Federal Benefits Chart
Family Unification Vouchers Overview
Family Unification Vouchers (FUVs) enable families who are separated, or who face the threat of separation due to housing constraints, to rent or purchase a safe and sanitary home in the private housing market.
Key Decision Points
- Upon conviction = incarcerated individual may no longer be able to access FUV-supported housing when released if convicted of a drug-related crime; consult local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to determine state and local policy
- Upon release = individuals are connected to public welfare agencies to certify family separation and to PHAs to access vouchers; individuals convicted of certain crimes may not be eligible to access vouchers (see “Eligibility” below)
Federal Funding Agency
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Relevant State/Local Agency, Office, and Contacts
Use the space below to write notes about which state/local agency or office oversees this benefit in your area and any related contacts. You can print this page for your records or log in to save your response for future reference.
Features
Family Unification Vouchers are meant to assist families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the separation, or imminent threat of separation, of children from their families.
Eligibility
- Other
To receive a Family Unification Voucher, a public welfare agency must certify family separation, or the imminent threat thereof, due to housing constraints. In addition, the family must qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). Eligibility for HCVs is determined by PHAs based on income and family size.
Potential Limitations
PHAs or any federally assisted housing provider may screen or refuse to house people who have been convicted of certain offenses; this practice is also known as the "One Strike and You're Out" policy.
Examples
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (Calif.): The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) provides rental assistance for families eligible for the Family Unification Program. In addition, HACLA coordinates with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to provide a broad range of in-home and community support services, including parenting classes, access to health and mental health centers, and help in finding suitable family housing.
The Justice Center does not endorse or promote any particular program.