Mission
HUDs mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all. The agency strives to strengthen the nations housing market, protect consumers, increase homeownership, and support community development.
History
HUD was established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnsons Great Society initiative. It consolidated several existing federal programs related to public housing, urban renewal, and community development. Since its inception, HUD has played a pivotal role in expanding affordable housing, enforcing fairhousing laws, and responding to disasters that affect housing security.
Major Programs
Public Housing
Public housing provides rental units owned and managed by local public housing agencies (PHAs). These units serve lowincome families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The voucher program assists eligible households in finding housing in the private market. Participants pay a portion of rent based on income, while HUD subsidizes the remainder.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG gives local governments funding to improve housing, infrastructure, and services for low and moderateincome residents.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
HOME provides grants to states and localities to create affordable housing for rent, purchase, or rehabilitation.
Section 202 & Section 811
These programs focus on preserving and developing housing for the elderly (Section 202) and persons with disabilities (Section 811).
Housing Affordability
Affordability remains a central challenge across the United States. HUD tracks the affordable housing gap which measures the disparity between families needing affordable homes and those actually available. Strategies to close this gap include:
- Increasing the supply of lowincome units through new construction and rehabilitation.
- Providing incentives for private developers to include affordable units in mixedincome projects.
- Expanding voucher eligibility and improving payment standards.
- Supporting innovative financing and landuse policies that lower development costs.
Fair Housing Enforcement
HUD enforces the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The agency investigates complaints, conducts testing, and can bring civil actions against violators.
Key initiatives include:
- Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP): Grants to state and local agencies for outreach and enforcement.
- Home Investment Partnerships Act (HIPA): Funding to assist local fairhousing organizations.
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA): Supports housing services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Careers at HUD
HUD offers a wide range of career paths, from policy analysis and program management to field inspection and IT support. Employees work in Washington, D.C., regional offices, and field offices across the country. Internships and recentgraduate programs provide entry points for students and new professionals.
Visit the USAJOBS portal for current openings and application guidance.
Resources for the Public
HUD provides extensive information and tools for renters, buyers, landlords, and community leaders:
- Rental Assistance How to apply for vouchers, find public housing, and understand tenant rights.
- Public Housing Eligibility criteria and application processes.
- Fair Housing Guidance on discrimination, filing complaints, and education resources.
- HUD Exchange Data, research, and bestpractice case studies for professionals.
- Healthy Homes Programs that address environmental hazards in housing.
