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Human Services - Employment & Community Services - Section 8 Voucher

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1. What are Housing Choice Vouchers?

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the Federal Government's major program for assisting low-income households to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

2. Can I find my own place?

Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing.

3. What kind of home can I look for?

Almost any home, including single-family homes, manufactured homes manufactured after 1979, 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.

4. What if I already rent a home that I want to stay in?

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence.

5. How do I know if the home I choose will be acceptable?

Rental units are inspected initially at the time the unit is leased then annually and must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by HUD and the HACM.

6. How much rent will I have to pay?

In general terms, a household will not pay more than 30% of the adjusted monthly income for rent. A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the HACM on behalf of the participating household. The participant household then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

7. What if I eventually want to buy a house?

Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the HACM, a household may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

8. Where does the funding for this program come from?

Housing choice vouchers are
administered locally by the HACM. The HACM receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.