When your name comes to the top of the waiting list, the program will call or write you and ask you to come to an "intake." This is a meeting where they will ask you questions about yourself. You can ask them questions about their program.

The program will tell you what to bring when they set up the intake. But, in general, these are the things you need to bring with you and you can put this stuff together ahead of time:

• Proof of income and benefits. You can get this from the local Social Security or Welfare office if you get benefits. If you work, you need to bring check stubs.
• Current bank statement — if you have a bank account.
• Proof of your housing situation. For example, if the program is for homeless persons, they will want a letter from a shelter that says you are staying there.
• Certification of disability. For many HIV housing programs, they will want certification that you are HIV+ or are diagnosed with AIDS. This certification must be filled out and signed by your doctor.
• Your social security number for every person in your family over the age of six.
• If you are currently renting a place, they will want a copy of your lease and rent receipts for the last three months.
• A picture ID for each adult.

This may be the end of your journey, depending on which program has accepted you. If you are accepted into a transitional program, a residential program, or a public housing development, then the next step is for you to move into your apartment. If you are accepted into a scattered-site or public housing rental assistance program, then your journey has just begun. Now it’s time to find an apartment by looking for ads in the newspaper.

Sometimes programs decide not to accept people. Sometimes it is because the applicants do not fit the eligibility criteria. For example, the applicant is making more money than the income limit. Sometimes programs will not accept an applicant because they believe that they cannot help that person or they do not believe that an applicant will be a good tenant.

If you are not accepted into a program, they will give you a letter which explains their reasons. You should ask them if you can appeal the decision. Most programs have an appeal process. That means that they will review their decision and will give you an opportunity to explain why you think their decision was not right.

If you are still not satisfied with their decision, ask them who funds the program. Most programs are funded by a state agency, like the Department of Public Health, or by a federal agency, like the Department of Housing and Urban Development. You can call those agencies directly and tell them about your situation.