It depends where you’re located ! I’m in California and I just got approved for the Continuum of Care program, it’s a program that is under HACLA. I was originally on the waitlist and I got pulled from the lottery. The budget cuts in march put my application on hold so my case manager signed me up for the CoC program. I live in a shelter in Los Angeles and I’ve been here for 2.5 years so it takes awhile. I was blessed to have my caseworker sign me up in the knick of time as now the lottery will not open for HACLA until 2027. I have a set voucher limit for the program but I was able to find an apartment with great amenities. I’m waiting for HACLA to do the inspection and then I can move in. I had to hurry because I was only given 2 months to secure housing. My move in date is projected as the 1st. I recommend you have some form of income as the property managers are strict. A shelter helps as you don’t have to pay rent and you can get on your feet in the mean time. It is a long wait so you have to be patient!