About The Housing Assistance Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as the Section 8 Program is subsidized by the federal government under programs authorized in Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended. Several housing assistance programs exist under Section 8 and generally fall into two broad categories: Section 8 project-based assistance ties the housing subsidy to specific units in specific properties (projects) for which eligible families may apply for residency. The project-based assistance program is generally viewed as a housing production program, in that the commitment of federal subsidy is commonly used as a method of financing the construction of new affordable housing. The second broad program category is Section 8 tenant–based assistance. In this form of assistance, the housing subsidy is tied to the tenant so that eligible families are guaranteed federal assistance for any housing unit that meets with general program requirements. Currently, the Housing Choice voucher Program is the primary Section 8 tenant-based assistance program, and the federal government’s major program of housing assistance for low-income families.

In addition, the Housing Choice Voucher Program offers portability – or the ability of voucher holders to move across local regional or even state jurisdictions. Essentially, families may use their vouchers to find housing anywhere in the nation.

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program is funded by HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME Investment Partnerships Program). In general, under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates funds by formula among eligible State and local governments to strengthen public-private partnerships and to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing, with primary attention to rental housing, for very low-income and low income families. Generally, HOME funds must be matched by nonfederal resources. State and local governments that become participating jurisdictions may use HOME funds to carry out multi-year housing strategies through