The Role of Federal Housing Agencies in Refugee Resettlement

As a resettlement staff member, have you had questions about which federally affordable housing and assistance programs a newcomer may qualify for?

This factsheet, produced by the Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition in partnership with the National Low Income Housing Coalition, provides an overview of which immigrant populations are eligible for federal housing and homelessness, disaster, energy, and water assistance programs, and whether there are any potential implications for public charge determinations.

Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) play a pivotal role in ensuring housing stability for refugees and other newcomers to the United States. This guide provides actionable steps, resources, and strategies to help PHAs align their policies and practices with the needs of diverse newcomers, thereby fostering integration and long-term stability for them.

In this video, we dive into the essential role of housing counseling in supporting refugees and newcomers on their journey to housing stability. By the end of this video, you’ll have a clear understanding of what housing counseling services entail, how they address the unique challenges refugee clients face, and how to effectively connect with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies.

We’ll also explore the certification process for becoming a HUD-certified housing counselor, highlighting the benefits of certification for resettlement agencies and service delivery. Plus, we’ll share actionable strategies for integrating housing counseling into your programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring newcomers have access to the housing support they need. Whether you’re a case manager, housing expert, or newcomer advocate, this video is packed with insights to enhance your impact.