Many don't think of applying for low income housing because they automatically assume that they're not eligible.
" If a low income family needs assistance paying rent, as long as they qualify for our program, they are eligible in terms of income and they don't have a criminal history. They generally qualify for our program, Gene Reed, the Executive Director of the Abilene Housing Authority said.
The Abilene Housing Authority has seen an increase in residents applying for low income housing because of the tough economic times.
"The cut off is about $17,800 per year. In our public housing program, we have about a minimum of $28,500 per year. So if you're within those guidelines, you're basically eligible for the program."
The local agency is trying to make life a little bit easier on Abilenians by offering low income housing.
"We find a lot of families that were mid to lower middle income families that are now finding our program.
Abilene has four seperate low income housing areas with 213 spaces.
There are still housing areas available.
One resident recognizes that low income housing really makes a difference in her budget.
"One benefit is that I have more money to buy my groceries and everything," Edna Stanton, an Abilene resident said.
The Abilene Housing Authority operates out of 534 Cypress Street Suite 200.
You can contact the Housing Authority at (325) 676-6385.
The Housing & Urban Development (HUD) annually rates Public Housing Authorities assigning three designations; High performer, Standard Performer, and Troubled Performer. As of January 20, 2009 the Abilene Housing Authority's was rated as a "High Performer" Program.
