Many low-income families count on programs from the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help make their homes affordable.

HUD recently released a “Public Use Microdata Sample” report that shows us who in America is living in federally-subsidized homes.   

The report shows us that housing assistance is going to those who need it the most: very low-income families and individuals - including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Some highlights: 

• About 4.8 million households in the U.S.receive some housing assistance.
• Most people who live in subsidized homes earn less than $20,000 a year.
• Nearly a third of public housing residents, and nearly half of Project-Based Section 8 residents, are older adults.
• Across all programs, female-headed households are disproportionately common.
• In 2011, the U.S Census Bureau counted 46.2 million Americans living in poverty.
• The federal poverty line in 2012 is $23,050 in annual income for a family of four.

The City of Portland is proud to partner with HUD, Home Forward, and mission-driven non-profits to ensure our local families can access the programs they need to access safe, affordable homes.