Finding stable, affordable housing is one of the most important things you can do for your family. This guide explains the housing programs available to families, the legal protections that exist to keep your children in school and keep your family together, and the support services available to help you succeed. You are not alone—there are resources and programs designed specifically to help families like yours.
Affordable Housing Programs for Families
Several federal housing programs are available to families with children. These programs make housing more affordable by subsidizing your rent so you pay only a portion of the cost.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Section 8 is the most common affordable housing program, serving millions of families nationwide. With a Section 8 voucher, you choose any rental property in the private market that meets housing quality standards, and the housing authority pays a portion of your rent. You pay the rest, typically 30% of your income. Section 8 has long waitlists in many areas, but families with children are often given priority. To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). You can find your PHA by visiting hud.gov or calling 211.
Public Housing. Public housing properties owned and managed by housing authorities—some are designated specifically for families. Units are rented at affordable rates based on your income, typically 30% of what you earn. Public housing applications also have waitlists, and families are often prioritized. Apply at your local housing authority.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties. The federal government provides tax credits to developers who build affordable rental housing. Many LIHTC properties are family-friendly, with floor plans and amenities suitable for children. Income limits vary by property, but many serve families earning 50-80% of area median income. To find LIHTC properties in your area, search your state's housing authority website or contact your local housing authority for a list.
Family Unification Program (FUP). This federal program provides housing vouchers specifically designed for families at risk of separation because of housing instability or child welfare involvement. There are two categories: families referred by child welfare agencies (where a child is at risk of entering foster care because the family is homeless or has unstable housing), and youth aging out of foster care (ages 18-24). HUD awarded over $10 million for 573 new FUP vouchers in 2025. If your family is working with child protective services or a family preservation organization, ask them about FUP eligibility. You can also contact your local Continuum of Care (call 211) to ask about FUP programs.
Your Children's Rights Under McKinney-Vento
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that guarantees educational rights and stability for children experiencing housing instability. This law is critically important to understand if your family is homeless, living in a shelter, doubled-up with relatives, or facing housing instability.
What McKinney-Vento guarantees:
- Immediate enrollment. Schools must immediately enroll your child even if you don't have typical documents: proof of residence, birth certificate, school records, or immunization records. You cannot be denied enrollment because you're homeless or don't have documents.
- School of origin. Your child can remain in their school of origin (the school they were attending before becoming homeless or losing housing) even if you move. The school must allow this for the remainder of the school year or until housing is found.
- Transportation. Free transportation to school of origin must be provided at no cost to your family if you request it. This is critical if your move is far from the school.
- Services and support. Schools must connect your child with support services including counseling, tutoring, free meals, health services, and other resources.
- Protection from stigma and discrimination. Your child cannot be treated differently or stigmatized because they're experiencing housing instability.
How to use McKinney-Vento protections: When you enroll your child in school, tell the school that your family is experiencing housing instability. If the school says you need documents or proof of residence, reference the McKinney-Vento Act and ask to speak with the school's McKinney-Vento liaison. Every school district is required by law to have a liaison dedicated to helping families experiencing housing instability.
Find your McKinney-Vento liaison: Call your school district office and ask for the McKinney-Vento liaison, or call the National Center for Homeless Education at 1-800-308-2145. They can help you understand your child's rights and resolve any issues with school enrollment or transportation.
Important: Education Rights for Children in Housing Instability
Your child has the right to enroll in school immediately without documents, stay in their school of origin, and receive free transportation. Schools cannot deny enrollment or require proof of residence if your family is homeless or housing-unstable. Contact the McKinney-Vento liaison if you encounter barriers.
Fair Housing Protections for Families
Federal fair housing law protects families with children from discrimination by landlords. "Familial status" is a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. This means landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, charge higher rent, impose harsher lease terms, or treat you unfairly because you have children.
What landlords cannot legally do:
- Refuse to rent to you because you have children
- Charge you a higher security deposit or higher rent because you have children
- Impose additional fees, restrictions, or rules on families that don't apply to individuals or couples without children
- Require parents to pay for damages caused by children beyond what is normal wear and tear
- Limit the number or type of children you can have
Occupancy standards and bedroom requirements. HUD generally follows the "2 plus 1" rule: 2 people per bedroom, plus 1. This means a family of four could legally occupy a 2-bedroom apartment, a family of six could occupy a 3-bedroom, etc. However, some jurisdictions have different occupancy standards. Ask your landlord about the occupancy standard they follow—if it seems unreasonably restrictive, it may violate fair housing law. Local occupancy limits cannot be more restrictive than the "2 plus 1" standard without justification.
One important exception: Senior housing communities (55+ or older) are legally allowed to exclude families with children. These are the only housing communities where age-based occupancy restrictions are permitted.
If you experience housing discrimination because you have children: You can file a complaint with HUD. Call 1-800-669-9777 or file online at hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint. You can also contact a local fair housing organization or legal aid provider. See the related guide "How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint" for detailed steps.
Making Housing Work for Your Family
Beyond housing programs, there are many support services designed to help families afford childcare, food, healthcare, and other essentials that make housing stability possible.
Childcare assistance. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides federal block grants to states for childcare subsidies. If your family qualifies based on income, you can receive assistance paying for childcare while you work or attend school. This can significantly reduce your expenses and make rent more affordable. Apply through your state's CCDF program—search online for "[your state] child care subsidy" or call 211 for help applying.
School meal programs. Free and reduced-price school meals are available to low-income families. This includes breakfast and lunch during the school year, plus summer meal programs when school is not in session. Apply through your child's school—the application is usually on the school website or available from the main office. The information you provide is confidential.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). WIC provides nutrition assistance and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five from low-income families. WIC covers healthy foods like milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Benefits are provided on an electronic card similar to a debit card. Apply at your state's WIC program or local health department. Eligibility is based on income, and many families qualify.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps). SNAP provides monthly benefits to buy food. Families with children are often a priority for SNAP. Apply through your state's SNAP program—search "[your state] SNAP" or call 211. You can often apply online.
Other support services. Call 211 or visit 211.org to connect with family-specific resources in your area. These may include emergency assistance programs, utility bill assistance, job training, healthcare programs, mental health services, and more.
Creating Housing Stability for Your Family
Affordable housing is the foundation, but several things can help you keep your housing stable:
- Stay employed or connected to income. Whether through work, benefits, or support programs, stable income is key to affording rent.
- Connect to case management. Many housing programs include case managers who can help you navigate barriers, connect to services, and stay stably housed. Use this support—that's what they're there for.
- Understand your lease and rights. Read your lease carefully, know your rights as a tenant, and document everything in writing. See the "Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant" page for details.
- Build a support network. Family, friends, community, faith organizations, and nonprofits can provide emotional support, practical help, and resources. Don't try to do it alone.
- Know what to do if you're at risk of eviction. If you get an eviction notice, don't panic. Reach out to legal aid immediately—many evictions can be prevented. Call 211 for legal aid referrals or search lawhelp.org.