What is Temporary Transitional Housing?
When you or your family are in a situation where you face imminent eviction or risk homelessness, it’s imperative that you utilize programs in place to help you in your time of need. Temporary transitional housing programs are one resource that you can take advantage of.
In this article, we’ll discuss what temporary transitional housing is and how you can qualify for one of the programs available to you in your area.
Temporary Transitional Housing
Immediate and temporary housing needs can become necessary due to a variety of reasons including, but not limited to:
- Domestic abuse or fighting
- Job loss or financial loss
- Domestic disturbances
- Child and Parental Arguments
- Foreclosure
Many times, those who are displaced can find shelter with a friend or family member or in their car, but often the time frame that these are acceptable solutions will run out. When this happens, the need for temporary shelter, with the end goal being permanent housing, can become necessary urgently.
Temporary transitional housing is supportive housing that provides solutions between homelessness and permanent housing needed. This type of assistance is offered through various outlets, such as shelters, nonprofit agencies, government programs, and religious organizations.
Funding that is available from the government to assist the homeless community is divided into assisting the chronically homeless and the transitionally or temporarily homeless. Unfortunately, only 20% of the funding is typically directed to help transitionally homeless, with the remaining being diverted to the chronically homeless community. While both are important, it can severely limit the available options to those who need assistance in staying off the streets.
Transitional housing has traditionally been provided in buildings that provide shelter with common space. However, over the years, there have been improvements and developments on the housing options available, such as in separate housing that you and your family can temporarily occupy. Availabilities in housing vary greatly from region to city to state. Typically the amount of time that housing can be secured ranges from 2 weeks to 24 months.
There are often other resources available through transitional housing programs, as well. Such as:
- Addiction counseling
- Addiction counseling
- Financial education and counseling
- Job prep and placement
- Food and clothing donations
- Transportation assistance
- Medical aid
- Childcare
- Diapers, formula, and other necessities for children
When you utilize a transitional housing program, it’s essential that you utilize the whole program and the resources that are made available to you in order to help you secure permanent housing and place you and your family into better circumstances for the long-term. The outlet that you choose for assistance will often determine what is available to you.
Who Qualifies for Temporary Transitional Housing
Qualifications and requirements to gain temporary transitional housing vary from program to program. They are typically offered to those currently without housing, teens and young adults, and to those in domestic or foreclosure situations that require them to leave their housing. If you are interested in finding out more information on the programs you qualify for, you can visit TransitionalHousing.Org for an organized list by state.
Other Options for Housing Assistance
Depending on your employment, family, and financial situation there are other options that can be available to you for housing assistance as well. Some programs you may want to consider are:
- Rental voucher programs, such as Section 8
- Public housing, available to qualified low-income families, elderly and disabled
- Subsidized housing available in the private sector
- Mortgage assistance
Many of these programs are available through the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program and are subject to any income you may have available, your family size, and your immediate need for assistance.