Section 8 is a program for low-income people who wish to live in privately owned housing and receive rental assistance. The term "Section 8" is used because the federal law which created the program is Section 8 of the Housing Community Development Act of 1974. In this program, the housing authority approves qualified individuals and families for voucher units.
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. The housing you select must meet local codes and federal standards, known as housing quality standards.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Singles, families, elderly individuals, handicapped or disabled persons who make less than 80% of the median income in this area. Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the PHA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. During the application process, the PHA will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition If the PHA determines that your family is eligible, the PHA will put your name on a waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the PHA will contact you and issue to you a housing voucher.
To provide a drug free, decent , safe, and sanitary housing for eligible families and to provide opportunities promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence to our residents.