Accessible housing resources

Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD has established a single toll-free number to help people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Those with housing needs may call (888) 297-8685 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time, seven days a week to speak with a HUD representative. HUD’s initial goal is to help meet the housing needs of those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. The department has also released a series of recovery resources for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

For general housing accessibility information, consult the following resources:

Texas Low Income Housing Information Service (open in new window)
The Texas Low Income Housing Information Service has compiled information on how low-income Hurricane Katrina survivors can obtain temporary and permanent housing in Texas. Individuals can also apply for and find various types of government subsidized rental housing online. 

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (open in new window)
LIHTC has made available an estimated 18,000 vacant apartment units statewide for hurricane victims and has waived special income requirements. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has a listing of vacant LIHTC units.

Public housing and section 8
Public housing tenants or section 8 voucher holders in affected states where disaster occurs can get assistance with housing needs. Contact the local public housing authorities via a toll-free hotline at (800) 955-2232.

Centers for Independent Living (open in new window)
Centers for Independent Living across the state of Texas and throughout the nation can assist with your search for accessible housing. 

The National Accessible Apartment Clearinghouse (open in new window)
The National Accessible Apartments Clearinghouse helps people who have mobility impairments in find accessible apartments. Contact the clearinghouse at (800) 421-1221.

Harris County Housing Authority (open in new window)
The Harris County Housing Authority has secured more than 500 Houston-area apartments for evacuees from Louisiana who currently receive HUD section 8 housing-choice vouchers. Those who meet the criteria can qualify for housing by visiting the authority's office at 8410 Lantern Point, Houston, Texas, from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or calling (713) 578-2150. Residents age 55 and older can visit the office from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

Disaster Housing Resources (open in new window)
DHROnline.org helps disaster victims find housing quickly and easily.

Houston Apartment Association
The Houston Apartment Association offers reduced rent to evacuees at certain properties, depending on availability. For more information, call (281) 933-2224.