PHADA

M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc.

SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

• The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded rent subsidy program designed to supplement the rent payments of low and moderate-income families. It enables a family to select the housing in which they wish to live, in Springfield and other areas. It was created by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
• This program allows families to pay up to 40% of total income toward rent.
• The  voucher specifies the applicable fair market rent for the unit size appropriate for the family and the maximum amount the family can pay for rent.

• The Springfield Housing Authority will conduct a "Family Briefing" which covers housing standards, how to find affordable housing, compliance with HUD guidelines governing the program and policies and procedures to follow when participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. 
• SHA will provide the landlord with monthly housing assistance payments for your unit. 
• The Housing Authority will inspect your unit at least annually to assure that it is in decent, safe and sanitary condition. 
• The Section 8 Leasing Specialists will re-examine family income, composition and the extent of deductible expenses at least annually to determine any adjustments in rent payments, to name a few. 

• Payment of the family portion of the total rent.
• Ensure that the unit is clean and sanitary.
• When moving to a new unit, provide the Housing Authority and landlord with a 30-day notice to vacate.
• Comply with all approved terms of the lease, to name a few.

• Proper management of the unit, including performance of all ordinary and extraordinary maintenance and payment of utilities (unless paid by the family).
• Collection of family rent.
• Compliance with equal opportunity requirements, to name a few.

Section 8 Program Staff

debra.hereford@sha1.org 

feliciab@sha1,org