Tenant Housing Information

The SilverLining Foundation Inc provides independent housing opportunities for eligible residents in South Bend, Indiana and surrounding communities.

Our duel housing model focuses on  stable, safe and affordable (shared living environments with private bedrooms) and (Whole home family voucher hosuing) where residents maintain independent tenancy. 

In addition to shared housing, The SilverLining Foundation Inc. may offer limited family housing units for eligible households.

Family Housing Option 

Family housing units are designed for:

• Parents with children

• Households utilizing housing assistance programs such as Section 8, HUD etc.

Rental amounts for family units are determined based on:

• Unit size (number of bedrooms)

• Local housing authority payment standards

• Income-based contribution requirements

Residents participating in voucher programs typically pay a portion of rent based on income, with the remaining balance covered by the housing assistance program.

Housing Overview

• Shared housing units
• Utilities included
• Independent living environments
• Access to third-party community resources

Housing Process

1️⃣ Review Resident Requirements
2️⃣ Complete Tenant Screening
3️⃣ Submit Resident Application
4️⃣ Wait for review and availability

Important Notices: 

*The SilverLining Foundation Inc provides month to month housing only and does not provide medical or personal care services. Residents must arrange any healthcare services independently. 

Monthly rent varies based on:
• Income verification
• Availability
• Individual housing needs

What You get:

✔ Private bedroom
✔ Utilities Included (water, electric, gas, trash)
✔ Shared kitchen access
✔ Shared common areas
✔ Basic maintenance

*Food, personal items, and optional programs and services are not included in rent.

*Rent is determined through income verification and housing eligibility review. 

*The Foundation complies with Fair Housing laws and does not discriminate based on disability or lawful source of income.

Housing Assistance & Third-Party Payments

For residents participating in housing assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), the Foundation establishes a reasonable housing rate based on unit size, shared housing structure, and local market conditions.

Housing assistance programs may pay a portion of the housing cost directly to the Foundation, with the resident contributing their required portion based on program guidelines.

All rates are determined in compliance with applicable housing authority standards and are subject to approval by the administering agency.

Income options accepted: 

• Private Pay

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Employment income (part-time or full-time)

• Self-employment income

• Trust fund distributions

• State General Assistance

• Unemployment benefits

• Veterans benefits

• Child support / alimony

• Retirement Funds 

• Housing vouchers (e.g., Section 8)

• Representative payee-managed funds

Verification Documents:

• Award letters (SSA, SSI, SSDI)

• Pay stubs

• Bank statements

• Benefit verification letters

• Court-ordered support documentation

*Residents may use various lawful sources of income to meet housing program payment requirements. The Foundation recognizes the following income types.

*The Foundation strives to maintain affordability standards aligned with 30–40% of household income, while ensuring the sustainability and expansion of housing opportunities. 

*All housing contributions are determined through an individualized review process and are not solely based on a fixed percentage. Adjustments may be made to ensure program sustainability, fairness, and compliance with applicable housing regulations. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal income assistance program administered by the Social Security Administration.

It provides monthly financial support to individuals who:

• Are 65 or older, or
• Have Non-Medical disabilities, or
• Have limited income and resources

How SSI Can Be Used

Residents may use their monthly SSI payments to contribute toward housing costs.

Verification May Include:

• SSI award letter
• SSA benefit verification letter
• Bank statement showing deposit

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides income to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.

Unlike SSI, SSDI benefits are based on prior work history and payroll tax contributions.

How SSDI Can Be Used:

Residents receiving SSDI may use their monthly disability benefit payments for housing contributions.

Verification May Include:

• SSA benefit award letter
• Annual SSA benefit statement
• Bank deposit records

Social Security Retirement

Social Security retirement benefits are available to individuals who have reached eligible retirement age and have sufficient work history.

These benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration.

How Retirement Benefits Can Be Used:

Residents receiving Social Security retirement income may use their monthly retirement benefits to pay housing program contributions.

Verification May Include:

• SSA retirement benefit letter
• Annual benefit statement
• Direct deposit records

Private Pay

Private pay refers to housing payments made directly by the resident using their own financial resources.

This may include income from:

• Personal savings
• Investment income
• Retirement accounts
• Pension income

Verification May Include:

• Bank statements
• Pension statements
• Financial documentation verifying ability to pay

Family Support

Some residents may receive financial support from family members or caregivers.

