HUD Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)

Quick Facts

• Voucher purpose: Provides long-term rental subsidies to people exiting homelessness or dangerous living situations, with tailored services to support lease-up and stability.
• Allocation size: Congress funded 70,000 vouchers nationwide; HUD has extended use through September 30, 2030, allowing public housing agencies (PHAs) to re-issue vouchers as families leave the program.
• Rent formula: Households generally pay 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, with EHVs covering the remainder up to the PHA’s payment standard.
• Supportive services: EHVs include landlord incentives, security deposit help, application fee coverage, and case management provided by Continuums of Care (CoCs) and partner organizations.
• Key distinction: Applicants cannot directly apply; referrals must come from designated partners who prioritize the most vulnerable households.

Program Overview

The Emergency Housing Voucher program is a COVID-era expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher platform targeted to those with the highest barriers to housing. EHVs bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing by pairing rental subsidies with flexible service funding. PHAs sign memoranda of understanding with their local CoC, victim service providers, and other agencies to coordinate outreach, referral, and stabilization. Because vouchers are limited, communities use by-name lists or coordinated entry systems to rank households based on vulnerability, enabling fast track processing for survivors of domestic violence, people exiting encampments, and youth aging out of foster care.

Eligibility Pathways

Households must fall into one of four categories:

1. Literally homeless: Staying in shelter, transitional housing, or a place not meant for human habitation.
2. At risk of homelessness: Facing eviction or housing loss within 14 days, without resources to secure new housing.
3. Fleeing or attempting to flee violence: Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
4. Recently homeless or high housing instability risk: Individuals who exited homelessness for permanent housing but require ongoing assistance to avoid returning to shelter or the street.

Income must also meet the PHA’s limits (typically 50% of AMI), and applicants must pass standard Housing Choice Voucher screening. However, HUD encourages PHAs to adopt alternative requirements, such as waiving minimum income thresholds and easing documentation standards, to expedite lease-ups.

Referral and Intake Steps

1. Engage coordinated entry: Connect with your local CoC access point, domestic violence hotline, or homeless outreach team to complete a vulnerability assessment. Provide accurate information about health, safety risks, and current living situation.
2. Wait for prioritization: Referral lists are updated frequently. Stay in touch with your case manager, respond to calls promptly, and update contact information if you change phones or shelter locations.
3. Prepare documentation: Gather identification, Social Security numbers (if available), proof of income, and any protective orders or police reports documenting violence. EHVs allow flexibility, so agencies can help obtain missing paperwork.
4. Meet with the PHA: Once referred, attend the intake appointment, complete required forms, and discuss housing preferences and accessibility needs. Ask about available landlord incentive programs to expand housing options.
5. Search for housing: With support from housing navigators, compile a list of landlords accepting vouchers. Highlight the security deposit assistance and damage mitigation funds EHVs offer.
6. Inspection and lease-up: After submitting a Request for Tenancy Approval, the PHA inspects the unit, finalizes rent, and executes the Housing Assistance Payment contract. Review lease terms carefully and ensure all promised supports (like furnishings or moving aid) are scheduled.

Strategies for Success

• Document vulnerabilities thoroughly: Detailed assessments help prioritize your case, especially when demand exceeds supply.
• Stay reachable: Provide multiple contact methods (phone, email, service provider address). Missed calls can delay or forfeit the referral.
• Leverage supportive services: Case managers can accompany you to property viewings, negotiate with landlords, and connect you to employment, healthcare, and counseling resources.
• Understand program obligations: Attend annual recertifications, report income changes, and maintain unit upkeep to retain the voucher.
• Plan for long-term stability: Use the consistent rent subsidy to build savings, resolve credit issues, and work with employment specialists so you can transition to market housing if desired.

EHVs are a rare opportunity to secure both financial and wraparound support. Staying organized and responsive ensures the voucher turns into a lasting housing solution.