To apply for housing without an apartment, first assess eligibility for government programs like Section 8 or public housing. Contact local housing authorities or visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website to locate Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). Submit applications directly through PHAs, which prioritize income-level qualification and waitlists. Additionally, explore non-profit organizations offering rental assistance or transitional housing. Platforms like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace can help find short-term rentals or sublets, while temporary shelters provide immediate relief. Always verify landlords or agencies for legal compliance to avoid scams.

The U.S. faces a persistent housing affordability crisis, with 40% of households spending over 30% of income on rent (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). This drives homelessness rates to 12.7 million people (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023). Government programs like Section 8 allocate $24 billion annually to assist low-income tenants, but waitlists often exceed demand (HUD, 2023). Non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and local emergency shelters address gaps, providing 500,000+ units annually (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023). Online platforms increase accessibility but require caution; 25% of rental scams occur via online listings (Federal Trade Commission, 2023). Proactive outreach to PHAs and verified non-profits maximizes success, while temporary solutions bridge gaps until permanent housing is secured.