Housing Choice Voucher

What are housing choice vouchers?
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

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 HHA. Searching for a place to rent? Click here!

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by HHA 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. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by HHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

Am I eligible?
Eligibility for a housing voucher is based on total annual gross income and family size and is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.

During the application process, HHA will collect information on family income, assets, and composition. HHA will then verify this information with other local agencies, employers, and banks, and will use the information to determine eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.

If HHA determines that your family is eligible, your name will be placed on a waiting list.  Once your name is reached on the waiting list, HHA will contact you and issue to you a housing voucher.

How do I apply?
HHA manages two Housing Choice Voucher programs; Local, and State.
If you are interested in applying for the State HCV program, you may APPLY ONLINE.
If you are interested in applying for the Local HCV program, please visit our homepage by clicking here.

Permanent Supportive Housing

The Permanent Supportive Housing program (PSH) was authorized by title IV, subtitle F, of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (the McKinney Act) (42 U.S.C. 11403-11407b). PSH is designed to link rental assistance to supportive services for homeless persons with disabilities.

Currently, HHA receives two grants that fund rental assistance vouchers for homeless and chronically homeless persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

Supportive services are provided by local organizations licensed to provide mental health case management and are required to participate in this program.

For more information call (406) 442-7970 x 103 or schedule an appointment with one of our supportive service agencies, (Center for Mental HealthAWARE INCHelena Indian Alliance).

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