Can I apply for housing assistance in a state I do not live in but want to move to before I move?

It depends on the specific housing development. There are some that prioritize residents of certain cities/ counties/ states because they were funded partially with city - county - state dollars. But there are some that allow anyone. It will limit your options, but it is possible.

ETA: Eligibility - Determine Whether You Meet the Requirements for Low Income Housing

There are three criteria that must be met to be eligible for public housing. They are:

1. Annual gross income. The public housing program is available for those who meet the income requirements set by HUD. HUD has two categories: lower income and very low income. The income limit for lower income is 80% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where you want to live. For very low income, the income limit is 50% of the median income. The median incomes are adjusted to match the size of your family. Because the limits are based on the median income of any given area, you could be eligible in one area and not another.

2. Considered elderly, disabled or a family under the program's guidelines.

3. Citizenship or eligible immigration status. At least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. NOTE: NOT A STATE OR CITY RESIDENT!

Based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ttp://apartments.about.com/od/publichousin1/ss/applypublichous_2.htm

Here is an example of St. Paul, Minnesota - note they have preferences for residents, but not residents are not excluded.

Eligibility for public housing is set by Congress (annual income based on a percentage of the metro area's median family income adjusted for family size). For hi-rise applicants, admission preference points are given to elderly (62+ years), near-elderly (50-61) and disabled applicants (18+ years), and to veterans, residents of Saint Paul, students, and those enrolled in special PHA programs (CHSP, ALP, ASI). For family units, preferences points are given to applicants who are veterans or residents of Saint Paul. The residency preference applies to persons who live, work or attend school in Saint Paul, or who have been accepted for work or school in Saint Paul.

Melbourne, Florida - no resident requirement http://melbourneflorida.org/housing/tenant.htm

http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=fl&topic=...

No you can not for HUD. You must be in the area and then in some places like California people wait years to get on a program.

go to hud.gov

In the UK we have Welfare Rights and Citizens Advice, both are excellent places for advice on all sorts. Is there no organisations like that in your home town that you can contact for help and advice.

Good question. You can "apply" for anything but will you get it.

better yet, go back to school and get an education. this way you can look at yourself in the mirror and be proud of your accomplishments.

No