Data

Data Transparency at Affordable Housing 411

At Affordable Housing 411, we are dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information about a variety of crucial services and demographics. Our comprehensive data ranges from affordable housing opportunities, government offices, homeless services, shelters, food pantries, food banks, food retailers, HUD programs, and VASH for VA, to state demographics. Our goal is to empower you with the resources necessary to make informed decisions and access the support you require.

Understanding Our Data Sources

The data presented on our platform is gathered from publicly available sources, primarily government databases and websites such as hud.com, census.com, and data.gov. Moreover, we offer a platform for owners, landlords, property managers, and others to manage their property data. Please note that Affordable Housing 411 does not create, manage, or own this user-generated data. We serve as a bridge, simplifying the process of finding and accessing valuable resources, and helping you navigate toward the essential information you need.

Detailed Data Sources

We gather our information from several government databases to provide you with the most comprehensive and current data. Here’s a deeper look into some of the specific sources we use:

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program

Conceived by the 1986 Tax Reform Act, equips state and local agencies with substantial budgetary resources for issuing tax credits. These credits support the development of rental housing for lower-income households. Annually, HUD releases a database of LIHTC properties, sourced from a detailed nationwide survey. This database, dating back to 1987, contains information on over 40,500 projects and nearly 2.6 million housing units, offering a comprehensive view of these developments.

Section 8

Data for Project-Based Section 8 stems from HUD’s Section 8 Contracts Database, a component of the Multifamily Portfolio Datasets. This data, updated as available, is collected by HUD from multiple sources within the Federal Housing Agency and its contractors. It provides details about Assistance and Section 8 contracts and properties, offering valuable insights into the potential implications of expiring project-based subsidy contracts within communities.

USDA Rural Rental Housing

The USDA’s Rural Development Agency administers various initiatives to bolster affordable housing and community progress in rural regions. Data pertaining to these programs are accessible through the USDA’s Multi-Family Housing Rentals website.

Public Housing Developments:

HUD provides technical and managerial guidance in the planning, development, and management of these developments. Public Housing Developments are marked by a specific address, chosen to symbolize the overall location of an entire development, which may consist of various buildings dispersed throughout a community. The development’s location is typically represented by the building housing the most units.

Section 811 & Section 202

These sections correspond to the sites of HUD-supported Multi-Family properties mainly catering to the disabled and elderly, respectively. These properties possess at least one active Service Coordinator contract or grant, a Section 8 New Construction contract, or a Section 811 or 202 Project Assistance Contracts (PAC) contract, or a Section 811 or 202 Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC).

Multifamily

HUD’s Multifamily Housing portfolio is primarily made up of rental properties with at least five units. HUD offers grants and subsidies to landlords and developers to foster the creation and maintenance of affordable rentals for low-income and special-needs individuals. The top three aid programs for Multifamily Housing include Section 8 Project-Based Assistance, Section 202 for Elderly Housing, and Section 811 for Disabled Housing. We stand for transparency and aim to clarify our data sources. We are devoted to delivering precise and up-to-date data to aid in your decision-making regarding affordable housing opportunities.

Public Housing Authorities:

We supply ample data about our nation’s public housing authorities, inclusive of their Section 8 and low-rent unit inventory. Public housing, ranging from scattered single-family homes to high-rise apartments for the elderly, was designed to provide safe, decent rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and disabled persons. Approximately 1.2 million households reside in public housing units overseen by over 3,300 housing agencies. HUD extends federal aid to these agencies, guiding them in planning, developing, and managing housing for low-income residents at affordable rents.

Our Data Scope

At Affordable Housing 411, we offer a broad range of data to meet the diverse needs of our users:

• Housing: We provide data about various affordable housing opportunities, helping you find the right home that fits your budget.
• Government Offices: Information about local and national government offices is available to connect you with important resources and services.
• Homeless Services & Shelters: We offer up-to-date information about homeless services and shelters, providing a lifeline for those in need.
• Food Resources: Data about local food pantries, banks, and retailers are available to ensure you know where to access essential food supplies.
• HUD Programs & VASH for VA: Our platform provides data about various HUD programs and VASH for VA to help you navigate these resources.
• State Demographics: We offer comprehensive demographic data for all states, which can be valuable for various research and decision-making purposes.

