Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): 2025 Status Update

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2025: The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program, created by the American Rescue Plan, is officially in a wind-down phase.

As of March 2025, HUD has announced the conclusion of the program. While existing vouchers are still funded and valid, most Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are no longer issuing new EHVs.

If you already have an EHV, you are safe—your housing is secure. If you are looking for a new voucher, the door is closing fast, but there are still specific pathways for those in dire need.

Here is the reality of the situation and what you need to do right now.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers (If You Have It)

If you are one of the lucky 70,000 households holding an EHV, you possess a “Golden Ticket.”

1. The “Service Fee” Package Unlike regular Section 8, EHVs come with a pot of money (up to $3,500) to help you secure housing.

• Security Deposits: Covered.
• Application Fees: Covered.
• Utility Arrears: Often covered to help you turn the lights on.
• Tip: If you haven’t used these funds yet, ask your case manager immediately. They expire when the program funding ends.

2. Landlord Incentives Your PHA can pay a landlord a “signing bonus” (e.g., $1,000) to rent to you. Use this as leverage when negotiating with hesitant property owners.

3. Transition to Section 8 HUD is strongly encouraging PHAs to “absorb” EHV households into the regular Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.

• What this means: Your EHV might technically end, but you will seamlessly switch to a regular Section 8 voucher without losing your home.

Who Can Still Get Help?

Because the program is ending, you cannot apply for a new EHV in most places. However, you still fit into the priority categories for other homeless services.

1. Literally Homeless If you are sleeping in a shelter or on the street, you must go through Coordinated Entry.

• Action: Go to a shelter and ask for a “VI-SPDAT” assessment. This puts you on the master list for any available housing resource, not just EHV.

2. Fleeing Domestic Violence If you are fleeing violence, you have special priority.

• Action: Call a local DV hotline. They often have direct access to “Rapid Re-housing” funds that can bridge the gap while you wait for a permanent voucher.

Insider Tips for the “Wind-Down”

1. Don’t Let Your Voucher Expire If you have an EHV in hand but haven’t found an apartment yet, MOVE FAST.

• PHAs are under pressure to “use it or lose it.” If your voucher expires, they might not be allowed to extend it.
• Strategy: Ask for a “search extension” immediately if you are nearing the 60-day mark. Document every apartment you applied to.

2. Ask About “Turnover” Vouchers While EHVs are ending, regular Section 8 vouchers still “turn over” when people leave the program.

• Some PHAs are giving EHV families “preference” on the regular Section 8 waiting list.
• Action: Call your PHA and ask: “Is there a preference for EHV applicants on the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist? Can I apply?”

3. The “Portability” Warning EHVs allowed you to move to any city. However, during the wind-down, moving can be risky.

• Risk: The “receiving” housing authority might not have the staff or funds to process an incoming EHV.
• Advice: Stay put if you can. If you must move, get written confirmation from the new housing authority that they will accept your EHV before you break your lease.

Application Timeline (For Alternatives)

Since EHV applications are closed, here is the timeline for the alternatives:

• Step 1: Call 2-1-1 to find your local Coordinated Entry point.
• Step 2: Complete an intake assessment. Be honest about your medical needs and vulnerability.
• Step 3: Get placed on the “By-Name List” for housing.
• Step 4: Wait for a referral to Rapid Re-housing (short-term) or Permanent Supportive Housing (long-term).

Required Materials (For Any Housing Program)

Even if EHV is off the table, get these ready for the next opportunity:

• ID: Driver’s license or state ID.
• Social Security Cards: For everyone in the house.
• Homeless Verification: A letter from a shelter, outreach worker, or church verifying where you sleep.
• Income Proof: SSI award letter, pay stubs, or a “zero income” affidavit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting for EHV to Reopen It won’t. The funding was a one-time stimulus from 2021.

• Mistake: “I’ll just wait for the EHV list to open up again.”
• Reality: You will wait forever. Apply for regular Section 8, Public Housing, and LIHTC (Tax Credit) apartments immediately.

2. Ignoring “Rapid Re-housing” Many people reject Rapid Re-housing (RRH) because it only lasts 12-24 months.

• Mistake: Holding out for a permanent voucher.
• Reality: Take the RRH. It gets you inside now. Once you are housed, it is often easier to transition to a permanent subsidy than it is from the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my home in 2025? No. If you are already leased up with an EHV, your funding is secure for now. HUD is working to ensure no one is evicted due to the program ending.

Can I transfer my EHV to my child? Generally, no. EHVs have strict rules about family composition. If the head of household leaves, the voucher might terminate. Check with your caseworker.

What if my landlord stops accepting the voucher? This is illegal in many states (Source of Income Discrimination). If your landlord tries to evict you because the program is “winding down,” contact Legal Aid immediately.

How to Find Help

1. Call 2-1-1: Ask for “Coordinated Entry.”
2. Contact Your PHA: Ask if they have a “Homeless Preference” for regular Section 8.
3. Visit HUD.gov: Search for “Housing Counseling Agencies” near you.

Official HUD EHV Page