HCV Program and Services

• HCV Program and Services
• Housing Quality Inspections
• How the HCV Program Works
• How Your Rent Is Set
• Reporting Household Changes
• Shelter Plus Care Program
• Landlord Info

What are Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford 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.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

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 the CHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the CHA 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. The family’s share of the rent is equal to 30% of their adjusted household income.  Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the CHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

HUD-VASH Program (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)