Offices

• HUD Regional Offices: HUD Regional Offices serve as the primary point of contact for program recipients, public officials, citizens, and others in the regions they serve. They provide essential oversight and support for program administration and field activities. Affordable Housing 411 provides information on these offices, making it easy for you to connect with them for your housing needs.
• HUD Field Offices: These offices are located throughout the U.S. and deliver HUD programs to the local area. We provide data on these offices, which include contact information, locations, and available services to help you better access and utilize HUD’s offerings.
• LIHEAP Offices: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) aids eligible low-income households with their energy bills. Our platform provides information on LIHEAP Offices across the country, guiding you to get the help you need for your energy costs.
• LIHWAP Offices: The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) assists low-income households with their water and wastewater bills. Data regarding these offices is available on our platform to help you find the assistance you need to manage your water-related expenses.
• SNAP Offices: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families. Our database includes information on SNAP offices nationwide, enabling you to access their services conveniently.

Homeless Assistance

• Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC): This is a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. Data on local CoCs is available on our platform, directing you to appropriate resources.
• Homeless Shelter: Affordable Housing 411 provides comprehensive data on homeless shelters across the country. We aim to help individuals and families in crisis find temporary shelter as they work towards more permanent housing solutions.

Food Assistance

• Food Bank: Food banks are community-based, professional organizations that collect food from a variety of sources and save, sort, and distribute it to pantries, shelters, and other non-profit agencies. We provide data on food banks nationwide, helping you find these vital resources in your community.
• Food Pantry: Food pantries offer free food directly to individuals and families in need. Our platform includes information on food pantries across the country, making it easier for you to find the help you need.
• SNAP Retailers: SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at a wide range of retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmer’s markets. We provide data on SNAP retailers, aiding you in finding eligible stores near you to use your benefits effectively.

User-Generated Data

Affordable Housing 411 offers a unique platform for owners, landlords, and property managers to manage their property listings. This feature allows users to access a more extensive range of housing options directly from those managing them. However, it’s essential to note that Affordable Housing 411 is not responsible for managing or verifying this user-generated data. We recommend users contact the respective property managers or owners for the most accurate and current information.

Open Source Libraries and Third-Party Resources

Affordable Housing 411 utilizes various open-source libraries and third-party resources to enhance the functionality of our platform and to offer you a superior user experience. While these tools play an integral role in our service, we do not claim ownership or responsibility for these third-party resources.

Commitment to Open Source and Third-Party Tools

In addition to our database, Affordable Housing 411 is built using a variety of open-source libraries and third-party resources. These tools enhance our platform’s functionality, improving the user experience and making our services more accessible. We are grateful to the open-source community for their contributions and for making these tools available.

Data Accuracy and Responsibility

While we strive to maintain the accuracy and currency of the data on our platform, please note that changes to these public data sources might not be immediately reflected on our website. We recommend verifying any critical information with the appropriate government office, service provider, or property manager before taking action.

By using Affordable Housing 411, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the data provided, nor for the results obtained from its use. Your trust is important to us, and we will continue to work diligently to provide you with reliable and comprehensive information.

Your Trust, Our Priority

At Affordable Housing 411, your trust is our top priority. We work diligently to provide you with reliable and comprehensive information. However, due to the nature of public data, we can’t guarantee the absolute accuracy of the data provided. It’s always a good practice to verify critical information with the appropriate authority or service provider before taking action.

By using Affordable Housing 411, you acknowledge our role as an information bridge, and that we are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or results obtained from using the data. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to continually improving our platform to serve you better.

Our Continuous Updates

At Affordable Housing 411, we constantly monitor and update our platform as new data becomes available. Our team puts tremendous effort into ensuring the information you find here remains as current and useful as possible. We understand that the landscape of affordable housing and related services is ever-changing, and we strive to reflect those changes on our platform in a timely manner.

Community Engagement

We are more than just a data platform. We are a community committed to making a difference. We value your feedback, suggestions, and corrections as these help us improve our data accuracy and the overall user experience. If you notice any inaccuracies, or outdated information, or would like to provide feedback on our platform, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page.