Q1. What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)?
Q2. How does a person apply for the HCVP?
Due to high demand, the HCVP waiting list is usually closed. When most of the names on the waiting list have been utilized, YMHA opens the waiting list to the public through a lottery.
The Waiting List will be open for application beginning August 7, 2019 Through August 16, 2019 at 5:00 P.M.
Q3. How does the lottery work?
The lottery is conducted on-line, with lottery entries only accepted for a limited period of time through YMHA’s website, ymhaonline.com/section8waitlist. At the conclusion of the time period during which lottery entries are accepted, a random computer draw will take place from among all the entries. The lottery entries chosen in this random computer draw will be placed on the waiting list in the order in which they are drawn.
Q4. Once on the waiting list, will I automatically receive a housing voucher?
No. As housing vouchers become available and once an applicant’s position has been reached on the Waiting List, an eligibility appointment will be scheduled. If a family is eligible, a voucher will be issued to search for housing.
Q5. How long will I wait to be qualified as eligible?
It is impossible to estimate the length of time it will take for someone on the waiting list to be called in for qualification.
Q6. What are the qualifications needed to be eligible for a housing voucher?
To be eligible, households must not exceed current income limits for the size of the household and must clear a criminal background check of all members 18 years old and older. Applicant history will also be reviewed to determine if money is owed to another Public Housing Agency and/or if the client left a previous Housing Program in good standing.
Q7. What are the criminal background limits?
The HCVP will check the records for each family member 18 years old or older for three years prior for any serious violent criminal and illegal drug activity. In Addition, admission to the HCVP is prohibited if any household member has ever been convicted of drug-related criminal activity for manufacture or production of methamphetamines. Registered sex offenders will also be prohibited from participation in the program.
Q8. Can a single person qualify for housing assistance or is this just for families?
Q9. If I have a job, can I qualify for the HCVP?
Yes. You can be employed and still qualify.
Q10. If I was terminated from the HCVP, can I still submit an application?
Q11. When will the waiting list open again?
The Waiting List will open August 7, 2019 and run through August 16, 2019 at 5:00 P.M.