This support may include:

• Monthly financial contributions
• Assistance paying housing costs
• Shared financial arrangements

Verification May Include:

• Signed support letter from family member
• Payment records
• Agreement outlining financial support

State General Assistance

General Assistance is a state or county administered financial support program that provides temporary assistance for individuals with limited income.

In Indiana, this may be administered through agencies connected to programs under the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

How It May Be Used:

Residents receiving General Assistance may use those funds toward housing program contributions.

Verification May Include:

• Assistance approval letter
• Payment documentation
• Caseworker verification

Representative Payees

Some residents may have a Representative Payee assigned through the Social Security Administration.

A representative payee is a person or organization authorized to manage Social Security benefits on behalf of a beneficiary.

The payee is responsible for ensuring that funds are used for:

• Housing
• Food
• Personal needs
• Other essential expenses

How This Works:

• The payee may submit housing payments directly to the Foundation
• The resident still maintains housing rights and responsibilities

Verification May Include:

• SSA representative payee documentation
• Payee contact information

Employment Income

Residents who are employed may use earned income to contribute toward housing costs.

Employment income may include:

• Full-time employment
• Part-time employment
• Self-employment income
• Contract or gig work

Verification May Include:

• Recent pay stubs
• Employment verification letter
• Tax records (for self-employment)

Trust Fund Income

Some residents may receive income from trust funds or managed financial accounts.

Trust income may include:

• Distributions from family trusts
• Disability trusts
• Special needs trusts
• Estate trust distributions

Verification May Include

• Trust distribution statements
• Documentation from trustee
• Bank deposit records

Income Verification Requirement

To ensure program integrity and fairness, residents may be required to provide documentation verifying their income source during the application process.

*All financial information is handled confidentially and used solely for housing eligibility and program administration.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

• BANK TRANSFER (ACH) 

• Money orders

• Bank debit/credit cards

• pay online through resident portal

• cash

1. Bank Transfer (ACH)

Residents may submit payments directly from their bank account through an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer.

How ACH Payments Can Be Submitted

• Through the resident online portal using bank routing and account number
• By setting up recurring monthly payments inside the resident portal
• By requesting an ACH authorization form from the Foundation to authorize withdrawals

Important Terms

• Payments must be scheduled before the monthly due date
• Residents must ensure sufficient funds are available
• Returned ACH payments may result in bank return fees

2. Money Orders

Residents may submit money orders for housing payments.

How To Submit:

• Make money order payable to: The SilverLining Foundation Inc.

• Include on the memo line:

• Resident full name

• Unit or bedroom number

• Payment month
  
  

Where to Submit

• Delivered to the Foundation office
• Placed in the designated rent drop box (if available)

Important Terms

• Money orders must be fully completed and signed
• The Foundation does not accept partially filled money orders
• Always keep the money order receipt stub for your records

3. Bank Debit or Credit Card

Residents may pay using debit cards or credit cards through approved payment processors.

How Card Payments Can Be Made:

• Through the online resident portal
• Via secure payment link provided by the Foundation
 

Through approved processors such as:

• Stripe & or Zeffy

Important Terms: 

• Processing fees may apply depending on the payment platform
• Payments must be completed before the monthly due date
• Receipts will be sent to the resident’s email

4. Online Payments Through Resident Portal

Residents may submit payments electronically using the secure resident payment portal.

Our nonprofit housing organization uses:

• Avail

Residents can:

• Pay rent online
• Schedule recurring payments
• Receive automated receipts
• View payment history
• Update payment methods

Benefits

• Secure payment processing
• Automatic receipt generation
• Easy payment tracking

5. Cash Payments

Cash payments may be accepted only under specific conditions.

How To Submit Cash Payments:

• Cash must be delivered in person to an authorized Foundation representative
• A written receipt will always be provided

Important Terms: 

• Cash should never be placed in mailboxes or unattended locations
• Residents should request a signed receipt immediately
• Cash payments may require advance appointment

Payment Receipts

Residents will receive a payment receipt for every transaction, which may be issued through:

• Email receipt
• Resident portal confirmation
• Printed receipt for in-person payments

Receipts will include:

• Resident name
• Payment amount
• Payment method
• Date received
• Purpose of payment

Important Payment Policy

Payments should be submitted on or before the monthly due date outlined in the resident housing agreement.

Late payments may result in:

• Late fees (if applicable)
• Payment reminders
• Required payment plans

The SilverLining Foundation Inc. strives to work with residents to maintain stable and supportive housing for all program participants.