## WAITLIST CLOSED Section 8 is a federally funded Housing Assistance Program which offers rental assistance (subsidy) for Elderly, Disabled and Single Families who qualify under the very low-income guidelines.  The Housing Authority administers this program under the regulations and guidelines of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The Housing Authority currently offers the Housing Choice Voucher Program which has been successful because it provides the participant with the opportunity to choose the type of rental unit and neighborhood that will meet their interests and needs.  Families may also take their housing assistance with them when they move which enables participants to pursue employment and educational opportunities, to be reunited with their friends and family, and to live in a better climate.  The recipient of the Housing Choice Voucher has up to two months to find a rental unit within the BHA operational boundaries for the size unit for which he/she is eligible. The owner/manager of the rental unit then contacts BHA and is briefed about the program to determine if he or she wishes to participate.  The BHA's representative will then physically inspect the unit in question to ensure that it meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Housing Quality Standards (HQS). After the unit is accepted by BHA, the rent is negotiated with the owner, and the rent must be within the Payment Standard published by the federal government for this area. The leases are executed for a minimum of six months, and the lease is between the owner/manager and the tenant. The tenant will then pay directly to the owner/manager their portion of the rent, which must not exceed 40% of their adjusted gross monthly income. Under a Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP), which is between the BHA and the owner/manager, a check is issued by BHA on the first of each month for the balance of the contract rent owed.