S:\DoH\Lobby Handouts\Dept of Housing FAQs-Aug07.doc
San Mateo County Department of Housing Frequently Asked Questions about Affordable Housing
Finding affordable housing can be a difficult and complicated process. Below are some answers to questions that we are frequently asked about accessing affordable housing, housing programs and additional information about housing.
Accessing Affordable Housing
How do I find out what affordable housing is available in San Mateo County? If you have access to the Internet, you can view a listing of affordable housing developments through the Housing Leadership Council website. Go to www.hlcsmc.org and click on “Find Housing.” You can also pick up a paper version of this listing at the San Mateo County Department of Housing office in Belmont. Locate contact information for housing that you are interested in, and call to find out if you can join the waiting list.
How do I find out what affordable housing is available in other Counties? Each County in California maintains its own list of housing projects. To find out what affordable housing is available in places outside of San Mateo County, you will need to contact the Counties directly, either through their Housing Authority or Department of Housing. You can ask us for a listing of contact information for other Counties.
Who is eligible for affordable housing? How do I apply? Each affordable housing project has its own requirements for eligibility. Usually eligibility is determined by your household income and how many people are in your household. Some housing units are set aside for specific populations, such as seniors or people with disabilities. To determine whether or not you are eligible for housing in a development, and what the application process is, you will need to call the contact person (usually the property manager) to find out.
Why are there waiting lists? Like many areas in California, San Mateo County does not have enough housing units to meet the housing need, especially for low-income families and people with special needs. Therefore, affordable developments usually have many applicants for a limited number of units. Waiting lists can be as long as two years; sometimes, waiting lists are “closed” because there are already so many people in line. You should contact each housing project individually to find out whether or not there is a waiting list, and if they are accepting additional applications.
How do I get into an emergency shelter? To learn about emergency shelters in your area, please contact one of the seven Core Service Agencies of San Mateo County. These are listed on the Housing Resources Guide available in the Department of Housing office in Belmont, or on the Department of Housing website (www.smchousing.org), under “Community Partners.”
264 Harbor Blvd, Building A · Belmont, CA 94002 · (650) 802-3300 · www.smchousing.org Updated August 2007 S:\DoH\Lobby Handouts\Dept of Housing FAQs-Aug07.doc
Key Housing Terms
There are many terms used when dealing with affordable housing. Some of the key ones are defined below. For a more comprehensive list of housing-related definitions, please visit www.hlcsmc.org and click on “Learn.”
What is affordable housing or below market rate housing? Simply put, this is housing that is offered at a price lower than the market price. This is usually possible because of government subsidies and other programs that help lower the price or rent of housing. Affordable housing is usually limited to individuals and families that fit into a specific income category (ranging anywhere from less than 30% of area median income to 120% of area median income).
What is shared housing? Shared housing is a living arrangement in which two or more unrelated people share a home or apartment. Each person has his/her private room and shares the common living areas. This is one solution to make housing more affordable. To find out how you can participate in shared housing, visit www.hiphousing.org or call (650) 348-6660.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher program? The housing choice voucher program is a federally funded program that assists very low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities in affording decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The program pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the participant. The subsidy usually makes up the difference between 30 percent of the household's adjusted income and the actual rent charged by the landlord. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program wait list is currently closed to new applications. To see if the wait list has been opened, please visit our website at www.smchousing.org, click Housing Authority, Housing Application/Wait List.
What is Project-Based Housing? There are 14 different Project-Based properties for up to 419 units throughout San Mateo County. Under the Project-Based program, the housing assistance is tied to a specific unit. A participant who moves from a Project-Based unit will not receive continued housing assistance. For information about the Project-Based properties, applications and wait list information, call our Project-Based Housing Hotline at (650) 802-3319 or visit our website at www.smchousing.org, click Housing Authority, Housing Application/Wait List.
What is Public Housing? Public Housing is built and owned by the federal government and operated by local housing authorities. The program was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low- income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo administers two public housing developments with a total of 180 units. For applications or information about the Public Housing Wait List, call our Public Housing Hotline at (650) 802- 3375, or visit our website at www.smchousing.org, click Housing Authority, Housing Application/Wait List.
264 Harbor Blvd, Building A · Belmont, CA 94002 · (650) 802-3300 · www.smchousing.org Updated August 2007