They are two separate programs ,and there are some differences .Both are aimed at helping people who are struggling.To get a good understanding of them go to HUD.gov

 Hi lulus,

HUD and Section 8 are not the same. I apologize for what little information that I have to offer. As far as I know, the rent that is paid by Section 8 is provided by the Federal Government. Several of my neighbors rent through Housing Authority and occasionally we would talk about their finances, and that's how I've leaned as much as I do know. The owner must first agree that he/she will rent to someone that is on Section 8. I don't know where you live, but you may contact the Housing Authority at 704-336-5183, or try the Internet and Google Housing Authority. I'm sure they're located in several states. About 6 years ago, HUD came to my place of employment to recruit buyers, but I didn't qualify because I was in debt. I can't remember the amount, but before a person can qualify, they cannot exceed a certain amount of debt. I did not pursue it, but they will probably work with you, or refer you to an organization that will help you if you are serious about purchasing a house; especially if you're in debt. You might want to try to Google HUD on the Internet. God Bless!

 Hi lulus,
The above is true, Hud is for those looking too buy a home, with a low interest rate, and usually a first time buyer. One can't make too much or too little to qualify. Section 8 is for low income people in all situations too help them get help with their rent. The government will pay so much of your rent for you while you pay the rest once you qualify. If you qualify, you pay 33% of your monthly income towards your rent the the government pays the landlord the rest.  And as above, you have too find a landlord who takes section 8 to use it, and there are plenty of them out there. If you go too your phone book and look under Housing Authority you will find a phone number in your area. Here in MA you can apply for low housing through them and you can also apply for section thru them, so you don't have too go into a huge city to apply. You can ask for information that will tell you what towns you will be able too live in in your area using section 8, because it isn't limited too just the town/city you live in. The same may be true in CA, most likely, because they are state and federal programs for all of the US.
But I would start buy calling your local Housing Authority in the town/city where you live and go from there. That is where I got all of my questions answered when I looked into section 8 and low housing.
Good luck lulus, SandyInBus

 I am the odd man out on this one because I disagree with all of these answers.  I am currently a paralegal and I have dealt with this subject to a great extent as my forte is real estate law.  I say HUD is the department/overseer of Section 8...you see they are one in the same my friend.