Waythrough Project
helping you overcome the barriers to affordable housing
We're a free resource hub built on real experience navigating the affordable housing system. Whether you're applying for assistance for the first time or trying to understand your rights, everything here is designed to help you take your next step.
Explore by topic
Housing Programs
Section 8, HUD-VASH, LIHTC, and other programs that help make housing affordable.
Benefits & Financial Support
SSI, SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP — understanding what you qualify for and how to apply.
Employment & Job Training
Job centers, training programs, and how earning income works with housing assistance.
Mental Health
Treatment resources, housing protections, and programs for people facing mental health challenges.
Substance Use & Recovery
Recovery housing, your legal protections, and treatment resources that support stability.
Know Your Rights
Tenant protections, fair housing laws, discrimination complaints, and what your landlord can't do.
Emergency & Crisis Housing
Need help now? Shelters, rapid rehousing, emergency vouchers, and crisis hotlines.
Families with Children
Family housing programs, your children's education rights, and support services for parents.
Looking for resources tailored to your situation?
Guides & How-Tos
Step-by-step instructions for the most common affordable housing processes.
How to Apply for Section 8
From finding open waiting lists to securing your voucher.
GuideFind Your Local PHA
How to find and contact your Public Housing Authority.
RightsAppeal a Housing Denial
Your right to a hearing and how to prepare for it.
BenefitsHow to Apply for SSI or SSDI
Disability benefits explained — who qualifies and how to apply.
ProgramFamily Self-Sufficiency Program
Build savings while on Section 8 through the FSS escrow program.
ChecklistDocument Checklist
Every document you need for housing applications.
Free Tools
Interactive tools to help you plan, compare, and take action.
Eligibility Screener
Answer a few questions to see which housing programs you may qualify for.
ToolBudget Calculator
Build a realistic monthly budget based on your income and expenses.
ToolRent Estimator
Estimate your portion of rent under different housing programs.
ToolCompare Programs
Side-by-side comparison of major housing assistance programs.
TemplateLetter Generator
Create customized letters for appeals, complaints, and requests.
ToolKnow Your Numbers
Understand your income-to-rent ratio and what it means for housing.
ToolWaiting List Tracker
Find open Section 8 waiting lists by state with PHA contact info and wait times.
Find Help in Your State
Every state has different tenant protections, eviction timelines, and housing resources. Find the specifics for where you live.
From the Blog
Personal insights and practical advice from someone who's worked inside the system.
How Section 8 Inspections Work (And How to Pass Yours)
HQS inspections can make or break your housing search. Here's exactly what inspectors look for, common fail items, and how to prepare so your unit passes the first time.
Renting With an Eviction on Your Record: What Actually Works
An eviction on your record doesn't mean you can't find housing. Here's what landlords actually see, how to address it, and programs that give second chances.
My Income Went Up on Section 8 \u2014 Will I Lose My Voucher?
A raise doesn't automatically mean losing your voucher. Here's how rent gets recalculated, when to report changes, and how the Family Self-Sufficiency program works.
Have a question?
Not finding what you need? Submit your question and we'll use it to create new guides, blog posts, and resources. Every question helps us make this site better for everyone.
Ask a Question →About This Project
Waythrough Project was started by Matt, who spent years working with the HUD-VASH program helping veterans access housing. After watching too many people struggle with a system that should be helping them — not because they weren't trying hard enough, but because the information was scattered, buried, and confusing — he built this site to put everything in one place.
Everything here is free. There's nothing to buy. We're not selling courses, coaching, or premium access. This is a resource hub, plain and simple. If it helps you take your next step toward stable housing, it's doing its job.