A

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing means homes that are cheap enough for people earning the average income or less. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says Affordable Housing is when residents spend no more than 30% of their total income on housing, like rent and utilities.

H

Housing Choice Voucher

Section 8's Housing Choice Vouchers are a key federal program helping low-income families access private-market housing. Voucher holders pay 30% of their income towards rent, with the government covering the rest through local housing authorities.

L

Low-Income Household

Per HUD's income limit rules, Low-Income Households are those earning below 80% of the local median family income.

P

Project-Based Section 8

Project-Based Section 8 is a federal program that offers low-income families rental housing in privately owned units. The subsidy is linked to the property, so if you move out, you may lose your rental support.

Public Housing

Public Housing refers to housing owned by government bodies at the national or local level. These homes are commonly allocated to households with incomes below a set limit.

Public Housing Agency (PHA)

A Public Housing Agency (PHA) is the local organization responsible for managing Section 8 housing benefits, which is also called the Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. These agencies are located throughout the country and can address inquiries about housing assistance.

R

Rent Assistance

Rent Assistance typically involves financial aid for rent provided by government or nonprofit organizations. As 37% of U.S. families rent their homes, more households are finding it challenging to afford rent. To help ease this burden, the federal government provides various rental assistance initiatives, such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

S

Section 8

Section 8, overseen by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, is formally known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). This initiative typically facilitates the provision of rental support to private landlords across the United States for low-income families. The HCV program offers both tenant-based and project-based vouchers.

T

Tenant-Based Section 8

Tenant-Based Section 8 is a housing assistance program that extends support on behalf of individuals or families. Enrollees have the freedom to select any housing accommodation, provided that the landlord agrees to participate in the program and adheres to the set criteria. Eligible housing options encompass single-family residences, townhouses, and apartments.

W

Waiting List

A waiting list is a list of families who need housing help from Section 8. It's used when there aren't enough homes available. If you need a Section 8 voucher, apply when the waiting lists are open.