Section 8

Section 8

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) began in 1975 as a way to assist low-income families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities to rent decent, safe, and affordable housing in the community. Through this program, individuals and families receive a “voucher,” also referred to as a “subsidy,” that can be used to obtain housing of their choice which meets the Section 8 program requirements. The Section 8 Program also provides the opportunity for eligible residents to receive assistance with monthly utility costs. Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA), through a contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has successfully operated a Section 8 Program in Stark County for over 30 years, providing housing assistance to approximately 1,500 families.

The Many Benefits of the Housing Choice Voucher Program

Affordability
Participants in the Section 8 Program contribute between 30 and 40% of their monthly income toward housing costs.

Quality
All housing that is subsidized through the Section 8 Program must meet Federal Housing Quality Standards thereby ensuring that all participants are provided housing that is decent and safe.

Choice
Through the Section 8 Program, families are given the opportunity to choose the type of housing and where they wish to live. Additionally, participants keep their assistance if they chose to move.

Portability
Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) needing to send paperwork to SMHA for portability purposes, please fax to 330-580-9000.