Housing (Updated 6/2017)

Housing Choice Voucher Program

What is it?
This program, previously known as Section 8 Housing, provides vouchers to low-income households to cover a percentage of their rent in the privately-owned housing of their choice. Households must still pay a small percentage of their rent.

Do I qualify?
Eligibility depends on your local housing authority, but guidelines may include gross family income, family size and U.S. citizenship status.

How do I apply?
You can call your local housing authority (the number can be found in the County Help Chart) or call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-955-2232. There may be a wait list for the Public Housing Program; senior-designated housing developments and special programs are operated separately from the Public Housing Program.


Public Housing

What is it?
Public housing refers to apartments, townhouses and single-family homes owned by local housing authorities for which the rent is determined by household income.

Do I qualify?
Eligibility is based on annual gross income and your family status-- that is, how many people are in your family, and if any of them are elderly or disabled.

How do I apply?
You can call your local housing authority (the number can be found in the County Help Chart) or call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-955-2232.



Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)

What is it?
HAP offers supportive services to those who are homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless including emergency shelters, bridge housing, rental assistance and case management.

Do I qualify?
People who are homeless or are in immediate danger of becoming homeless qualify for this program. Counties and providers have separate poverty guidelines for determining eligibility within the maximum level between 100 percent and 200 percent of the United States Department of Health and Humans Services Poverty Guidelines.

How do I apply?
You can call the local HAP contact (the number can be found here) or call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public and Indian Housing Customer Service Center at
1-800-955-2232.