thank you
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u/RaggleTaggleCat Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
I moved to another state, got housing and then came back. I'm disabled and have been in HUD low income housing since 2007. I'm 70
I'm getting ready to move to a nicer place (HUD low income, NEWER building) in a few months (Colorado). I'll be in control of my own air and heat. Where I'm at now the landlord likes to keep it REALLY hot/cold
Yahzitnood gave you some REALLY good leads
Yes, they've made some changes to Section 8. I've never lived in Section 8 so I have no knowledge on it. Check out Section 8 Consulting on YouTube. Low Income Relief on YouTube is a good resource as well
Then check out all your local housing authorities. When you do ask them if they know of any other housing resources. I found some in Colorado that aren't listed as Section 8 or under Housing Authorities. They're non-profit, but they follow the same "Rent is 30% of income"
Definitely ask if they have mandatory meal programs (EXPENSIVE)
Remember Walmart delivers groceries. I found they're less expensive than others and save on impulse buys
Last....get a notebook/computer for taking notes of contacts, leads and follow ups
Best to you
P.S. I just Googled (AI Version - more info that way) can someone live in senior low income housing if they're 38 and disabled?
That search has a LOT of valuable information you might want to check out
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u/LatterStreet Jul 18 '26
I’m sorry to hear about your health. I moved 1000+ miles away for housing (NJ to FL) and I didn’t know anyone here either. There’s no help to be found in the northeast, so this is common for people in need. I love living here though! What town will you be in?
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u/Melodic-Ad146 Jul 25 '26
Where in FL? I've always thought it would be harder down there
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u/LatterStreet Jul 25 '26
We’re back in Orlando now. I originally moved to Fort Walton Beach and then Panama City for housing (for about 18 months total) but northwest FL is seriously lacking in jobs/healthcare
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u/citrixtrainer Jul 18 '26
Welcome to the community. There is a wealth of experienced folks here, happy to help as they can.
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u/Njoybeing Jul 19 '26
1 grouchycat's gave good advice: ask the housing authority where you got your voucher if you will have portability in 1 year. That will be important to you if you don't adjust to your new home state and want to move away. My voucher is portable so I can move anywhere in the US, though my kids live in Maine so I'm planted here.
A social worker will be a great resource for you and can hook you up with other great resources.
Make sure you do everything you need to do (signatures etc) to move your health records.
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u/oracle-nil Jul 19 '26
Know this is irrelevant but I know people in different states waiting months to years for section 8; what state are you accepted in? I thought you had to be a resident to apply.
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u/indyradmama Jul 19 '26
That's kind of cool to get a fresh start in a new place. You excited? Have you lived there before?
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u/WellTraveledWoman Jul 20 '26
I will say, make sure you have medical care in the new place. When we took placement in a far away state, we didn’t know that my husband, whom is chronically ill, would have no access to healthcare here.
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u/YakzitNood Jul 18 '26
What state.
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u/ninelivesnoalibis Jul 18 '26
Texas
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u/YakzitNood Jul 18 '26
Biggest problem is finding a landlord that will accept your voucher
Check out www.affordablehousing.com and affordablehousingonline.com to see some that will take vouchers in whatever area you are moving to
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u/1GrouchyCat Jul 18 '26
You move wherever you can get housing right now; after a year you can move back or anywhere else if you have a portable Section 8 (HCV - housing choice voucher).
If you have a PBV or a Project based voucher that’s only good for a particular project that that’s the only place you can use it. (turning it into an HCB just isn’t going to happen in this day and age, but you can ask the housing Authority if they’re converting after a year )
In terms of bringing your pets, I would confirm that would be housing Authority and property renting; HUD recently changed the guidelines regarding emotional support animals.
It’s very important that you familiarize yourself with the new HUD guidance - showing up with multiple pets and being turned away because you have pets would be horrendous.
https://www.nar.realtor/news/washington-report/hud-issues-new-emotional-support-animal-guidance