Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV/Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program is a federal government program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, allowing participants to identify housing in the private market.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and where the landlord is willing to accept the voucher payment. Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by JCHA. JCHA receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

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. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by JCHA 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.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan establishes guidelines for applicant eligibility and continued rental assistance.